[?] Subscribe

XML RSS
Add to Google


Home
What's New
Help
Ask Me A Question
Introduce Yourself
Career Change
Career Coaching
Career Choices
Appraisals
Career Counselling
Career Success
Training
Free Cover Letters
CV Writing
Curriculum Vitae
Resume Tips
Interviews
Key Strengths
Self Marketing
Body Language
Self Confidence
Self Development
Personality Tests
Find A Job
Jobs Resources
Hidden Jobs
Work Skills
Salary Negotiation
Assessment Centre
Dress For Success
Networking
Managing People
Occupations 2010
Writing Career
Back To Work
Work At Home
Stress At  Work
Outplacement
Own Business
Links
Contact Us
Disclosure
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer
Site Map
Newsletter
Retirement

The Exit Statement Explains Your Reason For Leaving At Interviews

Exit Statement or Leaving Statement?

An exit statement or leaving statement which you will use at an interview, allows you to explain your reason for leaving and it helps to protect you from the emotions of a difficult job loss that may have happened because of redundancy or downsizing.

Even if you left your previous job of your own accord and it was your own decision, you should still make sure you can explain what happened; they almost always ask you about this at interview, so you need a 'reason for leaving' statement ready and prepared.

If there was a redundancy or downsizing that cost you your job, the danger in being reminded of it by an interview question is that the emotions can surface inappropriately and instead of appearing confident and in control at your interview, you look unsure or confused.

What you need is an Exit statement to express your reason for leaving positively why you left (or are leaving) your last job which:

  • Is unemotional;
  • Is based on facts;
  • Should be presented positively;
  • Does not criticize anyone;
  • Mustn't contain any negatives;
And lasts for approximately 30 seconds and maintains eye contact throughout.

Because the leaving statement will bring back all of your feelings about losing your job - especially things the new employer doesn't need to hear - it is much better to practice and rehearse a 'story' so that you get used to hearing it and it leaves you in control of your feelings. It only needs to be quite brief; see the example below.

This exit statement can also be tagged on to your "career overview" statement to pre-empt the difficult question altogether.

Difficult Questions About Leaving...

Some thoughtless interviewers try to put pressure on by asking questions like:

"Why did they get rid of you?"

"Why did they make you redundant?"

"If you were doing so well, why are you leaving?"

You can answer this question with confidence when you've prepared an exit statement that states the facts in a positive light and leaves you in control.

Your exit statement might go like this:

"Following a difficult year for the business, the directors decided to reduce the number of staff in the manufacturing division. A number of people including me were affected, but I understand the reasons for the decision and don't regret my time working there. I learnt a lot and had some very good colleagues. I also know I have developed a good range of skills so I'm pleased to be here to discuss this job with you today."

See how you can make a clear statement that satisfies the interviewer but also leaves it looking forward positively.

Try a similar statement that explains your own reasons for leaving and fits your personal situation. Don't worry if it sounds a bit too bland. The interviewer wants to hear an answer to the question and is less concerned about this than finding out whether you can do the job you applied for!

Of course if you are leaving of your own accord, you might wantt some ideas of how to write your resignation letter and resign with style.

Return from exit statement to your personal marketing statements.

Return To Your Career Change Home Page


Looking for something specific?

Perhaps you need an answer to an interview question? Need help with writing a career change CV or a good layout? How to start Networking? Or just some ideas of how to write your resignation letter and resign with style??

Just enter your keyword in the search box below to find your answer on this site or anywhere else on the web. You will see some adverts that may be of interest since Google targets ads to your particular interests, but your results will be below that.

Google
 
Webwww.your-career-change.com


amazing cover letters





footer for exit statement page