Have you ever wondered how to explain leaving a job that felt like a cult in a professional manner during a job interview?
#CultExperience #JobInterviewAdvice #ProfessionalResponse
Handling the “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?” Question
When faced with the question “why did you leave your last job?” in a job interview, it’s essential to provide a professional and concise response that sheds light on your experience without going into unnecessary details.
Addressing a Cult-like Work Environment
If your previous job felt like a cult due to its controlling nature, focus on how the culture was not aligned with your values and career goals. Instead of directly labeling it a cult, emphasize the mismatch in values and organizational culture.
Phrasing Your Response
– Highlight the importance of a positive and inclusive work environment in fostering growth and success.
– Mention that you sought a workplace where collaboration and respect are paramount.
– Explain that the previous job did not offer the supportive and healthy atmosphere you thrive in.
By framing your response in a way that emphasizes your professional values and aspirations, you can effectively address the question while steering clear of negative connotations. Remember, honesty and diplomacy are key in navigating such delicate interview questions.
“I felt like I’d reached my maximum potential in that environment and that to grow – professionally and personally – I’d have to seek opportunities elsewhere.”
Probably “I left because the company culture and i were not a good fit”
I’m looking for new opportunities. You can excel in a job interview without trashing your previous employer
You don’t. They don’t care. They care how you’ll talk about them though. Be diplomatic.
“I learned a lot (don’t need to say what) and am now ready for new growth experiences.”
My previous job no longer met my long term goals and was no longer compatible with my plans for a long term career.
I wouldn’t say anything remotely close to that, even if it’s true. Insulting your previous employer rarely looks good to a prospective employer, and in this case, you likely will just look like a nut.
I wouldn’t say anything remotely close to that, even if it’s true. Insulting your previous employer rarely looks good to a prospective employer, and in this case, you likely will just look like a nut.
You don’t. You give the same generic crap about it not being a good culture fit, or you advanced as far as you could at that company, or some bullshit like that. That question cannot help you, only hurt you, so no point risking saying anything remotely controversial.
Something along the lines you were conflicted with the workplace culture or work/life balance, they were intrusive, etc. Whatever it is that made this place ‘lowkey a cult’- that would give you a segue to say like, *it’s a cult because of they wanted me to read the BOOK or attend the MEETING* or whatever.
I didn’t feel the environment was the right fit for me to advance and grow.
I realized that the prevalent corporate culture went against my personal morals.
There was tremendous pressure to recruit my friends and family to join the company at significant expense to them. My direct sales were fine but I was very reluctant to badger people in my personal life into making a substantial committment.
“Someone pulled an upper decker in the men’s bathroom”
Things got kind of awkward after I was fired.
“The company culture there was extremely unconventional and I became uncomfortable being there.”
“I am someone who finds tremendous value in working in an environment where I truly believe in our mission, towards the end of my tenure I found it hard to do so. Now, I am looking forward, focusing on companies that have a strong mission statement and leadership that I can trust to achieve that mission”
I wouldn’t. Just say that you didn’t think you were a good fit, or you wanted to go in a different direction. Anytime you disparage a former employer, your going to make your interviewer think: ‘What might he say about *us* if/when he leaves in the future?’.
First of all, I have almost never left a place until I lined up a new job (one exception was a student role that I had to vacate upon graduation from university.) This allows you to pivot that kind of question away from what you see as negative about the hopefully soon to be former employer and focus on how you view the company you’re interviewing with as superior. I’d go with something along the lines of “I am still currently with them, but was made aware of this position with you. My research indicates that you appear to more highly value independent individual contribution and work/life balance, which I feel would be a much more sustainable long-term career path.”
“I want to find a company where the goals are more centered around helping clients.”
My values and the company’s priorities no longer aligned.
“They had a particularly rigid operational structure that didn’t seem invested in innovation or efficiency, so I felt my skill-set would be more useful in a setting that was more forward-thinking. You know what I mean? Like, looking at what works in the present, but also noticing trends that may emerge in the future.”
If you get the job, send me an e-mojito. Good luck!
“I wasn’t a fan of the refreshments provided at the yearly party.”
They don’t give a shit why you left. They just want to see if you’re smart enough to realise that. Make up some bullshit that doesn’t make them sound good or bad.
The worst thing to do is to shit on your old job. The truth is, most people are basically the same and everyone hates their job. If you’re the type of person to call your old job a cult and act like your old boss had it out for you personally, you’re gonna looking entitled. Even if that’s the truth, they don’t care.
I became concerned when the FBI began targeting us for alleged cult activities and Eldar Manager Ezekial said we needed to hide the virgins and I didn’t want to go to the secret cellars.
In my experience, when I conduct interviews and the candidate actively badmouths their old company, sometimes they really did come from a shitty company. But often times, it’s the candidate who was the problem. Like a person constantly talking about all their “crazy exes”