How do I explain how I quit my job in my interview with another company?

Question

I have an interview on Monday, and I really want to get this job.

Here's the problem. I quit my job last Weds...I really wanted to stay with the job until I found something else, but my boss was just TERRIBLE to me - we're talking emotional abuse. So I finally caved and said "I'm outta here."

So I got an interview for another company (which will be much better for me), through a fellow employee at my last job.

My problem is, how do I go about telling my interviewer why I quit the job?

At first I though, I can just say I'm still with the company, and that I want to leave...except that the person who got me the interview knows that I quit, and may very well tell that to my interviewer.

So with that out of the way, how do I explain this? Do I tell the very truth about how bad my boss was? I don't want this company to think I'm a quitter, or that I'm weak, or that I'm badmouthing the last company.

How do I do this professionally, and get the job????

Answer 1

I'd just say 'personal reasons'  or something about the pay.  Or you could turn round and be like 'I found my previous employer to be unprofessional however I believe my experience has helped me prepare for the role you are offering..' put a positive spin on it. :)

Answer 2

As a supervisor and one who interviews a lot of people, my best advice is that you need to be as professional as possible. The number one rule is DO NOT bad mouth your previous employer. You don't need to give details. All you need to say is that you left your previous employment because you found it did not work for you or it did not fit your current needs. If they inquire further, you can give another answer such as it was too far from where you live, the schedule didn't work, the actual work itself wasn't beneficial to your growth. Go to career builders or monster jobs and look at the interview section. There are plenty of sample questions where you can find good ideas of how to answer questions in the most professional way without bad mouthing a previous employer even if that is the reason you left. Good luck!