#CareerTipTuesday - Discussing Previous or Current Employers

It is once again that time of the week and Well Suited for Work is here to serve up another #CareerTipTuesday. This week we're sharing some tips about discussing your previous or current employer(s) in an interview setting! 
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​Employers often ask candidates why they left their previous position or why they're planning to leave their current position. Even if the transition is a positive one and you're leaving without hard feelings, it can still be an uncomfortable question to answer. You may be looking for a fresh start, an opportunity for growth, or a higher salary...or maybe it was a painful parting, whether it was voluntary on your part (i.e. you resigned with or without notice) or involuntary (i.e. you were laid off or terminated).  

​Either way, we have a #CareerTip to help you knock this question out of the park during your next interview!
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Our Tip: Be Professional, Positive & Honest! 

1. Be Professional: 
This is not the time for blame or gossip. Remember this is a professional setting - not a venting session with friends. Even if you left with negative feelings, this is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to professionalism instead of falling prey to "workplace drama" or other negative qualities that will detract from proving yourself to be the ideal candidate. 
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2. Be Positive:
Don't badmouth your employer or supervisor. Even if you're still working through some painful feelings, keep it positive.
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3. Be Honest: 
It's never helpful to lie in an interview. If you're being seriously considered, it's likely the prospective employer will contact your previous employer to confirm certain details. Conflicting information about dates of employment, reason for leaving, etc. will be a red flag to perspective employers. Therefore, honesty is the best policy! Be honest & brief without giving too much detail! 
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So what does this look like in practice?
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For example, if you're looking to move into a leadership or management role, but no opportunities are available with your current employer:

"I've learned a lot about leadership & customer relations working with such a strong team. Now I'm looking forward to taking what I know & applying it within a management role."
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Or if you need some extra cash, even if your primary motivation is a higher salary, you are better off framing it as a desire for career growth rather than an increase in $$:

"I've been with the company for several years & am ready for a new challenge with opportunity for growth."
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...if you were laid off:

"The company was downsizing as a result of challenges during COVID & my position was eliminated. I have taken time to consider what I'd like this next chapter of my career to look like & I'm committed to getting back into a direct-service role, which is why I am so excited about this opportunity. "
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...even if you were terminated: 

"I realize in retrospect that my supervisor & I had different expectations regarding what success looked like for my position. I have learned a lot as a result & I am excited to bring these lessons & maturity to my next role, which is why I am so interested in this opportunity. "
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Regardless of your response, it's important to circle back on what interests & excites you about THIS position! Remember, there may be dozens of candidates being considered for the position. Because employers don't want to provide a job offer to someone who won't accept it, it is in your best interest to utilize each question as an opportunity to demonstrate your interest & excitement! 
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#CareerTipTuesday #WellSuitedForWork #InterviewTips #DiscussingPreviousEmployers