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13 good reasons for leaving a job and how to explain them

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Most common reasons for leaving a job

What are good reasons for leaving a job?

Should you tell an interviewer why you left (or are leaving) your job?

How do you answer, “Why are you leaving your job?”

Do you need to answer the question? 

"Why are you looking to leave your current role?" "Why did you leave your last job?"

I've been interviewing a lot of candidates lately, and this question (and its variants) seems to be a stumbling block. I've learned to listen carefully because the answers offer more information than some job candidates realize. 

Some interview questions have a way of putting job seekers in the hot seat. 

Having to explain your reasons for leaving a job is one of them. While it’s not as dreaded as the classic “What is your greatest weakness?” question, it’s certainly a tricky one to answer. 

Whatever your reason for leaving is, or was, you need to be prepared to answer it in a way that reflects positively on you. Your answer needs to be forthright and genuine but also has to convey who you will be as a valued future employee.

If you left because of what you saw as toxic leadership , for instance, the last thing you should do is bad mouth your previous employer. 

Preparing for this question before a job interview is important, as it determines what kind of impression you’ll give your (possible) future employer.

Common reasons for leaving a job

• Career advancement opportunities
• Better compensation
• Career change
• Layoffs or being let go
• Bad management
• Lack of fit with company culture

Whether they’re rethinking their career or looking for a better opportunity, people have been resigning at unprecedented rates this year. According to people analytics company Visier, at least 1 in 4 people left their jobs in 2021 . 

Moving on from a job is normal. Even long before the pandemic, a person worked for their employer for an average of four years and held 12 jobs on average throughout their career . 

So, what motivates people to leave? Let’s take a closer look at the above examples to better understand why employees leave or change jobs . And ultimately, how to answer this question.

1. Career advancement opportunities

The opportunity to advance one’s career is one of the biggest motivators for leaving a job . 

Employees want their careers to move on an upward trajectory. Whether or not they aspire to climb the proverbial “corporate ladder,” people want to grow, personally and professionally. They have ambitions to develop their skill set, take on more challenging roles and responsibilities , and position themselves for success over time — whether that means career options, financial rewards, influence, or status and recognition.  

In a 2019 Instructure survey, 70% of employees admit they’re more inclined to leave their current employer for an organization that invests in their learning and development .

2. Better compensation 

A Payscale survey revealed that pay incentives are the top reason employees look for a job outside their organization . 

That’s not exactly a surprising statistic. Compensation is and always will be one of the most common reasons for quitting a job . This can mean a higher salary, or it can be a combination of pay and other types of employee rewards and job benefits like retirement and stock options. 

3. Career change

Career changes are common. Since leaving college, 29% of Americans between the ages of 25–44 have changed job fields . 

This happens when people realize their chosen profession doesn’t quite align with their expectations. Other times, people discover their dream job is something completely different and decide to leave their job and pursue a new career path altogether. 

4. Layoffs or being let go 

Two of the top reasons for leaving a job aren’t exactly voluntary. Being laid off or let go from a job can happen for many reasons. For example, the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic caused more than 7 million people to lose their jobs . 

Outside of the pandemic, people are commonly laid off when companies are acquired, restructured, or when they cut costs. Other times, employees are terminated for various reasons, like poor work performance. With job security threatened, it's not uncommon to come across candidates who have been negatively impacted. 

5. Bad management 

As the popular saying goes, employees leave managers, not companies. So, what do you do if you hate your job because of management? 

Qualities of toxic leaders include an inability to handle feedback and an arrogant attitude. Leaders who abuse their power have a negative effect on employees’ morale , productivity , and performance. 

Eventually, toxic management drives employees to leave their jobs . 

6. Lack of fit with company culture 

A “culture fit” is how well an employee aligns with an organization’s values , beliefs, attitudes, and goals. 

A lack of fit with workplace culture is the reason many employees leave a job, even if they love what they do. A research study of 1,000 workers found that 79% of American employees say company culture plays a big role in job satisfaction . 

Good reasons for leaving a job  

A prospective employer wants to know if you’ve left (or plan on leaving) your past roles for the right reasons. A good reason shows them you’re stable and responsible. For example, leaving because you’re looking for a challenge is a much better answer than leaving because you were bored. In your mind, both answers might mean the same thing, but are interpreted completely differently by interviewers.

Here are some other examples of good reasons for leaving a job: 

7. You’re offered a better opportunity 

No one can fault you for leaving a job to take advantage of a better opportunity like a more senior role, for example. Your desire to create a better situation for yourself shows employers you’re ambitious and proactive. 

If the new opportunity is a pay increase, you should combine it with another reason, like taking on more complex assignments. A new employer might be put off if your main motivator is money. 

8. You’re looking for professional growth

A desire for professional growth is another strong reason for leaving a job. 

For example, maybe you’ve outgrown your current role and want to learn new skills or take on more responsibility. This is a good time to mention your professional goals and how the role you’re interviewing fits in with them. 

This response demonstrates you welcome growth opportunities and you’re motivated to move to a new level in your career .

9. You were pursuing additional education

People often leave their jobs to go back to school and pursue a degree or other qualifications. This is another good reason as long as your answer explains how this decision helped your professional development. 

For example, a project management certification that prepares you for a more senior project management role . 

It’s a good opportunity to demonstrate to your interviewer that you’re willing to continually invest in yourself . 

10. Your organization restructured 

Employers understand that companies sometimes undergo restructuring that eliminates roles.

This is a perfectly acceptable reason for leaving. If you were part of a round of layoffs due to downsizing, for example, explain to your employer that your discharge wasn’t based on your performance. 

Focus on the positives that came out of this situation, and show recruiters how you added value to your previous role. 

11. You want a different work arrangement 

There are many reasons why people look for a different work arrangement. For many of the employees that left their jobs during the “Great Resignation” of 2021 , the reason was a better work-life balance and a more flexible schedule. 

For instance, when you become a working parent , you may want a remote role that gives you the flexibility to work and be a caregiver at the same time. 

Briefly explain to your hiring manager how the role you’re pursuing is a better fit for you. Assure them that you’re able to manage your time and balance work and personal responsibilities . 

12. You have a personal reason 

Work is important, but your well-being is a priority. 

Many people leave their jobs when they’re faced with a number of personal reasons, like health issues or family emergencies. You don’t need to disclose personal family matters. Keep your answer brief, and explain why you’re a good fit for the role you’re interviewing for. 

13. You’re pursuing a different career path 

Your goals can change at any time. If your current company cannot accommodate your new career path , your desire to leave is a brave and valid reason. 

It demonstrates you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and go after what you really want. 

The short answer is yes. When an interviewer asks, “Why did you leave your last job,” you should try to be as honest and authentic as possible. Lying about your reason for leaving is never a good idea. 

That being said, the key to successfully answering this question is all about how you phrase it. 

For example, say you’ve left because you had a difficult manager . Your answer should never be “I left because I hated working with my manager,” even if that’s how you feel. Badmouthing your boss will signal a big red flag to your potential employer. They may question your character and wonder if you’ve left your last job on bad terms. 

Instead, you should frame your answer in a way that puts you in a positive light. Say something like, “New management changed the workplace dynamics. I felt like it was a good time to leave, as it was no longer the right fit for me.” You can follow this up by briefly explaining how the new role is a better fit. 

This answer is still truthful, but it’s phrased in a way that shows you have integrity and your reason for leaving is valid. 

Sometimes, answering this question can be awkward, especially when you were let go from your previous job. In this situation, you should still be honest. Lying about your reason for leaving can backfire at any point. Be truthful, but put a positive spin on it by emphasizing what you learned from the experience and how you grew. 

If you have a list of reasons for leaving a job, lead with the one that’s professional and highlights your values and what you can bring to your future role. 

For instance, try not to lead with the desire for a higher salary, even if that’s your main reason for leaving. Instead, emphasize your desire for career growth. 

Above all, you should stay positive and present your best self . 

How do you answer, “Why are you leaving your job?” 

Preparation is the key to any successful interview. Here are some interview tips and ways to answer some common interview questions about why you left your last job: 

Answer 1: You identified a better opportunity

First, acknowledge the positive aspects of your current position, and highlight any achievements. Afterward, briefly explain why this new position is a good opportunity for you and what you like about it. Don't forget to focus on what you have to offer the role rather than just what the role offers you.

What to say : “I’m fortunate to be part of an amazing team that taught me how to collaborate and what good leadership looks like . However, I'm ready for a new challenge, and I want to keep growing. This is an opportunity I can’t pass up. My experience doing X will be valuable to addressing this type of need, and, I'm excited about the mission and managing a bigger team and further developing my leadership skills .” 

What not to say: “I was overlooked for a promotion at my current job.” 

Answer 2: You were let go 

This can feel like a tricky question to navigate because it is also emotional. Preparing for it in advance is important.

Keep your answer brief, acknowledge a poor fit, and never complain or throw the organization or manager under the bus. Make it clear that you have reflected on the experience and gained some perspective. This is the essence of learning and maturing as an adult after all. Highlight something positive you’ve learned from the experience, and emphasize why you’re a good fit for this new role. Avoid using the word “fired.”

What to say: “After accepting the offer, my manager and I realized the role required someone with more industry expertise. I was willing to learn, but the company needed someone who could hit the ground running. Since then, I’ve learned to ask more questions and better clarify role requirements with the hiring manager before taking on a job. I believe this position is a perfect fit for my qualifications.”

What not to say: “ I was fired because of poor performance .” 

Answer 3: You were laid off 

Mention that you’re on good terms with your former employer and the reason you left wasn’t related to you but to the company. 

What to say: “My company downsized, and many roles, including my own, were made redundant. I’m proud of what I was able to accomplish while I was there, and my manager would be happy to give you a reference. Meanwhile, I’ve used this opportunity to think about my professional goals. I believe your company is a good fit for the direction I want to grow in.”

What not to say: “ I was let go, which was a mistake on their part.”

Answer 4: You’re changing careers

Highlight your commitment to growth and adaptability and how this opportunity fits in with your new career goals. Emphasize some of the transferable skills you can bring to this new job or industry.

What to say : “I’ve recently re-evaluated my career goals and realized my passion lies in sales . That’s why I’m here today. I’d like to leverage my strong communication and active listening skills to build lasting relationships with customers.”

What not to say: “I didn’t like what I was doing and decided to try something new.”

Answer 5: You’ve outgrown your current role

Emphasize your desire for professional development and why this new company is a good fit. 

What to say: “My professional growth and development is very important to me. I’ve enjoyed working in my current role for the last three years, but I’ve learned everything I could, and I’m ready for a new challenge. The opportunity to work in an innovative company like this one will challenge me to aim higher.” 

What not to say: “I was bored and underappreciated. My manager assigns me boring tasks.”  

Answer 6: You went back to school 

Your employer might ask you why you decided to go back to school. Take this opportunity to explain how your education helped you develop new skills and emphasize the broader perspective and connections you gained. 

What to say: “I resigned to obtain an MS in marketing intelligence. The skills I’ve learned during this time and the exposure I had to cutting-edge techniques complimented my experience working in this field. As a result, I feel like I’m now prepared to take on a senior marketing management position. ” 

What not to say: “I decided to go back to school to figure out what I want to do.” 

Answer 7: You’re unhappy at work

Whatever the source of your unhappiness at work is, it’s important to identify it and work through what it means before interviewing. Otherwise, vaguely telling an interviewer that you’re unhappy can make you seem flaky and unreliable.

A good response to this question is clear and turns the negatives into a positive. Focus on showing your own agency and awareness rather than someone who is being acted upon.

What to say: “My skills were underused in my last role. I started looking for ways to get more involved there, but I realized that I’m looking for a more stimulating work environment. I like challenges, and I'm ready for a role where stretching is valued.” 

What not to say: “It wasn’t a good company to work for” or “I was unhappy.”

If your reasons for leaving a job are personal or sensitive in nature, you might feel hesitant to respond. In this situation, you should still answer, but you can keep it short without going into detail. 

For example, say you left work for a while to become a caregiver for your aging parents . In this case, you can simply say, “I became a full-time caregiver for an ill family member. Now I’m ready to return to the workforce, and I believe my six years of industry experience will be a great asset in this role.” 

You should always avoid refusing to answer the question or getting defensive. This could raise serious doubts with your potential employer. 

This is ultimately a behavioral question. Your response reveals a lot about your character and professionalism. Here are a few things hiring managers want to know when they ask this question: 

• If you’ve left on good terms
• If you have a good reason for leaving (better opportunity vs. unhappy)
• Whether you’re a good fit for the role and organization 
• What your goals and values are 

To make a good impression, keep your answer brief, positive, and concise. 

Write down your own reasons for leaving a job 

You should try to be as honest as possible about your reasons for leaving a job. The best thing to do to prepare for this question is to write down your reasons. 

Highlight the ones that are professional in nature, and frame your decision to leave in a positive light. You should also try to avoid leading with a personal reason or a negative experience. If you have no other choice, be honest without going into the gritty details. 

Navigating a career change on your own isn’t always easy. If you need more career advice and support with your job transition, a BetterUp career coach can help guide you every step of the way. 

Understand Yourself Better:

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 ways to answer “What are your career aspirations?”

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Top good reasons for leaving a job on resume

Leaving a job changes your career trajectory and impacts how recruiters see you. If you want to land a job after leaving one (or a few) behind, how you present yourself is key. Learn how to articulate your reasons for leaving a job in a way that enhances your resume.

Understanding why you want to leave your job

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor shows that the average person holds anywhere between nine and 12 jobs over the course of their working life (1) . The median employee tenure is currently somewhere between 3.8 and 4.3 years (2).

Clearly, it is not at all uncommon for employees to change jobs several times. If you’ve found yourself needing to leave a job, you’re definitely not alone. However, before you turn in your resignation letter, it’s important to identify your main reasons for leaving. This bit of self-reflection is crucial for making a successful transition from one job to the next. 

As you think about your move, consider your career goals, work-life balance, and company culture. Decide how you would like these aspects of your life and career to look. This will go a long way in helping you create a strong resume , ace job interviews, and answer questions about why you left your previous position.

Good reasons for leaving a job

Despite what some popular resume articles may have taught you, leaving a job isn’t always a bad thing in the eyes of a recruiter or hiring manager. In some cases, leaving may not have been your decision, as it may have resulted from a layoff or your role being made redundant in an acquisition or merger. 

Other times, the decision may have been entirely up to you. Perhaps you wanted to advance your career or try out a new one. You may have been seeking a different work culture, increased compensation and benefits, or even better balance for yourself and your family.

Any of these can be considered a good reason for leaving a job on resumes in any industry. Depending on how you present them, they can even be positive factors in the hiring process. 

While hiring managers want to know that you won’t just suddenly leave your role for seemingly no reason, knowing when your time is up at a particular company can show that you’re proactive about your professional life and capable of discernment — two traits of a great employee.

Putting a reason for leaving on your resume

The good news is that including reasons for leaving a job on resumes isn’t really required in the U.S. Resumes should be succinct, and those details aren’t often relevant to showcasing why you’re the best candidate for the job. Cover letter examples don’t usually include advice on how to address it either.

However, you should always be prepared to discuss your reasons for leaving a job if the job description or hiring manager has asked you to address it in the cover letter or interview. Additionally, there are some circumstances in which it’s okay to mention your reasons for changing jobs on your resume.

When to include a reason for leaving

How far should a resume go when discussing this topic? Generally, you only want to include positive reasons for leaving a job on resumes. These can include things like:

• Work-life balance, such as expanding a family or caring for a loved one
• Professional development, such as getting a promotion or seeking new skills
• Making a career change and transferring your skills to a new industry

If your reasons for leaving a position aren’t positive (for example, you were fired), you should avoid discussing those reasons on your resume. 

Expert Tip:

If you’re not sure whether you should include or discuss a reason for leaving your job, it’s probably best to leave it off. Your resume is a recruiter or hiring manager’s first impression of you, and you want to make sure that everything they read is positive.

Answering the question, “Why did you leave your previous job?”

While many things will go into your resume, reason for leaving a job usually isn’t one of them. However, just because you aren’t putting your reasons for leaving on your resume doesn’t mean you’ll escape the discussion altogether. You may still be asked to disclose the details of a particular departure during your interview.

Be open and transparent if you are asked directly about leaving a previous job. If you’ve listed your previous manager’s name on your resume or in a list of references, the hiring manager may have already talked through the situation with them, and you wouldn’t want to come across as dishonest or withholding important details. 

However, this doesn’t mean you have to paint the situation in a negative light. When adapting a resume sample for a job application, try to focus on the positive aspects of your decision to leave and how it supports your current career goals. For example, if you didn’t get along with your previous manager, you can say that you’re looking for a position that’s a better culture fit.

Above all, it’s crucial that you don’t complain about or badmouth any of your previous employers, as hiring managers may worry about whether you could hurt the potential employer’s brand or culture. Instead, highlight the skills and experience you gained in your previous job. Tell the interviewer how this has prepared you for the role you’re applying for and how you look forward to using your skill set to help the company.

Special cases and considerations

Discussing your reasons for leaving a job on resumes in an international setting requires a high level of sensitivity and cultural awareness. The standard resume format in some countries ( such as Japan ) requires you to include it in the document (3). In other places, it may not be considered good practice or may be left up to you to decide.

No matter what country you are applying for a position in, make time to research the cultural norms and expectations of the industry, role, and company you want to work for. This will help you beyond just answering questions about why you left a previous position.

If you were fired from a previous job, you should always be honest, as you don’t want to get caught lying on resumes or in interviews. Explain the circumstances surrounding your termination. As always, focus on the positive aspects of the situation and what you learned from it. This approach highlights your self-awareness and your ability to grow in challenging circumstances.

Tips for explaining your reason for leaving

Just like discussing employment gaps , having to explain your reasons for leaving a job on resumes and cover letters or in job interviews can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help you tackle this subject with positivity and confidence:

• Be honest and transparent about the situation , knowing that the interviewer may have already talked to your previous employer about what happened
• Tell the prospective employer what positive gains have come from the decision , such as lessons you have learned or professional growth you have achieved
• Avoid complaining about your previous employer , your old manager, or the situation that led to you leaving the company
• Emphasize the positive aspects of your previous job , highlighting transferable skills and aspects of the job that excited you
• Keep the tone and conversation forward-focused as much as possible , showing how the new position will be better aligned with your skills and goals

No matter what stage of the application process you’re in, your honesty and confidence in addressing this issue are crucial.

"Despite what some popular resume articles may have taught you, leaving a job isn’t always a bad thing in the eyes of a recruiter or hiring manager."

Set yourself up for success with a positive and confident perspective

For most employees, leaving a job at some point in their career is inevitable. When discussing these things on a resume, cover letter, or interview, it’s important to be honest about the situation but positive about how you have grown from it. Ensure that your approach and tone are in line with what would be expected in the industry, company, and greater culture.

As much as possible, seek out resources for help, such as resume and cover letter templates . Having these tools at your disposal through the application process can help you remain confident in addressing all aspects of your career so you can go after the job you want.

(1) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: National Longitudinal Surveys

(2) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employee Tenure in 2022

(3) Inbound Technology: How to write a “Rirekisho,” the Japanese resume

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Should you ever stay in a job 'for your resume'?

Topic: Career Advice

It can be hard to know when to cut and run, and when to stay — even if just 'for your resume's sake'. ( Adobe Stock )

Have you ever started a job and almost immediately realised it's not for you?

The boss is a nightmare. The work is stressful. You can't stop reading stories about people quitting their corporate jobs , changing careers and switching things up due to burnout .

It can be hard to know when to cut and run, and when to stay — even if just 'for your resume's sake'.

But with a labour shortage in many sectors and the ongoing speculation of a Great Resignation , do employers still care about the ins and outs of your job history? And what is the 'ideal' time to stay in a job anyway?

We went to the experts for answers.

Does leaving look bad on your resume?

Not necessarily. Kate Richardson, a career coach from Melbourne, says it can depend on how much turnover is generally in your industry and how many times this has happened before.

"Leaving one job after a short time is completely reasonable. Maybe you had a bad experience, or got an incredible offer you couldn't turn down," she says.

"But if you're leaving every job after a short time, that can really prompt questions about your ability to stick it out or your performance."

A "short time", Ms Richardson says, is generally a year or less — but it depends on where you are in your career.

If you're a young worker, she says two years is generally a good milestone to shoot for in any job. (The average job tenure for Australians aged 25–35 is 2 years and 8 months ).

But Susan Ainsworth, a professor of organisational studies at The University of Melbourne, prefers to think of it more abstractly.

"I don't think there is an 'ideal' time to stay in a job," she says.

And though it's true employers used to be pretty "prescriptive" about your job history, Professor Ainsworth says this is changing.

"Job change isn't necessarily viewed negatively anymore. In fact, it can be the opposite," she says.

"If people have stayed in one organisation for a very long time, they might be seen as enculturated — too used to a particular way of doing things.

"I think [you should consider moving on] when you hit a plateau or you're not getting out what you're putting in … but that doesn't equate to a particular length of time."

Professor Ainsworth says there's no 'ideal' time to stay in a job. Instead, you should pay attention to the way you're feeling. ( Pexels: Yan Krukov )

Good reasons to leave in a hurry

Ms Richardson says there are some reasons to leave a job quickly — even if you are a bit worried about what your resume looks like. These include:

• If you're in a toxic work environment and/or your mental or physical health is at risk;
• If the job is completely different from what was sold to you (although it's worth discussing that with your boss first);
• If an amazing opportunity comes up somewhere else.

But she says, whenever possible, it's best to avoid knee-jerk decisions.

"You might feel miserable when you wake up on Monday and think 'I've got to get out of here'. But it's better to actually [think] it through."

Are you in a position where it's financially feasible to leave this job? Has this experience made you realise you need something different from work entirely? Is this the first time this has happened?

"If you notice that [you've actually felt this way] in the last three or four jobs you've had, you might not be in the right career," Ms Richardson says.

How to explain early exits

First thing's first: if you leave a job very quickly after starting, you might not need to put it on your resume at all.

But if you were there a bit longer and you're nervous about what your next employers might think, Professor Ainsworth says you can still frame things in a way that makes sense for your overall career trajectory.

That might sound like:

• "The culture/work environment wasn't a good fit for me."
• "I felt I wasn't being challenged in this role."
• "There weren't sufficient opportunities for me to broaden my experience."
• "I wanted to vary my experiences and try something different."

You could briefly touch on this in your cover letter, and then explain a little further if asked in an interview. But both experts agree it's best to stay generally positive and focused on the future.

"Your new boss doesn't want to hear you slagging off your old boss," Ms Richardson says.

Should I include reasons for leaving roles on my resume? Elaine Varelas explores

A series of contract roles with start dates and end dates can look like a series of short stays within organizations. elaine varelas explores putting this on your resume and how to be candid with how to talk about your reasons for leaving..

By Elaine Varelas

Q: I was part of a layoff, and before that I had a few one to two year contracts. Would it help or hurt to put reasons for leaving on my resume? I didn’t quit and I wasn’t fired. A:

Often, resumes go through applicant tracking systems, so it won’t help you in those terms – however, typically, the more candid information you can provide to anyone who’s screening your resume, the better off you’ll be. Employers do want to know why you’ve changed jobs and being able to articulate why you left is really important. Whenever you are asked in an interview, you need to be able to communicate succinctly, without placing blame on the company, without making yourself look bad, and ultimately, ending in why it is that you’re talking to them and what it is about their position and their organization that attracts you. You want to express why you are confident that you will be very effective in their new role.

When you’re networking or on your LinkedIn profile, you can add relevant information about a restructuring. Or, on each of the contract jobs, make sure to say they were contract, implying a start and finish date. This provides good information for the hiring manager to understand your career path. In your case, you would typically list this information at the end of the role summary. You don’t want to draw so much attention to it as to put it with the date or to put it next to the title. It encourages someone to read all the positive accomplishments in your resume first, before they read that you left the organization.

If your employment was terminated or you were separated from the company for a lack of skill, expertise, or another technical reason, you can either talk about why you’ve changed direction and are applying for a different level or role, or that you took significant coursework and development – if you can, include course information that can show a level of increased skill, or even a certificate.

If you were separated for issues with your performance, however, you wouldn’t put that on a resume. When asked in an interview, you can talk about the fact that the role wasn’t a good match. There are times where brutal honesty can work in your favor. For example, if you lost your job because you were perpetually late, then you can talk about how much you have learned from your experience and now know that your tardiness was a sign of immaturity on your part, and you’ve grown up since then. In your more recent job, you have to be able to show a new level of commitment that you can bring to this new opportunity – perhaps explaining that you weren’t late for three months in a part-time role or volunteer opportunity.

Keep in mind that if you’ve left five companies in 10 years, that can be a red flag to the reader, so your answers are going to need to be convincing and authentic about how you could have had either significant bad luck, bad judgment, or a combination of the two. It can happen, and preparing references in advance to address these departures will be really important for your job search success.

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When to Leave a Job Off Your Resume

Customers Interviewed by:

If you’re wondering when to leave a job off your resume, you’re not alone. Employment gaps are very common, and yet there still seems to be a stigma around them and a confusion on how to explain them.

Remember this : A resume is a marketing document that quickly shows a potential employer how you are a fit for their job.

It is not a career biography.

Can I leave a job off my resume?

To determine which jobs in your past to leave off your resume, consider the following questions from Lori Williams, Resume Writer and Career Coach at Unstoppable Communications :

• Will this job be relevant to the job in which I am currently applying or to the career I want to pursue?
• If I remove this job off my resume, will it create a noticeable gap in my work history that I can’t explain?
• Did I leave this job on bad terms, which can result in a bad recommendation should a recruiter or hiring manager check out my background?

“These three questions can help you decide which jobs you can leave off your resume,” Williams tells Jobscan. “Always consider putting relevant work history that reflects your skills and showcases quantifiable stats in roles that will help promote you to the next step in your career. Likewise, if you were only in that role for three months or less, I strongly suggest leaving it off a resume unless it was an internship or volunteer experience. “

Laura Mazzullo , owner of East Side Staffing , a New York City-based boutique recruitment firm focused on the permanent placement of Human Resources professionals, also suggests asking yourself some questions — and thinking like a recruiter who is reading your resume. “Is this previous job relevant to what I’m applying for? Do I want to be asked about it on the interview ? Will talking about this experience on an interview impress the interviewer? Will it help or hurt my candidacy?”

“If you don’t want to be asked about it on an interview, leave it off,” says Mazzullo. “If you don’t feel it adds anything meaningful to where you are heading in your career, leave it off.”

What else should you leave off a resume? Laura Handrick , a staff writer at Fit Small Business who holds SHRM certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and who has served as the HR director in Fortune 100 companies, helped us come up with the following tips:

Use Jobscan’s resume builder to write your resume fast. It will help you organize your base resume section by section, ensuring you include the most relevant information.

Jobs older than 10 years

Handrick suggests that job applicants should leave off anything that’s older than ten years, as it gives away your age and can cause unintended bias on the part of the recruiter or hiring manager. That said, some recruiters say go back as far as 15 years , so if you still have relevant and important experience from 15 years ago, you’d be safer to include it.

The graphic below is an example of how you can easily explain an employment gap in the resume objective. This person added “Returning to the workforce” to address the gap, but then lead into their background, experience, skills, and more.

Anything unrelated to your current job

Leave off anything completely unrelated, like the time you worked for your uncle’s construction company in the summer during college. If that results in a gap on your resume, it’s nothing to stress over.

“Embrace those employment gaps!” said Madelyn Mackie , a Career Activator. “If you took time off to care for your family, be proud of it: ‘Personal sabbatical to care for aging parents.’ If you spent a year traveling the world, own it: “From 2023-2024, traveled the world, visiting 15 countries and immersing in new languages, cultures, and customs.”

“If you went back to school, congratulations! Highlight your education at the top of your resume. There’s no need to hide the gaps; just be honest. You might even get the chance to share your story in your next interview,” Mackie added.

Jobs that may cause conflicts of interest or go against values of a company

Leave off anything that doesn’t reflect well on the position you’re trying to get.

For example, say you’re looking to work in IT for the Democratic National Committee (Democratic Party). “Stating that you worked as a political activist for the RNC (Republican National Committee) probably isn’t going to help you get the job,” says Handrick.

The same is true for anything overly controversial. For example, let’s say you want a job as a writer for a Christian educational company, and one of your writing internships was done at Planned Parenthood. “Employers are not supposed to discriminate, but human beings often do, even if it’s unintentional,” says Handrick. “So why risk it?”

Exception to the rule : College students should include any part-time work or job they held in college, whether it’s related to their career path, or not. That part-time job in retail, or working as a server, while in college, provides valuable skills that employers crave from entry-level job seekers .

So, when you lack experience , be sure to include those part-time jobs to show you have some professional experience. Employers covet job seekers who have developed soft skills and/or worked part-time jobs while in college – especially in retail and the restaurant industry, where communication , interpersonal , and problem-solving skills are developed.

Jobs that make you look like a job hopper

Leave off any job that you worked for less than 90 days because it makes you look like a job hopper. For example, if you took a position and then changed your mind and took a better position a few weeks later, don’t list the short-term position you took first.

Exceptions to the rule : If the job was with a temporary staffing firm where you were working, adding skills, and staying employed while seeking permanent, full-time employment, include it. If you were performing contact work on a short-term gig, include it and label it “(Contract)”.

Jobs that don’t add any unique or additional skills

Let’s say you’re an electrician. Leave off the job 12 years ago when you worked parking cars as a valet. Especially if the job is an older one, leave off the work experience that has nothing to do with the job you’re applying for. If you were a server and want to leave that on to showcase skills like multi tasking and customer service, that’s okay. If you were a server ten years ago and you’re applying for a software engineer, we suggest leaving it off.

Other exceptions to consider

While many hiring managers and recruiters recommend only listing jobs from the last 10-15 years, there are some recruiters who want to see a complete work history — see why there is confusion among job seekers? If you do list experience past 15 years, simply only list title, company, city/state, years, like this:

Marketing Assistant, Smith Companies, St. Paul, Minnesota (2002-2003) Marketing intern, Acme Enterprise, White Bear Lake, Minnesota (2000-2001)

“I do believe that every job experience adds to your personal story, so I understand why some people are tempted to leave ‘it all’ on the resume,” said Mazzullo.

Applicant tracking systems use keywords and skills to rank and filter your resume based on the job requirements, see if your previous experience is helping or hurting your current match rate by using Jobscan .

Focus on the most recent and relevant work history

Remember, employers want to learn about your most recent and relevant experience, so focus on that.

Example: Let’s say you have 10 total years of work experience and are seeking a new job in HR. The first two years of your career were in retail (sales/management). The next two were as an executive assistant. And the most recent six were as an HR generalist.

“You’ll want the HR Generalist experience to own the most valuable space near the top of your resume, since you’ll want to be asked most about this on an interview (and it aligns with your goals),” says Mazzullo.

“Think of the resume as a canvas,” says Mazzullo. “You want the biggest piece of the canvas to be filled with the most relevant, appealing, and attractive parts of your experience.”

And you’ll want to leave off the jobs that are irrelevant, or don’t fit into the puzzle.

Content Writer at Jobscan.

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Omitting Jobs from Your Resume

Do you have to put every job you’ve had on your resume? We are going to look at the ins and outs of what you can safely leave off of yours.

Your resume is not a legal document, and  you are under no obligation   to list every job you’ve ever had.  The purpose of writing a resume is to sell you to potential employers, and this is the most important thing to keep in mind.

So, do you have to list all your past jobs on your resume? The key lies in including the parts that highlight your strengths and knowing when to leave jobs off your resume that don’t add any weight to it.

At the same time, you want to maximize your chances of getting through to the interview stage and beyond.  Omitting a job from your resume  could raise questions in the employer’s mind.

Not only could it leave an  unexplained gap on your resume , but the hirer may discover that you omitted a job during a pre-employment screening. You need to be able to explain gaps and why you decided not to include a job on your resume .

The most important thing to focus on is crafting your resume to highlight your strengths and to  present yourself as a credible candidate . Let’s help you with that!

Can you leave a job off your resume?

Yes, you can. Resumes are flexible and should be considered summaries of your most relevant experience,  qualifications , and skills. However, there are circumstances when it is not a good idea to  leave a job off your resume .

Don’t omit a job from your resume if…

It is a long-term position.

According to  Glassdoor , omitting a job you held for six months or less shouldn’t be any trouble at all. However, not including  a job that you had for over a year  will leave the employer scratching their head.

If you did this and got through to the first interview stage, you would need to be ready to  explain why this gap is there . If the  omission is a recent position , you’re better off including it.

You’re short of relevant experience

It is crucial to show you have relevant  work experience . If you have  little relevant experience , can you omit jobs from your resume? Well, you would be seriously damaging your chances of  getting an interview  by leaving off a relevant position.

Even if the job ended badly, you should include it.

Maybe you learned some invaluable skills in generative AI , project planning, administration, or teamwork activities . Squeeze what you can from your experiences to make a solid resume.

You are applying for a job with a security clearance

Your resume is usually an opportunity for you to  showcase your strengths  on your terms. However, in these circumstances, it is necessary to be meticulous and list every position you’ve had.

The same is true of omitting jobs from applications . If you’re completing a job application form and are asked to list every position, you should do so.

You achieved great things there

If you have accomplished things in a job role, it is wasteful not to  use it to your advantage to impress an employer .

Achievements demonstrate your  skills , abilities, and strengths better than anything else.

Include measurable achievements such as any impressive KPIs you smashed , company records that you beat, or original projects you pioneered.

When not to include a job on a resume

You might be wondering when to remove work experience from a resume. There are a number of circumstances when  the omission of a job  could actually improve your resume, generally because it does not help to sell you to the employer.

Using a  resume builder  is an effective way of constructing a resume which  highlights your strengths .

Consider omitting a job from your resume if…

It was a short-term position.

If you had a job for a few months or less, the experience isn’t relevant to the position you are applying for, and you’re not short of work experience overall, it probably  isn’t necessary to include the job .

However, if you are writing a  student resume  or an  entry-level resume  and have little experience , it is often necessary to include short-term positions.

The job was in the distant past

How far back should a resume go? Employers are generally only interested in  the last five to ten years of your work history .

If your recent positions contain consecutive, relevant positions, employers will not be concerned about jobs in the distant past . They add no weight to your resume.

Your old company has a toxic reputation

Is it ok to omit jobs from your resume if the company you worked for is notorious for whatever reason? Maybe it is due to  unethical practice  or a  high-profile bankruptcy , for example.

Well, it could look bad to include the position on your resume. Rightly or wrongly,  employers may form an opinion of you through association . However, the role may be central to your resume or include a significant achievement that you don’t want to leave off.

Should you leave a job off your resume if you were fired?

On your resume you don’t have to include the reasons why you left a job, therefore the position won’t make your resume look worse. The most common reason why  omitting a job you were fired from  might seem sensible is to avoid awkward questions during the interview stage. Following some  job interview tips  and preparing correctly can help you tackle this.

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10 Good Reasons For Leaving A Job: Complete Guide for 2024

When you make the decision to leave your job, it’s crucial to have a good reason. Regardless of your motivations or circumstances, leaving a job can have significant impacts on your career and personal life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore ten good reasons for leaving a job and the implications of each.

Definition of Job Leave

Job leave refers to the voluntary or involuntary separation of an employee from their position. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including personal or professional growth, dissatisfaction with the job, financial or family-related issues, or termination due to performance or other factors.

Importance of a Good Reason for Leaving a Job

Leaving a job can have long-term effects on your career trajectory and financial stability. In addition to potential future job prospects, a good reason for leaving a job can also impact your ability to secure unemployment benefits, references from former colleagues or employers, and even your reputation in your industry. A well-thought-out reason for leaving can help you navigate these challenges and ensure a smooth transition to your next position.

Overview of the Article

This article will explore ten good reasons for leaving a job, providing detailed explanations for each. We’ll begin by discussing the importance of having a clear reason for leaving and how it can impact your job search. From there, we’ll dive into the following reasons for leaving a job:

• Pursuing career growth or opportunities
• Personal or family-related reasons
• Financial considerations
• Burnout or work-related stress
• Relationship issues with colleagues or management
• Lack of job security or advancement opportunities
• Company culture or values mismatch
• Disagreements with business decisions or ethical concerns
• Work-life balance or schedule conflicts
• Health or medical issues

For each reason, we’ll explore potential implications and considerations, as well as tips for effectively communicating your decision to leave to employers and colleagues.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of good reasons for leaving a job and the essential factors to consider as you navigate your job search and career growth. Whether you’re considering leaving your current position or looking to better understand the intricacies of job transitions, this article will provide valuable insights and guidance.

Better Growth Opportunities

Employees in today’s job market are looking for opportunities to grow and develop their skills further. The truth is, people leave their jobs because their current company fails to provide them with the growth opportunities they need. As a copywriter and subject matter expert, it is essential to focus on your personal and professional growth objectives to progress in your career. Here are a few reasons why job seekers might leave their positions in search of better growth opportunities:

Seek Career Advancement

Building your career is a lifelong journey, and it is essential to take calculated steps to ensure you reach your desired destination. In many cases, holding the same position for an extended period can lead to boredom and disengagement, leaving employees feeling stagnant in their role. It is crucial to seek career advancement opportunities that align with your aspirations and passions to maintain enthusiasm and job satisfaction.

Personal Growth Objectives

Personal development is just as important as professional growth, and job seekers are now placing more emphasis on finding employers who prioritize individual well-being. Finding a company that invests in training and development can help employees acquire new skills, gain more confidence and take on new responsibilities in their careers.

Example: Higher Education Opportunities

Another critical aspect of personal and professional growth is education. Pursuing higher education opportunities such as a master’s degree or Ph.D. can help individuals learn new concepts and specialized skills crucial to their field. This, in turn, can help them progress in their career and take on leadership positions. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or flexible schedules to encourage employees to pursue further education.

Job seekers are continually searching for better growth opportunities, both professionally and personally. As a copywriter and subject matter expert, it is essential to prioritize your growth and development objectives to progress in your career successfully. Remember to seek career advancement, consider personal growth objectives, and take advantage of higher education opportunities to reach your desired destination.

Inadequate Compensation

When it comes to job satisfaction, compensation is a key factor. Inadequate compensation can make an individual feel undervalued and disrespected, leading them to consider leaving their job. There are various reasons why an employee may feel like they are not being compensated fairly, and some of these reasons are:

Low salary is one of the top reasons why people leave their jobs. If an employee feels like they are not being paid enough for the work they do, they may start to look for job opportunities that offer a better salary. In some cases, the employee may have taken on additional responsibilities or worked longer hours, but their salary has not been adjusted to reflect that. This can lead to resentment and frustration, which can ultimately affect their job performance.

Unfair Benefits

An employee may also feel like their compensation is inadequate if they feel like they are not receiving fair benefits. For example, if a company offers health insurance to some employees but not to others, it may create a sense of inequality and resentment. Employees may also feel like they are not receiving enough paid time off or may not be satisfied with the quality of their retirement benefits. When benefits are not equitable, it can undermine the sense of teamwork and collaboration that is essential to a healthy work environment.

Example: Disparity in Pay Scale

One specific example of inadequate compensation is disparity in pay scale. If employees in similar roles are receiving different salaries, it can create bitterness and hostility in the workplace. This is particularly true if the pay discrepancy is due to factors such as gender, race, or age. Employees who feel like they are being paid less than their colleagues for no justified reason may feel undervalued and disrespected, leading them to consider leaving their job.

Inadequate compensation is a legitimate concern for employees and can lead them to leave a job. When salary or benefits are not fair or equitable, it can create resentment, frustration, and a lack of motivation in the workplace. As such, companies should make sure that their compensation packages are competitive and equitable to attract and retain the best employees.

Poor Work Environment

A poor work environment can be a significant reason why people choose to leave their jobs. In this section, we will discuss some common problems that employees face while working in negative environments.

Toxic Workplace Culture

One of the most significant issues when it comes to a poor work environment is a toxic workplace culture. This is a result of bad management, where employees are not valued, and the workplace is characterized by negative attitudes and behaviors. Unfortunately, such an unhealthy atmosphere can lead to stress, anxiety, low morale, and decreased productivity. It can also be a breeding ground for conflicts, discriminatory practices, and even harassment.

Uncooperative Colleagues

Another factor that contributes to a poor work environment is uncooperative colleagues. These are individuals who refuse to work as part of the team, causing chaos and distrust in the workplace. Such people may be passive-aggressive and openly hostile, making it virtually impossible to achieve cohesion and collaboration among colleagues. As a result, employees may start feeling demotivated or even isolated, which can lead to significant burnout.

Example: Sexual Harassment at Work

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of working in a poor work environment is dealing with sexual harassment at work. Sexual harassment refers to unwanted and offensive sexual behavior in the workplace, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other forms of sexualized manipulation. It can make employees feel unsafe, disrespected, and devalued, in addition to causing severe emotional trauma. Sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, or job title, and it can be perpetrated by colleagues, managers, and even customers.

A poor work environment is a legitimate reason for employees to leave their jobs. No one should be subjected to a toxic workplace culture, uncooperative colleagues, or the horrors of sexual harassment at work. Employers must take accountability and responsibility to create a safe, positive, and productive work environment for all their employees.

Lack of Job Security

Job security is undoubtedly one of the most significant concerns for any working professional. Instances of layoffs, restructuring, and contract renewal refusal can cause immense stress and anxiety for employees, making them rethink their decision to continue with the organization.

Layoffs and Restructuring

Layoffs and restructuring are two common reasons why job security becomes uncertain. Company layoffs may arise because of poor company performance, changes in the economy, or business downsizing. Unfortunately, layoffs are often sudden and unexpected, causing significant disruption to the affected employees.

Restructuring is the process of reorganizing the company’s management, operations, or administration. The main objective is to improve efficiency, productivity, or cost-effectiveness. However, it can also lead to layoffs, department closures or consolidations, and changes in job responsibilities.

Contract Renewal Refused

A contract renewal refusal can be extremely stressful for any employee, particularly if it occurs without any warning. It typically happens when the company decides not to renew an employee’s contract upon its expiry. Factors such as budget constraints or policy changes may contribute to this decision.

Example: Business Downsizing

One common situation where layoffs and contract renewal refusal happen is business downsizing. This process involves reducing the size of the workforce to save costs or streamline operations. For example, a company may downsize because of sluggish sales, competition, or market changes. Even though downsizing can have positive effects on the organization’s bottom line, it can be mentally and emotionally draining for the employees who have to leave.

Lack of job security can be a significant reason why employees may want to leave their current job. Layoffs, restructuring, and contract renewal refusal are all factors that can make job security uncertain. If you are experiencing any of these situations, it may be time to consider other employment opportunities that can provide you with the stability and security you desire.

Lack of Work-life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for the overall well-being of an individual. Unfortunately, many jobs fail to provide adequate work-life balance, leading to various challenges and negatively impacting an individual’s personal and professional life. Below are some of the reasons why lack of work-life balance can be problematic, along with a specific example:

Long Work Hours

One of the most significant issues that arise due to a lack of work-life balance is long work hours. Prolonged working hours can result in burnout, causing immense physical and mental stress on the individual, affecting their productivity and overall performance. Long work hours can also cause issues in personal life, as individuals might not be able to attend to their family or take care of their physical and mental health due to extended periods of work.

Inability to Manage Work and Personal Life

Another issue resulting from a lack of work-life balance is the inability to manage work and personal life. When work takes up all of an individual’s time and energy, they might not be able to cater to personal commitments such as spending time with family or pursuing hobbies. It can cause immense stress, leading to anxiety and depression, eventually affecting overall mental health.

Example: Inflexible Working Hours

The inability to manage work and personal life leads to a stressful work environment, affecting an individual’s mental and physical health. For instance, inflexible working hours can cause significant issues for working mothers or caregivers. Without the flexibility to balance work and personal commitments, families are more prone to stress and less capable of taking care of their children or other family members.

Adequate work-life balance is essential in maintaining an individual’s overall well-being. Long work hours, inability to manage work and personal life, and inflexible working hours are some of the reasons why individuals might consider leaving their jobs. Employers must recognize the significance of work-life balance and strive to provide their employees with an environment that accommodates both their personal and professional commitments.

Change in Personal Circumstances

When it comes to leaving a job, personal circumstances can often play a significant role in the decision-making process. There are a few common personal circumstances that may make leaving a job necessary, including relocation and family matters.

Relocation can be a challenging and stressful process, especially if it is unexpected. Sometimes, a job may require an employee to relocate to a different city or even a different country. This can be a great opportunity for some, but it can also be a source of significant stress and upheaval, particularly if the employee has a family or spouse who is unable to move with them.

If an employee is not in a position to relocate, leaving a job may be necessary. Perhaps they have family commitments that cannot be easily moved, or they are unable to afford the costs associated with relocating. In these cases, it is essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of staying with their current job or finding a new one in their current location.

Family Matters

Family matters can also play a significant role in an employee’s decision to leave a job. Caring for children or elderly parents, for example, can be a full-time job in itself. If an employee is struggling to balance work and family commitments, leaving their job may be the best option.

For those with children, the cost of childcare can be a significant concern. Daycare costs, in particular, can be prohibitively high, making it difficult for an employee to remain in a job that does not provide flexible hours or work-from-home options. In these cases, finding a job that offers more flexibility or a better work/life balance may be the best option.

Similarly, caring for elderly parents can also be a full-time job. If an employee is struggling to balance the demands of caring for a parent and working, leaving their job may be necessary. It may also be necessary to find a job that offers more flexible hours or other benefits that can help them better balance their responsibilities.

Example: Caring for Children or Elderly Parents

Let’s take a closer look at an example of how caring for children or elderly parents can impact an employee’s decision to leave a job. Jane has been working for her current employer for several years and has always enjoyed her job. However, in the past year, her elderly mother has become increasingly sick, and Jane has had to take time off work to care for her.

Unfortunately, Jane’s employer does not offer flexible hours or work-from-home options. This has made it increasingly difficult for Jane to balance her work responsibilities with her caregiving duties. She has had to take extended periods of time off work to care for her mother, which has put a strain on her finances and made it difficult to keep up with her job duties.

After much consideration, Jane has decided to leave her current job and find a new one that offers more flexible hours or work-from-home options.

Dissatisfaction with Job Duties

Are you feeling bored and unchallenged in your current role? Perhaps you’re finding that your job doesn’t align with your skills and interests. It’s not uncommon to experience dissatisfaction with your job duties, particularly if you’re stuck doing routine and tedious work day after day.

Boredom and Lack of Challenge

When you first started your job, you were likely excited about the opportunity and eager to learn and grow. However, as time goes on, you may find that your work has become monotonous and unstimulating. This can leave you feeling bored and unmotivated, which can have a negative impact on your overall job satisfaction.

Without any challenges or opportunities to improve yourself, it’s easy to lose interest in your work and start feeling unfulfilled. If you feel like you’re not being challenged enough in your current role, it may be time to consider a change.

Job not Matching Skills and Interests

Have you ever heard the saying, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”? If your current job isn’t aligned with your skills and interests, it can feel like work every day. You may find that you’re not as motivated or engaged with your work, which can make it tough to get through the day.

Furthermore, if you were hired to do a job that you’re not particularly skilled at or passionate about, it can take a toll on your self-confidence. You may feel like you’re not living up to your potential or that you’re not adding value to your company. It’s essential to find a job that allows you to use your skills and interests to their fullest potential.

Example: Routine and Tedious Work

Suppose you’re a data entry clerk, and your job entails entering customer information into a database all day long. Although the work itself may not be particularly challenging, it can be tedious and repetitive. After a while, you may start to feel like you’re on autopilot and not fully present in your work.

As a result, you may start to feel dissatisfied with your job duties and start looking for a more fulfilling role. Perhaps you want to work in a more dynamic and innovative environment that challenges you to think creatively and solve complex problems. Or maybe you’re interested in pursuing a career that aligns more closely with your passions and interests.

Feeling dissatisfied with your job duties can be a significant source of stress and frustration. If you’re feeling bored and unchallenged, or your job isn’t aligned with your skills and interests, it’s time to consider a change. By finding a job that allows you to use your skills and pursue your passions, you can experience greater job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Conflict with Management

Disagreement with management style.

One common reason why employees leave their jobs is due to a disagreement with their managers’ management style. They may feel that their managers micromanage them too much or are too hands-off, which can lead to a lack of trust and job satisfaction. Moreover, when there is no transparency and clarity in job expectations and performance metrics, employees can become disillusioned and frustrated.

In these cases, the best course of action is to have an honest conversation with the manager to express concerns and preferences. It is also recommended to keep an open mind and understand that different managers have different styles, which may work for some employees and not for others.

Lack of Support and Communication

Another reason why employees leave their jobs is due to a lack of support and communication from management. When managers do not provide timely feedback, constructive criticism, recognition or opportunities for skill development, employees may feel demotivated and undervalued. Additionally, when there is no clear communication regarding job responsibilities, changes in company policies or expectations, employees may feel uncertain and frustrated.

In these cases, it is important to reach out to the manager or HR team to voice concerns and ask for the support necessary to achieve job success. Being proactive and taking initiative to improve communication with the manager and seeking external training or mentoring can help address these issues.

Example: Discrimination and Bias

Unfortunately, in some cases, employees may leave their jobs due to discrimination or bias from their managers. This can range from gender, race, age, and sexual orientation-based discrimination, leading to hostility, negative feedback, and even retaliation.

It is critical for companies to have policies, training programs, and an HR team that fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace culture. However, employees who experience discrimination or bias should report it to their HR team or upper management for investigation and resolution. If no resolution is reached, employees may consider legal action, especially if they feel that their employment rights have been violated.

Employees can leave jobs due to management conflicts such as disagreement with management style or lack of support and communication. In rare cases, discriminatory practices or bias from management can also lead to job dissatisfaction and resignation. It is important for companies to listen to employees’ concerns and act proactively to create a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment.

Company Culture Mismatch

One of the top 10 good reasons for leaving a job is a company culture mismatch. This can happen when an employee feels like they don’t align with the values and practices of the company they work for.

Misalignment with Company Values is a common reason for a culture mismatch. When employees feel like the company’s values are not in line with their own, it can create a sense of dissatisfaction and a general feeling of being out of place. For example, if an employee values inclusivity and diversity, yet the company they work for doesn’t prioritize these values, it can create tension and discomfort.

Discomfort with Company Practices can also lead to a culture mismatch. If an employee feels like the way the company operates goes against their personal beliefs or ethics, it can create a sense of unease. For instance, an employee in a healthcare company might feel uncomfortable with the way the company handles patient data or with the prioritization of profit over patient care.

One example of a culture mismatch is Ethical Dilemmas. It’s not uncommon for employees to find themselves in a situation where their personal values conflict with the company’s practices. For instance, if an employee at a tech company discovers that the company’s products are being used to perpetuate social inequality or violate user privacy rights, it can create an ethical dilemma. In such a case, the employee may feel like they cannot continue working for the company in good conscience.

A company culture mismatch can be a significant reason why employees choose to leave a job. It can be caused by misalignment with company values or discomfort with company practices, leading to situations like ethical dilemmas. Employers should strive to create a work environment that aligns with the values of their employees to prevent a culture mismatch from happening.

Better Job Offer

If you’ve received a better job offer, it’s natural to feel excited and perhaps a little anxious about making the move. However, before you jump ship, it’s important to carefully consider the details of the offer and how it aligns with your personal and professional goals.

One of the most compelling reasons to consider a new job offer is the potential for a more exciting and fulfilling role. Perhaps your current role has become stagnant or lacks the challenges and opportunities you crave. A new position might offer a chance to stretch your skills, work on more interesting projects, and collaborate with a new and diverse team.

But let’s be honest, money talks. If the new job offer comes with a higher salary and better benefits, it can be hard to say no. It’s important to weigh the monetary benefits against other factors, such as the work environment, company culture, and potential for growth and advancement. Remember, a higher salary might mean little if you don’t enjoy the work or don’t see potential for advancement in the role.

An example of a situation where a better job offer might be a compelling reason to leave would be moving to a competitor. Perhaps you’ve been offered a role at a competing company that offers more pay, better benefits, and a more exciting role. It’s important to consider factors such as any potential non-compete agreements you may have signed with your current employer and whether the new company aligns with your personal and professional goals.

A better job offer can be a tempting reason to leave your current role. But it’s important to carefully consider the details and weigh all factors before making a decision. Whatever you choose, be sure it aligns with your long-term goals and values.

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The 5 Biggest Resume Debates Among Recruiters—Finally Answered

There's a lot of resume advice out there—and some of it conflicting. Which makes it pretty hard for you, the job seeker, to know what to do. Should you stick to the one-page format, or is it OK to veer onto the second page? Will a creative resume catch the eye of a hiring manager, or do most people still prefer the tried-and-true traditional layout?

We know it's confusing, so we've broken down the five most common resume debates. Here's what the experts have to say—and how you can read between the lines and send the best resume for the job.

Debate #1: The Multi-page Resume

Let’s start with one of the most hotly debated issues we’ve seen at The Muse . While one camp believes that a candidate’s story can definitely be told in the confines of one page (and gets annoyed when it isn’t), other recruiters say that a second (or third) page is fair game, as long as you make every word and bullet point count. Some even truly despise the one-page rule. (“If I had the names and addresses of every so-called expert who keeps telling professionals that you must have a one-page resume at all costs, I'd egg or toilet paper their houses in the dark of night,” says our friend Jenny Foss, founder of recruiting firm  JobJenny  and author of The Ridiculously Awesome Resume Kit .)

What Should You Do?

Here’s the truth. What’s much more important than the length of your resume is that it tells a story to the hiring manager about why you’re the right fit for the position. This usually doesn’t mean listing everything you’ve ever done for every position; rather, you want to pick and choose the parts of your background that are most compelling, and make sure they don’t get lost in pages and pages of background information. (Fact: Recruiters spend an average of six seconds on most resumes.)

That said, if you’re applying for an upper-level management gig or a position that requires a wide breadth of skill sets, telling that story means you’ll want to opt for more detail rather than less. Translation: Probably more than one page.

In addition, it’s important to do your research and poll friends and colleagues about your industry norms. In the IT and tech worlds, for example, more than two pages is totally normal (and expected). On the other hand, I know a consulting firm that tells its hiring managers to throw away any resume that comes in over one page. Try to feel out what you're getting into—so you can target your resume accordingly.

Debate #2: The “Creative” Resume

You’ve likely heard about applicants using videos, infographics, or other creative resume formats ( origami , anyone?) these days. And with good reason! Thinking outside the bullet-pointed PDF can be an awesome way to stand out from the stack, especially when you’re applying to a startup or creative company or to a position that values design or interactive skills. "Doing extra credit like a video (even if it’s an unedited webcam clip) can go a long way in distinguishing yourself from other candidates," says Steffi Wu , PR Lead at ZenPayroll .

That said, some hiring managers really still appreciate the good ol’ 8.5x11” piece of paper. If not done really well, a creative resume could go terribly wrong—I’ve seen (and tossed) more than one resume that used bad clip art, a rainbow of colors, or unfortunate photography and did far more harm to the job applicant than good. “If you act like a clown or do something ludicrous just to stand out, then it’s disingenuous and can put people off,” echoes Dr. Michael Woodward , an executive coach author of The YOU Plan: A 5-Step Guide to Taking Charge of Your Career in the New Economy .

What’s more, a recent study showed that “…visual elements reduced recruiters’ analytical capability and hampered decision-making” and kept them from “locating the most relevant information, like skills and experience.” Not exactly what you’re going for.

When you’re in a creative field, applying for a creative role, or gunning for a highly competitive company, it’s definitely worth considering. Margot Leong got her dream job after sending an incredible Sliderocket presentation to startup Ridejoy—and we’re pretty sure that Robby Leonardi , creator of the coolest video-game-inspired resume we’ve ever seen, landed a job offer or 50.

Remember, though, at the end of the day, your skills and experience are what matters, so make sure that whatever format you choose showcases—rather than overshadows—them. Also, don’t even think about going down this path unless you’re willing to put in the time, creativity, and design work (or the money to pay someone else) to make it truly awe-inspiring. A great traditional resume will be better than a mediocre creative one, every single time.

Debate #3: The “Pretty” Resume

Common resume wisdom says to stick to a legible font that everyone uses, like Times New Roman or Arial, and basic formatting: Your name at the top of the page, followed by your work experience and bullet points—you know the drill.

But some of the most compelling resumes I’ve seen think outside the norm—and as a result, really do stand out in a huge stack of basic black-and-white resumes (take a look at some of these beauties ). Stepping it up in the design department can also make you stand out as a candidate who really gets and appreciates aesthetics.

First, consider where you’re applying. A traditional law firm? You should probably stick to the basics. A creative (and competitive) place like Pinterest or Warby Parker , on the other hand, might really appreciate something a little more styled.

Then, think about your own skills as well. As Ryan Kahn, founder of the Hired Group and star of MTV's HIRED, says, you should always seek to “maximize your strengths and outsource your weaknesses.” If you’re not a designer, spend your energy on crafting perfect bullet points, and skip the fancy formatting (or hire a designer or design-savvy friend to give your page a makeover).

And again, make sure you do it right. Use fonts that are clean and legible—doesn’t matter how pretty it is if a hiring manager’s going to have to squint to read it. Your resume should feel like a breath of fresh air, not a PITA to read. Oh, and PDF, PDF, PDF (that is, save it as one). It’s the only way to ensure that the font styling will show up the right way on any screen.

Debate #4: The Interests Section

You’ve probably heard—consistently—to stick to the basics on your resume: Work experience, education, job-related skills, and professional awards and accolades. “Unless the hobbies are relevant to the types of positions you’re pursuing (or amazing, non-controversial conversation starters), leave them off,” says Foss.

But “the non-traditional camp, of which I am a proud member, dissents in part,” says recruiting consultant Michael Wade . “Our view is that there is nothing wrong with an applicant disclosing some personal interests, so long as those inclusions are not bizarre or distasteful.” (True story: A friend of mine added “ice cream making” to his interests section, and it was brought up in every interview he went on.)

When it’s relevant for the position, go for it. Adding your guitar playing abilities to your resume when you’re applying to an entertainment company or your photography hobby to a social media role makes a lot of sense—and can nudge you above other candidates with similar work experience. Sharing your scrapbooking skills with a healthcare organization? Probably won’t have the same effect.

You might also want to get a little personal when you’re applying to a company that clearly cares about its employees’ lives outside of work. Some good cues: The company blog talks as much about picnics and happy hours as it does product updates, or it has a fun-loving team profiled on The Muse . “I’ve heard employers say they are tired of seeing cookie-cutter candidates. They are pleased when an applicant comes along who appears to be human,” adds Wade.

Debate #5: The “Updated” Job Title

“Usually, job applicants list their ‘official’ job titles on their resumes,” says Sean Weinberg on SimplyHired . Sounds pretty basic, right? Well, “the problem with doing this is that most job titles are bland, and your work comes off as equally uninteresting.”

Weinberg—and many other career experts—advocate updating your job title to reflect what you actually did. Say, for instance, your official title is associate producer. That could mean a whole range of things depending on your company, your industry, and your role. But adding some descriptors—“associate social media content producer,” for example, can tell a hiring manager a lot more about what you did—and catch his or her eye much more quickly.

If you have a vague or unique-to-your-company job title, this approach can be incredibly helpful. In a previous role, for example, my company didn’t use the word “manager,” so my title was “marketing lead”—a term that, as I learned, didn’t work very well in keyword-sensitive applicant tracking systems. When I edited my title and used “marketing manager” instead—I got many more calls back.

But here’s the rub: Remember that employers (very) often call previous employers to fact-check the information you’ve provided on your resume and in your application. So don’t ever update your title to something so obscure, inflated, or, well, wrong, that your former employers wouldn’t be comfortable saying you did it.

Advice on your resume, like anything else, isn't going to be spot-on for 100% of people, 100% of the time. The bottom line? Do your research, then think about what will work best for you—and the positions to which you're applying.

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Can I Leave a Job Off My Resume?

Which Jobs to Include

Resumes vs. job applications, short-term jobs, long-term jobs, focusing your resume, when to note your reason for leaving.

• Resume With Partial Job History

Eric Audras / Getty Images

Do you need to include all the jobs you’ve ever had on your  resume ? Short answer: No, you don’t. But be prepared to explain why an old job isn’t listed on your resume if the prospective employer discovers it or asks about any  employment gaps  between the jobs you did list.

It’s harder than you might think to keep previous jobs a secret, so don’t assume that if one isn’t on your resume, the employer won’t find out about it. You may need to  include it in a job application , or it may show up in a  background check .

Keep in mind that a resume is a synopsis of your education and work experiences and that you don’t have to include everything that you ever did, especially older jobs that aren’t pertinent to your career. For example, listing all the odd jobs you held while getting through college probably isn’t necessary.

This is especially true if you’ve been out in the workforce for a while. In fact, if you have a lot of work experience, describing  just the last 10 to 15 years is recommended . Including jobs you held earlier than this, even if they are relevant to your career search, may result in your being pegged as an older worker by companies prone to ageism in their hiring practices.

Don't confuse your resume with an  employment application . A resume is a document you create. There are few things that you are required to include on your resume (unless it is a federal resume, necessary for government job applications), and there are no employment laws which dictate that you must include all your work experiences whether short- or long-term.

A job application is different. If the application indicates that you must list all your recent work experiences, then you should probably include all your jobs, including short-term engagements. Otherwise, an employer might discover that you have withheld information when they conduct a background check.

Resumes allow you much more flexibility and should be considered as summaries of your most relevant experiences.

However, you should be prepared to explain why you haven't included a short-term experience if the employer raises the question.

You’ll need to consider a few things when you decide whether to include a short-term job on your resume or just leave it off. A short-term job that gave you more experience in your chosen field may be worth keeping on your resume. However, a short-term job that simply helped you pay some bills can probably be left off.

The length of time is important, too. It’s easier to justify why you left off short-term jobs that lasted three months or less, particularly if they are not relevant to your current goals. Jobs you kept for longer than three months may need to be included.

Deciding to leave a long-term job off your resume presents more of a dilemma and requires some careful thought. Not listing a long-term job leaves a noticeable gap in your resume. You will likely be asked during an interview to explain what you were doing during that time. So, you might be better served by including the job on your resume.

It’s always easier to justify  leaving older short-term jobs off your resume . If your recent job history (the past five years or so) contains consecutive, successful experiences, then employers will usually not be concerned about a little gap in the past.

Strategic techniques for structuring your resume will help you de-emphasize any short-term and less relevant long-term jobs, keeping the employer's focus on more compelling experiences.

For example, you might break your resume up into two categories:

• Related Experience
• Other Experience

Relevant jobs can be listed in the first category, and you can place unrelated work in the latter category.

If short-term experiences are freelance or consulting-oriented, then you might group them together under a heading like “Consulting” or “Contract Employment.”

You can also list them in an "Additional Experience" section at the bottom of your employment history in the  experience section  of your resume. For example:

~ Additional experience includes roles as a Customer Service Manager for Allied Enterprises (New York, NY) and as a Sales Representative for Maximum Medical Products (New York, NY). ~

What to Say About a Job You Didn’t Include

If asked about other jobs you have held, you can simply say that you didn't include the job because the position isn't relevant to your current  career path . You might add that you took the position to generate some cash flow while you pursued a more appropriate job (like their vacancy).

If a previous short-term job helps you to make your case for the new position in question, then you should probably include it on your resume. However, if you weren’t successful in the previous job and don't wish to draw attention to it, then you might prefer to leave the position off.

When you mention a short-term job on your resume, be sure to include a note about why you held the job for only a brief time if it’s relevant and doesn't reflect negatively on you. You don't want the employer to speculate why you left so soon. For example, you might say that you filled in for an employee on leave or were hired to staff a time-limited project. 

Resume Example With Partial Job History

Jane Brown 10 Elm Street Middletown, NY 10706 (555) 456-7890 jane.brown@email.com

CONTENT STRATEGIST As a senior content strategist and consultant, I have 10 years of experience creating and perfecting social media and content development plans for companies ranging from small shops to Fortune-500 companies. I can help you turn your data into the kinds of stories that make clients increase their buy and come back for more.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ABC GIMMICKS, Middletown, NY Senior Content Strategist  (June 2019 to present) Helped this beloved mom-and-pop notions shop expand their presence from two brick-and-mortar stores and a simple website into a multimedia brand. Lead a total site redesign, created email and Facebook campaigns, and developed their social media presence from scratch, increasing sales 45% in the past two years.

ZAG CORP, New York, NY Content Manager  (March 2015 – April 2019) Developed content strategy for Zag’s 25 blogs on niche topics ranging from DIY home décor to science fiction. Created Zag’s style guide and implemented it across all channels. Used Google Analytics to analyze traffic and improve engagement. Increased pageviews 18%.

~ Additional experience includes content strategy and development consulting for clients such as Tekfest, Building Blocks Inc., and Abbott Greene. ~

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS Carroll College, Portsmouth, NH Bachelor of Arts in Communications

Content Marketing, Hubspot Issued Jan 2020, Expires Jul 2024

Key Takeaways

You Don’t Need to Include Every Job on Your Resume: Highlight jobs that demonstrate your experience, skills, and fit for the role.

Leave Off Jobs That Are Unrelated: You can also omit jobs that are more than 10 to 15 years old, to avoid age discrimination.

However, Expect to Explain All Your Experience: Hiring managers will likely discover your work history, even if you leave it off your resume. So be ready to explain any gaps in employment or unrelated jobs.

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How to answer “Why did you leave your last job?”

1. Ensure that your reasons are appropriate and clear.

2. leave no doubt that you are serious about your work., 3. frame the discussion positively and be as honest as possible., 4. be clear about how your next job needs to be different., 5. don’t go into too much detail unless it is requested., lack of professional development, change to another industry sector, values no longer aligned with mission, seeking better benefits & compensation, job specification changed dramatically, wanted to change career paths, family or personal reasons, no promotion opportunities, company went out of business, don’t say anything negative about your previous role., never consider bending the truth – they will be able to tell., make sure that you give a reason – but not more than two., avoid saying anything that casts doubt on your future performance..

Interviewers love questions that make a candidate squirm in their seats. Sure, they want to offer you a stage to perform, but if they do not also probe your weak spots, they leave themselves open to issues in the future. You will be challenged every day at work - if you can't handle the heat, you do not belong in the kitchen. While an interview should be a positive experience for the majority of the time, questions such as this call for absolute honesty from a candidate. You might not like to give an honest answer, but try your best to satisfy the interviewer's curiosity as quickly as you can.

You won't want to be exploring your reasons for leaving a job for long.

“Why did you leave your last job?” is a terrifying question that can make even the most confident candidate gulp and consider how they frame their answer. There may be many valid reasons for leaving a job, so which ones do you choose to talk about?

In this blog, we explore the nuances of the question, how to structure your reasons for leaving a job and the most common reasons for leaving a role with some real-life examples. We consider:

• What are interviewers really looking for when they ask this question?
• 5 steps to frame an ideal response to “why did you leave your last job?”
• Top nine reasons for leaving a job with examples and advice
• What not to say when you are answering the question
• How to prepare for follow up questions

Exploring your motivations for leaving your previous roles can be an incredibly useful exercise. As you seek to find your ideal next move it is useful to consider what was less than ideal about your previous roles. Try to avoid a workplace environment where similar issues may come about. Considering previous reasons for leaving a job is a question of risk management for both candidate and employer.

If you give a standard response that is common to many other candidates, it is unlikely that employers will hold it against you. Career changes happen for a variety of reasons. It is your motivation to stay in the job in question that matters most.

Prepare your answers in advance for each job that you have left. Interview preparation is sometimes difficult as you do not know which questions will be asked, but you can be sure that this question will come up. Think about some credible (and varied) reasons for leaving each of your previous roles. It is important that there does not seem like there is a pattern of behavior which may be repeated. Don't be apologetic and show that you own your career decisions. They won't hire you if you seem like you are floating around in your career at the mercy of the decisions of others.

What are interviewers really asking when they say “Why did you leave your last job?”

An interview is as much an exercise in risk mitigation as it is in exploring potential. You might be the most talented programmer in the industry, but if you have left roles in the past and not gone on to something significantly better, interviewers will want to know why.

If you left a job for a certain reason, what would stop you from doing it again? Behaviors tend to echo, and interviewers want to understand your motivations both from a positive and a negative point of view. It costs a great deal to hire an employee, so the likelihood of retaining talent is at the top of an interviewers list.

Of course, people do leave jobs for plenty of good reasons, but it is important that you articulate these reasons for leaving a job as well as possible. In the stress of an interview , it is all too easy to blurt out a quick explanation without fully explaining yourself. You might think that moving on swiftly is a better option than dwelling on these matters, but this is an area where you should leave no doubt in an interviewer’s mind.

This is one of the questions where an interviewer needs to be fully satisfied. Be logical in how you structure your answer. Keep any personal reasons as brief as possible. Make sure that the interview understands enough about the circumstances for the decision to make sense.

So, how do you respond to “Why did you leave your last job?”

Make sure that you avoid portraying yourself as a victim. Your future employer wants to hire someone who is in charge of their own destiny. You can choose to actively leave a job because of a positive choice, or you can be forced into it passively by something that is out of your control. Portraying yourself with your reasons for leaving a job as a victim of circumstance (no matter how true it might be) is not a good look. Try to find more proactive reasons for leaving if you possibly can.

Interviewing is stressful. Preparation and practice are the best ways to get yourself ready for the big day. This interview guide helps you to walk into that interview with the best chance of getting a positive result.

5 steps to frame an ideal response

Whatever reason for leaving your job you choose to give, there are steps that you need to take to give a satisfactory response. When you are preparing your answers, try to include these five considerations:

Any responsible employee is loyal to their employers and would only leave when the reason is justified. When answering the “why did you leave your last job?” question, avoid reeling off a long list of reasons for leaving the job. Choose one or two and explain them with brief details. You might think that reeling off a long list is convincing, but if you try too hard to explain yourself those details might be what sticks in the interviewer's memory rather than why they should give you the job. Be convincing where it truly matters.

If you are a chronic job hopper who has no real direction in their careers, leaving a job won’t be a big deal. You have done it so many times in the past, after all. If you are strategic and serious about building a career, every reason for leaving a job should make sense in the context of your longer-term ambitions. We all have different priorities – what are yours? Demonstrate that you gave significant thought to each instance of leaving a role - it will be ruinous if you seem the frivolous type.

Whether you are looking for more responsibilities, a career switch , a better relationship with a boss or a better match for your values, there are plenty of positive reasons to look for a new job. Try to steer the conversation towards these reasons, but don’t swerve being honest. Negative situations are incredibly common, and it is acceptable to acknowledge them too. Let's be frank, if you were happy in the job you would stay there. It has to be a weighty reason for you to leave - being honest about it will shed a lot of light onto your personal values.

When answering your reasons for leaving a job, you need to identify them and show that you do not anticipate them occurring in the next job. It is somewhat sadistic to subject yourself to the same unacceptable environment, so share your thoughts on why you do not think that a similar thing will happen again. Put your future employer’s mind at rest. Share reasons that you know will not be likely to repeat themselves in the job in question - showcasing such contrasts will tell a hiring manager that you have put a lot of thought into your application. If you have them thinking: "well, that won't happen here" then you are already one step closer to a job offer.

While you need to give the above reassurances, 30 seconds of explanation is more than enough. Ideally you should answer the question comprehensively to allow the interviewer to move on to move positive territory. They may well want to explore your reasons for leaving the job further, in which case you should answer as comprehensively as possible, but ideally answer well and move on. The interviewer won't pursue any more details unless you seem sketchy with your answer. If they sense any kind of deception they will double down on the questioning.

Preparation is key for any successful job interview. These top 12 expert phrases will make sure you're the candidate that really stands out from the crowd!

Expect the question. Any well-prepared candidate will expect this question, so while you shouldn’t launch into an immaculately prepared response (which might seem unnatural), don’t let the question phase you. Don’t go into an interview hoping that it won’t be asked. It is one of the most revealing interview questions out there. Do seem a little unnerved though - any other response isn't normal. No one enjoys talking about the negative moments from their past.

The top 9 reasons for leaving your job + sample answers and practical advice

You may have many reasons for leaving your role, but which are most suitable to share and what are your justifications? Here are a few of the most common reasons with some interview examples that you can adapt for any future employer.

No matter how many online training courses you take outside of work, if your employer does not give you the opportunity to practice your new skills , you will not achieve any sort of mastery. Sadly, some employers simply want their people to do a job, no more and no less, but many of us want more than that. 

Lack of professional development is one of the most common reasons for leaving a job, but you need to be careful to prove that you were worth investing in. Convince your next employer that supporting you will be worthwhile.

“I took a number of graphic design courses outside of work, and looked for opportunities to incorporate them in my previous position but I was not given any projects where this skill was required. I know that my design skills can make a difference to the brand marketing of my next employer.”

You're meeting with someone who is judging you. Judging your character, your work ethic. Here are 7 interview skills that will get you hired in 2024.

Staying in the same job function (marketing, sales , operations) but moving to a different industry is a common reason for a move. If you share this motivation, you need to make sure that your future employer is in the same sort of industry niche and would not seem like a backwards step. Focus on shared skills and how the move fits with your long-term plan.

“I made a move from manufacturing to online retail as the logistics function offered more opportunities. I wanted to specialize in automated fulfillment technologies, so the online retail environment offered me a chance to broaden my experience.”

If you don’t feel that your personal values are aligned with the company’s way of doing things, work can be a hard place to be. Of course, many of us have little choice but to put up with it, but if you can show that your values are important to you, then this is a reason for leaving the job that should be admired. Just be sure that the new employer’s stated values match the ones you prescribe – or you could find yourself in an awkward situation when the interview can’t relate.

“I am a passionate environmental campaigner, so when my consultancy decided to take on a major project with one of the biggest polluters on the planet, I felt that I could not stay in the role in good conscience.”

Financial situations differ from company to company and if your remuneration package does not reflect the value that you bring, it is entirely understandable to look for an employer who can pay you what you are worth. Only use this reason for leaving the job if you can prove that you did indeed get a significant raise as a result of your move. Otherwise, it doesn’t quite ring true.

“After doing some market research into the typical compensation for my role, I realized that my company was more than 30% below the average. After an unsuccessful negotiation, I decided to move to a place where my efforts were suitably compensated and secured a 35% uplift in salary.”

Corporate priorities can change, so if you are hired for one thing and you end up doing something entirely different, it is understandable that you want to find a role that matches your interests. Make it clear that the change of role specification was not down to your lack of competence and show that you were flexible enough to give the new responsibilities a diligent attempt before you considered jumping ship. Sometimes you need to take one for the team, but certainly not indefinitely.

“The scope of my job changed entirely after new management decided on a different strategy. It was taking my work in a direction that was not compatible with my future career goals, so after 6 months of trying to make it work I decided that the best option was to make a fresh start in a more suitable role.”

When you wish to change your career path (as opposed to changing industry but staying in the same career), it is harder to assure a future employer that this won’t happen again. If this change happened a decade ago and you want to remain in your current career, then it is fine. However, if it was a recent career change, then you will have to be particularly persuasive around how happy and successful you are in your career direction.

“In the job before my last one, I decided that I needed to leave my publishing career and move into social media. I have always been passionate about the written word and the opportunity to reach a large audience at scale was attractive. Five years later, I have created some of the most iconic social campaigns in the fashion industry and seek to continue my success with you.”

Every interview answer needs a structure and the STAR method is a great way to prove competency. Here’s how to apply it in an interview and land your next position!

Personal life needs to take priority over work at various points in our lives, often due to circumstances that are out of our control. A relative may have become ill, or there could have been an accident, or your childcare situation might have changed – among many other reasons. Your competency will not be called into question with such reasons for leaving a job and if they can genuinely be viewed as one-off occurrences, your chances of being hired won’t be affected. Relocation to a new city or country falls under the extenuating circumstances category.

“I needed to care for my elderly parents for a period of six months as they recovered from a serious illness. They now have a live-in caregiver, so I am seeking to come back to the workforce. I am looking forward to dedicating my energies towards my career again – I know that I have much to bring to the position.”

It may be that your boss has been in the job for ten years and is likely to stay for another ten. There is no shame in outgrowing your role. If you can demonstrate that your achievements warranted a promotion, moving companies is the only logical step of a confident and ambitious employee. It is up to your future employer to ensure that your career can grow along with your development. Sadly, it is a common reason for leaving a role.

“I left my previous role because there was a lack of growth opportunities – either upwards or sideways. I was consistently achieving top appraisal grades and was the top performer in my department. I am looking for a new role where I will be able to take on more managerial responsibilities.”

When you work with small businesses and start-ups, this reason is an occupational hazard. If this happened, it is important to show that you did not play a major part in this business failure. Taking about any sort of previous failure is dangerous ground in an interview – your future employer wants to hire successful high-fliers. If your company folded and had to fire everyone, you have no choice but to state it as a fact. Hopefully, this only happened once.

“Kahlstom Inc. was taken over by another company from Finland and my function was sadly outsourced to their head office. We were given a generous six-month redundancy package and I managed to find a fantastic new role within three weeks. I learned a lot about resilience through a time of significant uncertainty.”

What do you say in an interview if you were fired from your last job? There is always a certain degree of creative licence when giving your reasons for leaving, but if you were fired and that is likely to be included on your reference, then you should not leave it out of the conversation. Share the reason why you lost the role and try to find a positive spin on the situation. Being fired is more common than you think, and it doesn’t always mean that you aren’t good at your job.

Handle the tough ‘Why did you leave your last job?’ question with confidence. Use our interview prep tool to prepare a strong response. Get fully prepared, all within our career tools dashboard.

What not to say when you are giving reasons for leaving a job

While you probably have plenty to say about the emotionally charged reasons for leaving a job (we understand that it still hurts), there are plenty of things that you would be well advised to avoid saying . This is the sort of answer that can stick in an interviewer's mind if you don't get the right tone. Here’s what to watch out for:

It is perfectly possible to mention why you left without a negative slant on the situation. Being a professional often entails leaving emotions at the door, so no matter how much a certain situation hurts, try to focus on the facts of the matter. Your future employer will be able to read between the lines and they will be impressed by your restraint. In any case, no one wants to work with someone who has a negative attitude.

Lying is a slippery slope. If an interviewer senses that something doesn’t quite add up – it is often visible in your body language – they will ask questions. At this point, you either lie some more or you swiftly change your story. Either option will mean that you don’t get the job. Trustworthiness is one of the most basic human qualities, so if you can’t be honest in an interview, who knows what other demons lurk within. You can certainly choose not to say certain things, but whatever comes out of your mouth has to be truthful.

There is always a reason for life-changing moves like leaving a job. Whether the reason initiated from you or someone else, you need to look back and explore the background scenery that accompanied the move. Don’t go into too much detail in terms of your reasons for leaving a job and certainly don’t give more than two reasons, but by the end of your explanation the interviewer should get nodding their head in understanding (and sometimes sympathy).

There are certain reasons that you can give which might serve to make an interviewer think that they could impact on your future performance. For example, losing a job is common, but try to share reasons that are not performance related. If you were looking for a promotion that didn’t come, highlight that the reasons for leaving your role were organizational. If you are changing careers, make it crystal clear why this new career is for you.

How do you prepare for follow up questions? Juicy questions such as “why did you leave your last job” will likely be the start of a mini conversation. Very few interviewers will nod and move on after your initial answer. You need to think through the possible questions that may come after your answer and prepare some authentic and believable responses. If you remain honest, humble and positive you won’t have too many problems.

“Why do you want to work here?” This is a question often asked in job interviews — and if you’re not prepared for it, finding a good answer can be harder than you think.

Key takeaways

• “Why did you leave your job?” can apply to any of your previous roles and your answer can reveal all sorts of motivations that your everyday work life cannot.
• Frame your responses carefully and consider the reasons for leaving a job that you wish to share in advance.
• Develop responses that are positive signs for the role that you wish to secure.
• There is no need to overshare. Answer succinctly and be ready for follow-ups.

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Quit after 2 months, should I put job in resume?

I joined a company about two months ago. I do not mind the work but the work environment is very toxic (just found out that two people left this position in the last year). I really tried to adjust to the new role but there are many problems with my team members and how things operate here that I don't think will improve with time. So I am planning to look for a new job. My question is should I put this two months job on the resume?

If I do, at least it shows I have a job but it may look bad to employer that I am leaving after only two months. I can explain why I am leaving to potential employers but it might not even get me to the interview stage if they see that I am leaving a job right after I started.

If I leave this job out, then I have to explain the "gap" and explain why I left my last job without something lined up. This could also look bad. I am not going to use the current job as a reference so that won't be an issue.

Can anyone advise on my situation? I think either way is not going to look good for me but which way would be better? Thank you.

• resignation
• employment-gaps

• Possible duplicate of How long is too long of an unemployment gap? –  gnat Commented Jul 23, 2019 at 7:45
• Yes, I feel like I can explain why I decide to leave without making it seems like I am bad mouthing or complaining about the company. I will try to tell it in a way that will focus on what I look for in a company instead of what I don't like. Also if I do put this job in my resume, they will want to check the reference for sure. I am not sure if this is something I should worry about (what they will say about me). Obviously I am going to try to not burn any bridges but you never know. –  Ethan Commented Jul 23, 2019 at 17:04
• 1 Possible duplicate of Is it OK to leave very short-term employment off my resume? As I understand it, you should only place items on the resume that are relevant to the position you are applying for. Since we don't know the position you are applying for, the question can't be completely answered. Also see Irrelevant jobs vs long employment gap . –  user25792 Commented Jul 24, 2019 at 9:16

4 Answers 4

In my mind this hinges on whether you've had other short spells of employment on your CV.

If the rest of your experience shows you've been at company A for 5 years, company B for 3, company C for 10, then any reasonable interviewer is going to look at that and realise that you're likely correct in your assessment (that your current company's workplace is toxic through no fault of your own and you need to get out as soon as possible.)

If, on the other hand this is your first job, or you've been at other companies for less than a year, then that's much more of a problem. In that case however I'd advise sticking employment out for at least a year if you possibly can, as however much you'll have to struggle through, this will set you up much better for future opportunities down the line.

As I see it, there are a couple things you want to consider:

• if your current employer is called for a reference would they provide a good character reference.
• two months can be overlooked as an employment gap depending on the nature of your work, or your specific location.

Provided that this act is not a pattern in your resume, I think it's fine to leave the job in your resume to show no employment gap, and highlight that you are "desired" in the job market.

Regardless of the amount of time you held at any job, many interviewers will ask the reasons why you left each of your previous employments. For this case, mentioning that the company culture was not a good fit for you is an okay justification for leaving.

Your resume should only contain information and experience relevant to the positions you are applying to or are going to apply to, and you should be comfortable with having those experiences in your resume. If you do not want to be affiliated with that company, and the chances are you might not want to be - leave it out.

There is nothing inherently wrong with leaving something out of your resume. If you do not feel comfortable listing this experience, you are free to not do so as long as you can explain the gap.

If the gap is a couple of months, personal time off is also a good excuse-explanation. From my personal experience, I have removed experience from my resume once because I did not want my name affiliated with that particular company. I see nothing wrong with that, both from the perspective of being a candidate and from the perspective of hiring people.

• 4 I agree that it could be left out on the resume if its not relevant but I wouldn't suggest an outright lie (personal time off) when asked about the 2 months gap - In case they find out via backgfround-check etc. the OP will have much more to explain.. –  iLuvLogix Commented Jul 23, 2019 at 9:25
• 1 There are three kinds of employers out there - employers you want to work for and who don't care about such minute details, employers who focus on these kinds of details and you do not want to work for, and CIA (read - defense contractors, law enforcement and such). Except for the latest, I think the author is safe. –  Matiss Commented Jul 23, 2019 at 9:58
• 1 In my industry (financial) you could never get away with leaving your current employer off your resume. This would be taken as a form of dishonesty, especially if you lied about 'taking time off' during the interview. Maybe other industries differ, I don't know. –  dm63 Commented Jul 23, 2019 at 13:50
• @Joe Strazzere Interesting. I didn't know potential employer can find out where I work. –  Ethan Commented Jul 23, 2019 at 17:15
• 1 "There is nothing inherently wrong with leaving something out of your resume." Please note that there are coutries where a gap in the CV will have people assume you are purposefully hiding something so bad you don't want to talk about it. Like a prison sentence, drug rehab or similar. –  nvoigt ♦ Commented Apr 12, 2022 at 5:17

I would only put it down if it was super relatable to the job you are applying for and if you are in good standing with the company. If not I would omit it. I have been told by people who know a lot about editing resumes that you should really only put down relevant jobs from 1 year and over. Unless its something that really highlights your skills if you put down short-term jobs it doesn't really look good to hiring managers.

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Should You Leave Short-Term Jobs Off Your Resume?

Not all experience is created equal. Learn when, why, and how to leave short-term jobs off your resume or job application — and when to leave them on.

2 years ago   •   8 min read

All experience is good experience, right?

Not when it comes to short-term jobs.

While you might have learned a lot from your two-week stint in customer service or the month you spent at a company before deciding it wasn’t the right fit, that doesn’t mean those positions belong on your resume. The first rule of resume writing is to only include something if it makes you a more appealing candidate — and in most cases, that means leaving short-term jobs off your resume.

When to leave a short-term job off your resume

Let's start with some blanket guidelines for when to leave a short-term job off your resume. Don't include a short-term job on your resume if:

• You held the job for less than 6 months
• You don’t have any relevant accomplishments to list
• The job was in a completely different role or industry
• It’s a much older position , e.g. part-time jobs from when you were a student or entry-level jobs when you’ve had significant experience since then
• You were fired or left early on bad terms

When to keep a short-term job on your resume

Leaving short term jobs off your resume isn’t a hard and fast rule. There are some exceptions when it’s appropriate to include a short-term job on your resume:

• Seasonal jobs, especially if you’re still studying and worked full-time over the summer
• Temporary , contract, or freelance work
• Any other position that was explicitly designed to be short-term

If you’re not sure how effective your short-term jobs are on your resume, upload it to the tool below — it’ll give you a detailed review of your jobs and accomplishments and suggest which ones to improve or remove.

How to decide what jobs to leave off your resume

Still undecided? Here are the questions you should be asking yourself when deciding whether or not to include a short-term job on your resume:

• Was the position designed to be short-term (e.g. seasonal or temp work)? If so, it can probably stay on.
• How long were you at the job? If it’s less than 6 months, consider leaving it off. If it was only a few weeks, definitely leave it off .
• Was the position relevant to the job you’re applying for now? If your only relevant experience was from a short-term job, you can consider leaving it on only if you can point to something you achieved in the role.
• Do you have any major accomplishments to show? If you were at the job less than 6 months, the answer is likely to be “no.”
• Does it fill a gap in your resume ? In general, gaps shorter than 6 months aren’t likely to be a big deal, but if you worked on a few short-term jobs or side gigs during a longer gap, consider bundling that experience under a single heading.

Why you should leave short-term jobs off a resume

What’s the harm in including short-term jobs on your resume? These are the potential drawbacks of listing short-term jobs.

Listing too many short-term jobs on a resume can make you look like a job hopper

In general, you should be aiming for stays of at least 2-3 years in most jobs that you include. One or two shorter stays in a larger context of longer commitments should be okay, but listing several short-term jobs will make most recruiters wonder if you’re likely to leave this job after only a few months, too.

It can raise red flags about why you left

Your reason for leaving a job plays a big role, too. Were you fired? Did you quit without notice? Would you rather quit than work through issues in your current workplace? While having one or two short-term jobs on your resume is unlikely to be a dealbreaker on its own , it may give the hiring manager pause — and if there are other candidates with similar backgrounds but better job histories, that may be enough reason not to move you forward.

Short-term jobs are unlikely to add anything to your resume

Remember that your resume isn’t a complete history of your professional experience, but rather a story about why you’re a good fit for this particular job. That means only including information that highlights relevant skills or accomplishments , which you’re unlikely to have developed in only a few months while you were still learning the ropes.

How to include short-term jobs on your resume

Decided to list one or more short-term jobs on your resume? Here's how.

Contract or temporary work

Quick How To: If you’ve held more than one or two contract or temporary positions, you can list these under a single header on your resume to keep things organized and avoid the appearance of job hopping.

Detailed Guide: The Right Way To List Contract Work on Your Resume

Freelance work

Quick How To: Give yourself an official company name and job title — this will help legitimize your freelance work. Group different projects or clients underneath this heading, with individual dates and bullet point accomplishments.

Detailed Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Listing Freelance Work on a Resume

Multiple jobs at the same company

Quick How To: If you've bounced around to a few different roles within the same company, avoid confusion by listing these all under the same company heading. You can choose to list your accomplishments separately or together (depending on how similar the roles were) — and don't forget to explicitly highlight any promotions in that period.

Detailed Guide: How Do You List Multiple Positions at the Same Company?

How to rehab your resume if you have a lot of short-term jobs

Do you have a lot of short-term jobs that don't neatly fit into the categories above? Here's how to fix a spotty work history.

List only the years of employment

It isn't an absolute requirement to list months on your resume — in fact, many people don't. It's totally fine just to list years on your resume as long as it doesn't significantly misrepresent your background — for example, don't list a six-week job from December 2022 to January 2023 as "2022-2023," but you can list a job you held from March to October 2022 as simply "2022."

Leave jobs off your resume strategically

Similarly, if you held more than one job in a single year, it's often better to list just one of them. If recruiters see multiple jobs listed over a 1-2 year period, they may wonder what's up, whereas listing one or two jobs over the same timeframe will raise fewer concerns — even if there's a small gap in between some of them.

Embrace the resume gap

Having a gap on your resume isn't the big deal it used to be. One or two gaps of less than 6 months aren't likely to be a big deal — in fact, leaving a gap on your resume may look better than trying to cram in any short-term jobs you held over that period. If you're asked in an interview about what you were doing during that time, you can mention any short-term jobs then and explain (if necessary) that you left it off your resume because you didn't feel that it was relevant.

Listing short-term jobs on a resume vs job application

Does this mean you should leave a short-term job off your application, too? Not necessarily.

It's common for job applications to ask for a complete job history. In that case, you should include every job you’ve ever held on a job application — even the very short-term ones.

That doesn’t mean you need to go back and put those jobs on your resume. You’re unlikely to need to explain leaving jobs off your resume, but if you’re asked about the difference between your resume and application, here’s a simple script you can use:

“I wanted to focus on more relevant experience on my resume, for example my [X years of experience / relevant skill set / recent accomplishment].”

Frequently asked questions

Should you include your current job on your resume.

If you’ve only been at your current job for a few months, you generally shouldn’t include it on your resume . The exception to this is if you have a major enough accomplishment that it’s worth the trade-off. In this case, be prepared to give a short explanation of why you’re leaving if you get to the interview stage — not on your resume. It’s okay to mention that the position was a bad fit or that it focused on X when you’re looking for Y (when Y is something you’d be doing in the new role), but stay away from discussing interpersonal conflicts or badmouthing your current company.

How soon is too soon to leave a job?

That depends on a number of factors, but in general, you should weigh up how badly you want to leave vs how important it is to have a longer stay on your resume. If you've been at most of your previous jobs for a few years, it's not a big deal to leave this one early. On the other hand, if you have a string of shorter jobs under your belt, you may want to stay for at least 2-3 years to show that you're capable of staying longer at a job.

Related : Being Scared To Leave A Comfortable Job Is Natural, But Don’t Let That Stop You

How bad is job hopping?

Not as bad as it used to be. Employees are increasingly realizing that the best way to make more money is to leave and get a new job, which means that job hopping is becoming more mainstream. Even so, a lot of recruiters (especially the more old-fashioned ones) will still balk at it, so be prepared for the consequences if you choose to follow this path.

Is it lying to leave a job off your resume?

Not at all! As a job seeker, you can do whatever you like with your resume, including leaving off information if it isn’t relevant, doesn’t help your candidacy, or you’d rather keep it private. Recruiters (and successful job seekers) understand that your resume is a marketing tool, not a complete background of your work history.

Spread the word

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.