Why Did You Leave Your Last Job Best Answer (It was a toxic job or you were laid off or fired)

[@JenniferBrick]

Want feedback on your response? Drop it in the comments, I'll give feedback!

[@bubba283]

I left a job because some of them give me a hard time about my sexuality, I can't help I'm a gay guy it's depressing sometimes. At my new job , it's way better I work with all women, and they all tend to love gay men, which makes things easier, I'm thinking most women do anyway.

[@tiabenedetto]

What do you suggest if without cause but have a letter of reference? I plan to just say , I wasn't given a reason. It was a business decision but I was able to learn x, y, z and ready to apply these learnings to this position.

[@sheenaxoxo5787]

What if you left your last boss didn't listen to what you wanted I told her 4days a week at most and most of the time got 5-6day then they would change the rules to the total opposite of what they were! I not sure how to explain this in an interview not come off as complaining or negative!

[@Mark-rd1it]

Where I live they can fire you in the first 6 months and they do not give you a reason. In an interview I tell them I do not know the reason but I feel the job was bad fit.

[@pandoraroxx516]

THIS! This is what I’m talking about! Thank you Jennifer! I’m working my way out of a toxic work environment rife with cliques, favoritism, extremely different punishments for identical errors, a few sabotaging leaders and so on. I got snared in those last two. Ugh! They created a position lower than the lowest they already had and then put me there. Now they want to make me an assistant to the position I held before all the shenanigans. WHAT?!? I’ve gotta GO! This video will help me creatively script out some things I want to say

[@pandoraroxx516]

(I mistakenly posted before i was done) This video will help me creatively script out diplomatic answers to these very difficult questions. Thank you so much!

[@JenniferBrick]

Get a tea and some popcorn and binge watch some of my videos. This will absolutely help you explain the turmoil and your reason for leaving!

[@pandoraroxx516]

You know I will!

[@janiceschroeder9908]

@@pandoraroxx516 You could always ask for a raise and then leave when they say no. I believe they expect that you'll quit if they say no anyhow.

[@c3909]

@@JenniferBrick I adore you 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelh5055]

I have always found that telling them you were asked to relocate and you didn't want to because of family is the best answer. I am currently not working though. Thanks to this ladies advice, she gave me the little nudge I needed to walk away from a really bad job. I am working on trying to start a landscaping business and some other goals. I don't ever care to go back to working for a large corporation again.

[@JenniferBrick]

I'm excited for you and your venture into starting your own business!

[@kimharden6067]

AMEN!!! I walked away from Healthcare after 20+ yrs recently. NEVER goin back. Feeling so much younger and so damn HAPPY!!!!!!

[@AwakeningVibes-369]

@@kimharden6067 healthcare jobs are energy vampires. Because you get to deal with alots of people who are in distress and pain and they are never in a good mood. Best of Luck for your new ventures whatever you are doing now.✌

[@Sugarlips321]

It’s Still a huge relief and a blessing to not have to go to a toxic work place.

[@yukio_saito]

05:55 "By nature, I'm much more of a collaborator." I like it. I'd like to use it. Anyone who left a toxic job can use that phrase because toxic work environment is never collaborative. In a toxic culture, "collaboration" means unhealthy relationships between toxic person and enablers.

[@mrsnicki6680]

I love this. Thank you

[@paulwestwood4417]

I left my last job because it was toxic, but they went bankrupt a few months later anyway. Sad, the company was well over a hundred years old. A pity they ignored my concerns about quality control. Apparently, their biggest customer was also concerned. C’est la vie.

[@JenniferBrick]

Its so sad when a long enduring company doesn't make it, especially when it's due to poor decision making.

[@paulwestwood4417]

@@JenniferBrick ironically, on my last day, Quality Control gave me an interview for Quality Controller. After rigorous questions, they decided I wasn’t experienced enough to stand up to the line managers. I would have had the power to close a line if there was issues and there were plenty of issues. I never even saw a manager look at the machinery. They spent all their time in the office. What a way to run a factory.

[@TheNurulaulia]

I feel like this video is God's cue to leave my current job. I hope I can leave soon

[@mercedeswilkins5566]

Leave

[@christinesentman5437]

Wishing I could say, Why did the last employee I may replace leave?

[@suzannedelonas392]

I was completely honest about my prior job and I was shocked when other principals apologized FOR my previous school. I also got multiple offers. Sometimes it’s ok to tell the truth!

[@1Andronicus1]

if you are in a position to do so, most people absolutely need a stable source of income and do not want to ruin their chances to get the first one line up due to to obligations

[@suzannedelonas392]

@@1Andronicus1 of course, but I don’t like lying.

[@kvietimas]

"What you supposed to say". I find this so ironic in a job interviews jungle. Both sides know the nonsense part of it but continue to take part. Thank you for the video and advice anyway🤓

[@sherrykfun]

In my new job, during my 90 day review, it was thrown in my face about my honest answer to why I left prior job. Didn't meet expectations of employer when given new position with a very complicated under driven computer system. Now it's used as ammo to get rid of you. So much for being honest on my application.

[@scottdavis4439]

DUDE!!! You're sooooo smart!!!

[@JenniferBrick]

Lol thank I do my best 🥰

[@1traviswyrick]

I love your professional advice! These are things my school never taught. If i could hire you, i would. You would be a priceless treasure for anyone, (a company or an individual).

[@matthewsmith2787]

I tend to say I am ready for a change. I always refrain from saying the boss was toxic or the staff

[@brianmurphy250]

I trudged thru 10 plus years of a toxic workplace…the shift was mostly made of drama queens/mean girl clique. Our Dept has always had major turn over. As one of the few men, I had others dump their work into me. After years of being the office whipping boy, I made a complaint…HR got involved…then it was decided that I was the problem. I guess I’m going to have to emphasize the positive job/learning aspects. I do blame myself for not handling the situation well. I’m just not sure how To communicate it without looking like the bad guy. Thanks for the great video

[@arikaGME]

I work with live animals. I explain that I resigned from my management position after the company that I loved was sold during a hostile merger. The new company got rid of policy and protocol because they didn’t understand the industry. After expressing my concerns and feeling unheard, I decided it was better to leave my position. I’ve worked hard to gain my clients’ trust and I value the wellbeing of my staff above anything else.

[@jess4466]

This doesn’t really help explain a situation where termination was just a vindictive toxic boss… I literally had no write ups or documentation of any kind nor were there any coaching meetings. How to explain that?

[@g0d5m15t4k3]

This.

[@sl0523]

I would always say I left my previous job even if I was fired, which happened once. You don't have to let me know you're fired, unless you did something illegal at your previous job and got fired because that. If the reason for termination is either constantly being late, bad attitude or not being able to finish your assigned tasks on time or with high quality, you don't have to bring that up. Just remember to change and improve yourself and have a fresh start at the new job. However, if the reason of termination is battering a co-worker, sexually harrassing a staffer or stealing from your job, then there's no way you can cover that up.

[@davidp8627]

Most employers will do their best not to immediately write you off if you are up-front about your criminal record, explain what you have learned from it, and demonstrate how you have moved on from that. Any somewhat competent employer will ask for and do a background check.

[@pinkcyclop]

Where I work they don't give references. Only employment verification. I think references are starting to be outdated for entry level positions

[@JenniferBrick]

Many companies have an official no reference policy for legal reasons. That said, informal references are prevalent at many of those companies; however you can use references from a previous role and cite the policy (you at least know if they are contacted they will only provide verification)

[@davidp8627]

@@JenniferBrick I knew a HR consultant who would be kind enough to occasionally contact my previous employers to see what info they provide and, more importantly, to keep them honest.

[@imcoop]

Thank you for posting this. All of your videos are awesome

[@JenniferBrick]

I'm so glad you enjoy them!

[@sedwards6213]

How do you explain if your past employer was anti disabled towards you and you damaged your health while working there?

[@citydweller99]

I've found during the pandemic, saying you'll looking to relocate to a new state, or looking for a new challenge. Nowadays most bosses will leap at that

[@JenniferBrick]

It's a perfectly logical and reasonable answer!

[@keikofilms]

Can we all agree that most jobs really suck, but hey that’s what being an adult is about 😭

[@s.m.hassan3887]

my manager was extremely abusive and forced me to work atleast 55 hours a week. he finds mistakes even if my work is perfect. he has no value of anyone.

[@JenniferBrick]

Im so sorry you wen through this my friend. If you want feedback on an answer feel free to drop it in, I'm doing my best to give as much feedback as I can today!

[@getoffthisrocktravel2054]

That's my last job. It's called micro managing. You have no chance winning with those pricks . That's when u bail its not worth the stress

[@s.m.hassan3887]

@@JenniferBrick pls guide what to do now... leaving is the only viable option

[@valencian123]

I have a similar boss they do this intentionally to deduct your salary and give you less bonuses. Trust me when they try to degrade your work they do it for this reason

[@BradLongCo]

I left my last job because it was a straight up toxic and nonsensical cult! :)

[@powerofk]

Here's a question - I'm not currently searching, but what if the reason why you were fired was for simply not cutting it at your former job? In other words, you did your job to the best of your ability, but had to be let go simply because your best wasn't good enough? (By the way, where were you 10 years ago when I was actively searching and went through over 100 interviews with no takers?)

[@johnathanrice3569]

Deflect previous indiscretions with forward thinking. Don’t talk about the previous situation instead say “this is an opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to do.”

[@christinabrenneman7641]

What would you say someone should say if they were falsely accused of theft and were let go in spite of no evidence? This happened to my husband and he is unsure what to say

[@BuBBlePoP02]

What if you walked away from your previous toxic af job without giving a two weeks’ notice because it was not worth it? How do you explain that if they ask about it? You didn't want to burn those bridges, but it's already been burned. Do you treat this the same as if you were fired?

[@KristinAlayna]

Fired from my toxic job.

[@katiaantonova6949]

Love this! You rock! 💕

[@fateindustry]

Why? Trying being honest. Because I needed time to prepare for a professional violin audition. Or... I needed to tend to my sick family who needed me to take care of from a recent operation. Or...I decided to make a change towards my career goals, and wanted to choose a different path.

[@christinamorales6887]

Can you do a video on job hopping because of two toxic jobs. Employers bring it up and need help

[@markmedley6849]

Do potential employers know if you were fired rather than quit or does the background check only provide dates?

[@JenniferBrick]

The answer it: it depends. Your employee handbook should denote. I would suggest assume they will find out the reason for separation.

[@kevin080592]

here are my best takes based on my experience. -family problems -family business -health -financial shortcomings -company downsizing -laid off -looking for better opportunities -politics from a previous job (of course you have to sugarcoat, make it look like that not much of big deal, water it down and promise them that you have made a way to avoid it from happening again)

[@geralddseguin1686]

Is asking why you left even Legal? I was under the impression is they could only verify dates of employment.

[@sashacansdale5490]

My recent role is finishing as I did not pass probation- it’s policy with reference they only confirm start date end date and the role - I had a new boss who did not develop the job spec when I took the role but unfortunately she had totally different expectations and I had zero support as it was super toxic but I am inclined to say it was a 6 month fixed term contract which ended - do you think that’s a good reason if asked

[@SharonMcCue]

Anyone have an idea for, I was asked to lie about hospital data and I had to ethically walk out?

[@robtackett1821]

Reason for leaving job in 2007: Base Closure. The Base Realignment and Closure Commission (known as BRAC) caused all Department of the Army employees living in the Atlanta Metro area to look for work elsewhere. That's a fact. It's also a great way of getting a clean slate, a fresh start. When you tell you were part of a major reorganization, it answers all questions. Ditto COVID-19 (as you pointed out.) You're just like the dozen or so other candidates they just got through interviewing. The fact that the previous job was Toxic AF is no longer relevant. I find that when I focus on the macro and structural issues of employment, it depersonalizes conflict. That way, when I'm talking about why the relationship didn't work out, it's not personal.

[@JenniferBrick]

You hit two awesome points here: if covid was *the reason*, it being toxic is not relevant. And also focusing on the macro and depersonalizing is so helpful. The end goal here is to be blameless and future focused!

[@natashac5861]

Do you know if people who work for state quit job and they have still sick days and floating holiday and vacation time ..will it be paid after you quit on your last paycheck? Or sick time will be just gone and never cashed 💸?

[@spacemeter3001]

I was let go shortly before my probation period would have ended in the company because I did not read a work related e-mail in my free time, which caused me to not being able to show up to a meeting. What do I say?

[@user-rs6ln7nc4g]

Sounds familiar, mine was almost as stupid as that one.

[@evanR09-2]

How about in California, they can only confirm and dates of employment. Can’t ask for anymore detail

[@JenniferBrick]

This is the legal requirement in most places; but everyone is able to provide references anyways, and backchanneling is fairly common.

[@nancyniederschulte4349]

Hi Jennifer, I was recently let go from a job and am struggling responding when asked why I left. I am the "truthteller" type. The fact is that our boss literally falsified reviews from when she had not even started there yet! That is one of MANY things that was completely inappropriate. One of my teammates hired an attorney and the boss and company were forced to remove that review from her file. Anyway, we had a team of approximately 12 full-time people, all of which were either driven to quit or were let go. I was the last remaining member of our original team. She forced the leaders under her to write us up repeatedly. I know I need to avoid being negative, try to keep my answer brief when answering why I left however, I cannot seem to comfortably do it. Do you have any additional info you can share to help me with this?

[@yayitsmelody4948]

Awesome content!!!

[@JenniferBrick]

Thank you, friend!

[@tinamallin2570]

Be honest tell them the Gods honest truth 🙌💪

[@paba10]

What to tell when you left because your last boss was a terrible human being that worked hard to make your life miserable?

[@JenniferBrick]

"I decided to leave because of a serious misalignment of leadership principles. Having trust and autonomy are important culture elements for me." (feel free to replace trust and autonomy with values that are most important to you and you are seeking out)

[@paba10]

@@JenniferBrick great answer, thank you

[@juliehitchcock1253]

@jenniferbrick I like this but feel like it still sounds like I’m bad mouthing the company I left a toxic job 2 months ago and am interviewing now and it is definitely a red flag to people that I left without a job. I told one interviewer that I didn’t have autonomy and she kept pressing for more info and seemed turned off my honest answers. And never heard back. I will try to rephrase it how you said above for the next one. It’s sad that I was literally sick in bed with health issues all of last year due to a micro manager boss (why I left the job) and I have to lie and skate around it so I get rehired. :(. I wish we could all just be totally honest. Anyway thanks so much for your videos. I really love your content.

[@getoffthisrocktravel2054]

Fact: even if you lie in the interview why you left. That company CAN actually find out but they dont judge you for lying . My housemate was a senior manager. He said that bad bosses/managers reputations get known to other companies because when alot of resumes show the same workplace they work at and they DON'T have the managers name down as a reference and have someone else.That's a red flag.

[@JenniferBrick]

Most companies will absolutely judge you for lying. Early in my career I worked at an HR background checking company and through simplify uncovering untruths I saw countless offers rescinded from entry level jobs to exec. If the reputation is well known, you can speak to your truth, in a blameless positive way. Do not lie.

[@brieanahammett3641]

How do I say I left my last job due to health issues/concerns my doctor didn’t want me to work at a high stress job (worked with kids with special needs) 🙃

[@GrowingpumpkinsandgivingzeroFs]

What if the online application asks if you have ever been fired before and you have to select yes or no? Application had a disclaimer that incomplete applications would not be considered. I didn’t dare lie, and it gave an option to say why.

[@breatheliveandthrive7404]

Answer: I involuntarily left because of employer retaliation and I have documents to prove it. Do you wanna have a look? I love to provide you copies!

[@kristineannesalcedo5933]

Hi my previous employer told me that I usually work late even if its not needed and poor reports how can i rephrase it

[@rhondaurazoff4013]

I thought that past employers could only verify dates of employment and if they would rehire you. Is this not true?

[@JenniferBrick]

Depends on where you are. This also comes down to official company policy.

[@rhondaurazoff4013]

How do you find out?

[@JenniferBrick]

Research laws where you live, and also look at the employee handbook for your company's official policy.

[@ricoender8020]

@@JenniferBrick What if your previous company had no official handbook? Well strike that, one time I did see one, but never was given one . Company has such a high turnover rate that it's moot to them likely.

[@jilliebean343]

What to do if you work at toxic work place, where all your management and Co- workers harass you to the point you had a mental break down and couldn't give a 2 week notice. I just never went back to my job after working their for 5 1/2 years. I gave no explanation for why I left. Why should I not tell the Corporate the truth about their company and why I left it. This put me totally into a down spiral, putting me into a major state of depression and Anxiety . A month later I'm still trying to recover from the trauma of that place.

[@c3909]

Stay strong my friend.. it takes some time for the PTSD symptoms to dissolve. I understand you and I'm here with you ☺️ everything is going to be fine 🫂

[@locker125]

My first employer in the HVAC industry let me go. They said I did not have enough experience and needed to find a company that trains people and allows people to learn. They said they did not know of any other companies in the area that would do that.

[@johnathanrice3569]

KZbin will teach you anything

[@elise2068]

How do you answer this if you left voluntarily? I’m thinking of quitting my job because I want to join the musical theatre production and it’s my last chance to do it as a high school senior.

[@Womenofvalor777]

Because my team we’re lazy gossipers and my boss was a prick. 😂

[@DrCarlosMusic]

What if you got let go, but it was also a toxic work environment? Can you just say it was a toxic work environment without getting fired?

[@priyankajacob1843]

Hi Jennifer I am Priyanka from India loved the content it's very informative, I got into top MNC but within 3months I had to abscond for my baby boy due to serious illness since then Im jobless and pandemic scenario..recently have been offered a job opportunity as a fresher,HR asked about the carrer gap & I was honest with her but couldn't hear back from HR.. help me a way out of this

[@johnathanrice3569]

Most companies won’t say anything because you can pretend to call up your old company and then sue them for defamation

[@JayJay-bb6ct]

If your job is basic or entry level, and you came from being fired... fake a job, put your mum or dad or friend, as your phone reference, so easy. I have done it successfully a few times 😆😅🤣🤫🤫🤫

[@keikofilms]

Ssshhhhhhhhh……

[@donm2067]

I hated making my boss rich.

[@mercedeswilkins5566]

Text and email your boss and co-worker like it will be use against you in court one day

[@locker125]

The HVAC industry is not for me I would like to do something different.

[@kevthedynamo]

I'm thinking of leaving my current job because I don't like starting at 6am. It's too early for me. Should I mention that to a future employer?

[@noit1049]

I was ran over in December while biking home from work...thats part of the reason why I left that job, and I began working 3 months after my accident when doctors and lawyer said wait 7 months...thats why I been thru at least 10 places. Other reasons too...so my question to future employer, do you want a bad ass go getter, humble loyal savage or not? Haha

[@futureforecast1388]

Why do we lie to each other? We left because it was toxic af and they have an open position because they are toxic af. The point is how much we can to relate their toxicity compare to the previous one smh

[@Sukerkin]

:chuckles: This piece made me more sure than ever that I never want to work in a corporate environment again. They are clearly all toxic and dishonest.

[@1991Shailendra]

They ask me to relocate to south india😀😀😀. Best answer for me 😎😎😎

[@JenniferBrick]

Totally fair answer! Relocation (either the job is moving and you aren't or you are moving and the job isnt) is a perfectly reasonable reason!

[@terryfoster1218]

Content starts at 3min

[@southernpacific7200]

If I was wrongfully terminated, I just stuck with unceremonious departure, which usually means the previous employers were bad employers and therefore the employers you're interviewing for will immediately realize that you didn't leave on bad terms.

[@johnathanrice3569]

This wouldnt fool me. There’s not many reasons for a person who just willingly leave a job something had to have happened that caused them to do it. There’s too much inertia to overcome in order to leave a job unless there’s a good reason. Instead, you should focus on the new job and say something like “I saw this position and I’ve always wanted to get into this area. It’s some thing I’m really passionate about and I’m looking to expand my horizons in this seems like the perfect opportunity”. Deflect past transgressions with forward thinking

[@CindyKhan-oe5lb]

Toxic job

[@rolandobaluja7504]

Usually I love the videos this person percent. But when it comes to certain vital details I think this person was off the mark. First and foremost why unnecessarily incriminate yourself? If you've been with an employer for significantly little. Of time and have much more lengthy experience on your resume why would you mentioned a position that you were up for less than three months if you were fired. Also in general if someone is terminated there's always a meeting with HR they tried will literally tell you what they can disclose and what they can't disclose and depending on the state some states will only disclose your start that your end date and what you're paid at they won't even mention if the weather or not you can get rehired or the reason for you leaving do to avoiding litigation. So if you're in one of those States why would you disclose any more information than you would need to especially if that information would make you look bad. Also the nature of the Beast is it is true that employers don't want to hear you say negative things about your past employer but you can if you add sugar to it and with the information into a pretzel often if they getting just that you're trying to say anything negative about your previous employer they will be automatically turned off. Even if you're in the moral High Ground even if it's a situation in which you thought your previous employer was unethical and continuing to work with them was a liability . If you ever say anything like I love how this organization is committed to their values and their mission statement and I like how devoted they are to their morals if you give any inclination that your previous employer was not then it will compromise you in the interview. If you say you don't like the management style of your current boss they're automatically going to look at you as there's an issue with you. It's better to present everything in a favorable light say you're looking for greener pastures say that you're looking for a new change or say something else and then on an independent setting say that for example you prefer a leadership style that allows you to accentuate certain strength and be the best asset to the organization by doing the following will automatically be more compelling

[@ctcamara]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@georgenic64]

I totally disagree with you. By concealing toxic behaviours/companies with these toxic people getting ahead in life and the right ones do not, you are not contributing to society. The contrary I would say... more or less the people in a certain industry know each other and if someone is toxic everyone will have an idea about him and they will be able to comprehend why you left.

[@margaretobrien229]

Quit

[@shar5581]

it took over 3 min to get to the topic.....

[@JenniferBrick]

Chapters are timestamped so you can jump to whatever part you want with ease, and the most important part is at 1:05.

[@lisettecampbell2138]

Love, love, love the responses you shared. Truth shared with dignity :) On another note, do you offer non-digital services to convey a memorable career story on LinkedIn/resumes?

[@JenniferBrick]

I have a couple of of different offers that do that, but I have something in the works to bring it together. Really, the UAQ I keep going on and on about is the thing that ties together your resume, LinkedIn profile and presence, interview answers, and career strategy when you get hired to help you grow.

[@lisettecampbell2138]

@@JenniferBrick Thank you! Would love to know what they are if possible please? Don't know if there is another method of communication for details?