Why Did You Leave Your Last Job? (explain a layoff)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- My Premium Resume Package: jeffsu.gumroad.com/l/premium-...
📑 Google Docs template: www.jeffsu.org/why-did-you-le...
Whether you left your previous position on your own terms or you were laid off (aka fired), there’s a fool-proof framework you can use when faced with the “Why did you leave your last job” interview question!
🌟 And that framework is: Facts-to-Future
Basically you want to address the question directly with just the facts (so your emotions and opinions don’t get in the way), then pivot to what you REALLY want to talk about: how you are a good fit for this NEW role you’re interviewing for.
In this video I share 1 pro tip for each part of the framework AND I go through a sample answer to the “why did you leave your last role” interview question so you can see how everything ties together 😁
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Why did you leave your last job?
00:08 Framework for this interview question
00:33 Facts
01:29 Pivot
02:00 Future
02:44 Sample Answer
04:01 Write your own answer
RESOURCES I MENTION IN THE VIDEO
Google Docs template - www.jeffsu.org/why-did-you-le...
Why Do You Want to Work Here? • Why Do You Want to Wor...
Common Interview Questions & Answers Playlist - • Tell Me About Yourself...
MY FAVORITE GEAR
🎬 My TH-cam Gear - www.jeffsu.org/yt-gear/
🎒 Everyday Carry - www.jeffsu.org/my-edc/
MY TOP 3 FAVORITE SOFTWARE
❎ CleanShot X - geni.us/cleanshotx
✍️ Skillshare - geni.us/skillshare-jeff
📖 Readwise - readwise.io/jeffsu/
BE MY FRIEND:
📧 Subscribe to my Productivity newsletter - www.jeffsu.org/productivity-p...
📸 Instagram - / j.sushie
🤝 LinkedIn - / jsu05
👨🏻💻 WHO AM I:
I'm Jeff, a tech professional trying to figure life out. What I do end up figuring out, I share!
PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links I get a kickback from and my opinions are my own and may not reflect that of my employer 😇
#interviewtips #explainalayoff #jobsearch
If you were affected by the layoffs, I’m here for you. Leave your questions down in the comments!
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Why did you leave your last job?
00:08 Framework for this interview question
00:33 Facts
01:29 Pivot
02:00 Future
02:44 Sample Answer
04:01 Write your own answer
"The CEO accepted full responsibility by firing me instead of himself"
🤣 If you say this, I feel like some interviewers will hire you on the spot
I am experiencing that right now 😂
I just got made redundant in my old job and your videos have given me great tips, much appreciated!
I'm sorry to hear that Einar, but I'm glad my content is able to make the transition easier for you!
Not sure if it's because I work in recruitment, but I found this video hiiiiilarious. It was a complete deja Vu experience. It's not bad advice but nothing ground breaking. That being said don't bad mouth your prior employer, but also be truthful. Someone that interviews for a living, has heard it all and can see through the BS.
Not sure if this means the video was hilariously good or bad 😅. BUT either way thanks for the input Jordi! Glad to have someone in recruitment vouch for this method!
The advice is good, it just felt like I had already interviewed you, so as I was listening, it felt like I had just been through this interview, earlier in the day, including some of the phrases word by word.
The reality is that the past couple of years have been a s-show with COVID and everything so hiring managers are a lot more open minded in terms of work gaps and unemployment, assuming the rest of the resume shows consistency. I would say one of the key things you want to show in an interview are concrete and specific examples with real and measurable results. Showing your actions and how those actions led to X results.
I meant no disrespect by the comment, keep making videos, i really enjoy your content.
First of all, guys affected by layoff would be in great depression, their energy levels will be at the lowest levels they ever had.
However, a nice video! Appreciated!!
Agree with you there Pradeep! At the same time, it's important we bring our best selves when chatting with a potential future employer 😁
Pretty good stuff as always!
The best I can add is always have a clear reason why you were let go. There are tells an interviewer can pick up on if you are stretching the truth. It sucks to be vulnerable, especially when you believe you did nothing wrong (you didn't do anything wrong, it happens), but it helps to build not only your character with the interviewer as well as gives them a way to pitch you to their boss and close the deal.
Yes! Specificity often helps communicate authenticity. And +1 to building character (we just need to hope the recruiter picks up on that as well haha)
Great Video! Funny and informing devoid of rambling! You're are a real enrichment for your audience!
That's what I love to hear! Thank you my friend 😁
I always say I was providing end of life care for a family member. All questions stop after that.
😅
Jeff Su, often, you're the brain I wish I had. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes to you.
Now you got it for free on TH-cam 😁
When it comes to interviews, a framework is always HELPFUL. It shows you're prepared and helps you explain to the recruiter what skills you can offer and why you're a good fit in an organized and logical way (it makes you look confident). Good Luck to those who got affected! And Jeff gained fat, lol
Yea I need to lose weight :(
@@JeffSu don’t worry, you still look very good😁 I'm gonna cut off social media since tax season is coming and I’m gonna be stuck at work. Don't forget me lol
@@janicexu95 Only if you don't forget me :)
@@JeffSu 不会😇
Nice! And thank you for the Template Jeff. I feel that especially the part staying objective and leaving out feelings from the last lay off is for many people particularly hard. I talked to so many people (more in a coaching role) who just can't let go of the past.
Trust me Peter I know what you mean and can empathize fully. We're not perfect (we're humans after all) but I find being cognizant of the fact (i.e. try not to let emotions dictate what we say) is already very helpful!
@@JeffSu I completely agree, Jeff. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and skills with us. I find your contain extremely valuable.
Simple and straightforward! Thanks for this!
You're very welcome Manny!
Thank you so much! I got my third interview because of your videos
Wooohooo congrats!!!
The day I will be able to express like this the pigs will fly 😢Thank you for the ideas, I will keep practicing my interview speech
Trust me we've all been there Giovanna! But with enough practice you'll FOR SURE get there 😁
This is quite timely! There were actually some people I worked with who were affected by a recent layoff. No idea if I'll be next, but best to be prepared 😆 thanks for the video as always!
Hopefully they found this video helpful Andrea!
I’m here for the exact same reason sending the video to someone I know 😢😢 thanks for framework Jeff! It was very helpful
@@Christiana-J Well I hope BOTH of your friends won't be out of work soon!!!
@@JeffSu You have no idea how your videos and content have helped many of us, truly thankful we found you on the internet Jeff🙏🏼
@@Christiana-J 😁
love this channel. these videos are great!
That's what I love to hear!
Watched this video and the next video. Thanks for helping out. Bhai tu mast kaam karta hai. 🙏
You're very welcome Sagar!
Thank you Jeff, your hand gestures in the presentation are gold! Do you have a vlog on how should we practice on that? Edit: I was watching your "Tell Me About Yourself " clip few minutes ago, great suggestions as always, but your presentation gestures are not as good as the ones in this clip. It's really appreciated if you could share how did you make so tremendous improvement in only 2 years :) thank you!
Haha thanks so much for the compliment Leo! Long story short my hand gestures were also "good," it's just that I got more comfortable on camera over the past 2 years :)
THANK YOU! This is so helpful!
You're very very welcome my friend!
Thank you Jeff, quite relevant to what you say. Just months in my first Canadian job and laid off. Only worried if my previous manager would really be providing a reference, as both the manager and CEO (despite agreeing to giving a LinkedIn recommendation) have ghosted me.
If you can't find them you can always ask an ex-colleague!
Thanks for the great information.
No problem 😁
How's if the past job was toxic, and I was bullied & ostracized, and the previous one and the previous ones? And the past toxic managers won't give references, while the new prospect companies only accept references from past managers (no co worker references).
I'm sorry to hear that! In that case I'd focus on the value you can provide for your future employers
@@JeffSu Thanks for the response!
I would be curious to see how you would explain fired for cause like misconduct or performance. I feel like it's something that seems to only get vague solutions here on yt.
Do you mean like someone had poor performance and deserved to be fired? In that case I would talk about how my strengths didn't match up well with what was required of me (because everyone has strengths)
How about a career gap? Do you have a video on that issue.
Yup, I have a video on how to explain an employment gap on my channel 😁
yesss this is what i need. cuz our company facing bankruptcy, and we all got lay-off. i don't know how to answer this kinda question in my interview recently cuz i'm just worried i'm giving out the answer negatively. Thanks
Let me know if you're able to come up with an answer you're confident using after watching this video Tarap 😁
Even though this looks fancy, the problem is the minute someone says they are laid off, immediately ppl lowball you in terms of pay. That's the major pain - not the judgment but the monetary loss.
I think different people will have different opinions on that 😅
Hi Jeff, do you have any recommendations for how to change careers to a new sector? I didn't see any videos specifically about this on your channel.
Long story short: highlight transferable skills!
Hey Jeff. I'm returning to the corporate world from my entrepreneurial journey. The truth is: During the COVID pandemic, my husband unfortunately lost his job due to downsizing following a corporate buyout of his company. While he has successfully found new employment, the financial impact prompted me to reevaluate my career. Despite my promising coaching business, it didn't have the necessary ramp-up time to compensate for the differential. BUT-when I was rehersaing with my husband (who regularly interviews) he says he would reject me based on this answer because it sounds like I'm in it for the $$
Sounds like good feedback! You might need to work on your answers to behavioral and situational interview questions
Yes, I'm working on it. What if I said his job change prompted my own career reflection and I wanted to move into a new challenge@@JeffSu
would it be ok to occasionally look down (or to the side) to check your notes (resume) ? such as, when it comes time to ask the interviewer a question that may have slipped your mind?
Yes but make it less obvious
Hey Jeff, fantastic video, I have a quick question. For connecting with the previous manager, I was put on a PIP so am likely to be let go for "performance reasons". I don't fully agree because I do have proof that shows I am towards the top of the leaderboards consistently in terms of performance. They're doing this by citing more intangible things, such as my manager doesn't like how I prep for 1:1s which I fixed to my managers liking at this point, but then she switched her reasoning to doesn't like how I think about connecting customer use cases to prospects which I feel is very open to interpretation. So I will likely be let go for performance reasons, I have talked with my account executive counterpart whom I work extremely closely with and is senior to me, and he said he'd give me a good reference, should I reference him instead?
I'm in sales and as I'm sure you're aware it's notoriously easy to fire salespeople to cut costs. Based on my above mentions of having proof and my manager switching the goal posts when I hit the original goals of the PIP I believe they're using it as a tool to cut costs without having to do layoffs. I've gotten outside advice from people and they've told me similar things. I of course don't want to put my employer down, and have made really good connections at the company but I worry about putting my manager down for a reference.
I'm not sure about your specific situation but it seems like your account executive counterpart would be a great reference for you to use!
@@JeffSu Thank you!
@@nanwvwat9540 You're welcome!
Can I ask what is the tool that you used to design your website?
Ghost! I share everything here: www.jeffsu.org/gear/
I wish you would have kept slower pace than FedEx express route. Good inputs though.
Thanks for the feedback!!
Hey Jeff, been applying for 7 months now but still no offer. I think recruiters care about how long you were at the last position, because I was only there for 2 months, then got fired after the probation period. Should I extend that working period, a bit lie but let’s say I have worked there for 6 months. thanks
I can't endorse lying. Instead I would network to show them what you're capable of instead of relying just on your resume 😁
Thanks, Jeff..!! A fan from XIAOHONGSHU. This information is so helpful. I was told that my position had been eliminated due to automation and not because of a performance issue in June. But the old company checked the check box for discharge instead of layoff. during my interview, I also stressed out whether should I just mention a "laid-off" or "the position had been eliminated due to automation." Because the position elimination sound performance related...
I would go with the latter! And glad to see a xiaohongshu viewer on here as well 😁
@@JeffSu OMG.. I wish I could see your message earlier.! I went with the "laid-off" during the interview this afternoon. Should I correct it in the next round of interviews? or just do not mention anything until they ask?
@@jiaminhu3403 Don't mention until they ask haha
Curious as to why you said you were promoted from employee to customer. That part was confusing to me. Thanks ❤
That was a joke haha
Went right over my head, sorry and thanks for responding!
So if someone gets a stellar answer from a candidate for this qs, can they ask "Do you happen to know Jeff Su by any chance?"
Sure why not :)
How do I answer if the reason for leaving is because of the lay-offs, however I am not affected this time round but I am looking because I am worried and I am preparing for the future
In that case you should focus on how you want to continue growing, that's why you're interested in a new role!
@@JeffSu thank you so much !!
I appreciate the video and the information you have freely shared.
I have to say however that it is a little concerning that people are openly recommending having chat gpt write scripts and give answers to questions. It really feels like people are only going to become less and less genuine with the potential of more people taking jobs from more deserving candidates as a result work done by an AI.
It feels lazy and to be honest a little devious to have an AI do all the work for you while you reap all the benefits.
I guess that’s the way the world is going and anyone not doing it is going to be left behind which just makes it even sadder in my opinion.
One day I will probably be in a job where someone above me in a more senior position is making poor decisions that negatively effect the business and my position in it because someone was impressed with what they saw from them, something which was completely AI generated.
Yea I feel you. I do believe AI will get better with time though, and I'd much rather train myself to leverage this new tech than not 😅
@@JeffSu In the future, I strongly believe that companies worldwide will undergo a fundamental shift in their approach to hiring staff. The traditional methods may become insufficient, and we need to adapt to these changing times.
As we embrace technology like AI, the ease of copying and pasting pre-designed questions into an AI prompt may make it seem like anyone can become the perfect candidate.
It's going to be an interesting journey.
Excellent. Hired.
Great, when do I start?
@@JeffSu 😁
The industry I work in is infamous for firing instead of allowing us to resign. How would you explain being fired from a job?
Is it the cosmetics industry? 😂 In any case you should (in a polite way) mention how it might be the industry standard to fire instead of giving you time to resign yourself. Hopefully the interviewer will understand!
Could you also cover a situation of history of getting fired?
Depends on what for
@@JeffSu Hey Jeff, thanks for the reply! Let's say for a reason of low performance, or someone who was on a PIP.
@@-im9sr Wait so why wouldn't the facts to future work here? I would focus on the gap between your strengths and what your previous job wanted from you
@@JeffSu Thanks, that is a great approach. Sometimes even from application stage they ask if you were ever fired, and I think that is why most people rather choose to resign instead of waiting to get fired/being laid off when it feels like it is coming, even sacrificing the benefit they could have been eligible for. Stigma is hard to overcome, but as you said, we can still pivot it to our advantage at every circumstances.
What if I was laid off due to low performance? :)
In that case I would say my strengths didn't align with what job description :)
The 'I was pretty hurt when I first found out I was promoted from an employee to just a regular customer at my company' makes no sense.
Thanks for the feedback 😂
3:15 I was 'demoted' not promoted. :)
😁
Jump for joy !!
😁
I hate that you can’t talk badly about precious employers. They usually suck and it should display at least a sense of honest communication. So many people are like even if you hated it do nothing but sing it’s praise in an interview. Wouldn’t be switching jobs if I loved it lol
Hahaha true that. In my experience you can definitely still convey your disappointment with your previous employer without using harsh words!
I know a guy who got fired for throwing his company ID card in the managers face, literally.
How should he answer this question? 😂😂😅
I probably wouldn't share that story in the interview 😉
The amount of BS... 😂😂😂
😂