Reasons For Leaving On Job Applications

When filling out job applications, one of the most common questions is “Reason for Leaving?” Employers want to know why you left your previous job to assess your reliability, job performance, and potential fit within their organization. This question can be tricky to answer, especially if you left your previous job on bad terms or have a complicated work history. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons for leaving a job and how to answer this question effectively.

1. Resignation

Resignation is the most common reason for leaving a job. This occurs when an employee voluntarily chooses to leave their job for personal or professional reasons. Some common reasons for resigning include:

• Seeking a better opportunity
• Relocating to a new city or state
• Starting a new business or venture
• Going back to school or pursuing further education
• Caring for a family member or loved one
• Retiring from the workforce

When answering the “Reason for Leaving” question, it’s important to be honest and transparent about your decision to resign. Highlight the positive aspects of your decision and avoid criticizing your former employer or coworkers.

2. Termination

Termination occurs when an employer chooses to end an employee’s contract for various reasons. This can happen due to poor performance, misconduct, or a company restructuring. If you were terminated from your previous job, it’s important to be honest about the circumstances surrounding your departure. Explain what you learned from the experience and how you’ve grown as a professional.

3. Layoff

Layoffs occur when a company needs to reduce its workforce due to financial constraints or other reasons. If you were laid off from your previous job, be honest about the situation and explain how you’ve been actively seeking new job opportunities. Highlight any skills or experiences you gained from your previous job that would make you a valuable asset to a new employer.

4. Contract Ended

If you were employed on a fixed-term contract, your reason for leaving will likely be that your contract ended. This is a common reason for leaving a job in the freelance or contract work world. Be transparent and upfront about the nature of your contract and why it ended.

5. Health Reasons

If you had to leave your previous job due to health reasons, be honest about the situation without revealing too much personal information. Focus on how you’ve taken steps to improve your health and how you’re eager to return to work in a capacity that is suitable for your current health situation.

6. Personal Reasons

Personal reasons can include anything from needing to care for a family member to wanting to take a break from work to travel. Be honest about your reasons for leaving and explain how you’ve used this time to gain new experiences or skills that would make you a valuable asset to a new employer.

7. Career Change

If you’re making a career change, be honest about your reasons for leaving your previous job. Explain how your previous experience has prepared you for your new career and how you’re excited about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Conclusion

When answering the “Reason for Leaving” question on job applications, it’s important to be honest, transparent, and professional. Avoid criticizing your former employer or coworkers and focus on the positive aspects of your decision to leave. Highlight any skills or experiences that would make you a valuable asset to a new employer.

FAQs

What should I write for reason for leaving a job?

When writing your reason for leaving a job, it’s important to be honest and transparent about the circumstances surrounding your departure. Highlight the positive aspects of your decision to leave and avoid criticizing your former employer or coworkers.

What are some common reasons for leaving a job?

Common reasons for leaving a job include seeking a better opportunity, relocating to a new city or state, starting a new business or venture, going back to school or pursuing further education, caring for a family member or loved one, retiring from the workforce, poor performance, misconduct, company restructuring, or a fixed-term contract ending.

How do I answer the “Reason for Leaving” question on job applications?

To answer the “Reason for Leaving” question on job applications, be honest, transparent, and professional. Highlight the positive aspects of your decision to leave and avoid criticizing your former employer or coworkers. Focus on the skills and experiences you gained from your previous job that would make you a valuable asset to a new employer.