So why did you leave your job?

One of the questions that is typically asked in an interview is “Why are you leaving your job?”

Or if you have already moved on, you may be asked: “Why did you leave your previous job?”

The Balance, a US-based website, provides some advice.

How you craft your answer will depend on whether your leaving was voluntary. Be prepared with an answer that casts you in the most positive light.

If you left of your own accord, look at these suggestions for an answer. Remember to tailor your response to meet your circumstances.

Be direct and focus your interview answer on the future, especially if you left under less-than-perfect circumstances.

Top 12 best answers

1. There isn’t room for growth with my current employer and I’m ready to move on to a new challenge.
2. I was laid off from my last position when our department was eliminated due to corporate restructuring.
3. I’m relocating to this area due to family circumstances and left my previous position in order to make the move.
4. I’ve decided that my current work role is not the direction I want to go in my career and my current employer has no opportunities in the direction I’d like to head.
5. After several years in my last position, I’m looking for a company where I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment.
6. I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my technical skills and experience in a different capacity than I have in the past.
7. I recently received my degree and I want to utilise my educational background in my next position.
8. I left my last position in order to spend more time with my family. Circumstances have changed and I’m more than ready for full-time employment again.
9. I am seeking a position with a stable company with room for growth and opportunity for advancement.
10. I was commuting to the city and spending a significant amount of time each day on travel. I would prefer to be closer to home.
11. To be honest, I wasn’t considering a move, but I saw this job posting and was intrigued by the position and the company. It sounds like an exciting opportunity and an ideal match with my qualifications.
12. This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and experience and I am not able to fully utilise them in my present job.

Whatever you do, don’t speak badly about your previous employer.

Remember, if you do, the interviewer will wonder if you will be bad-mouthing his company next time you’re looking for work.