Applications — Why You Left a Job — Words to Use	
During the Interview:  If fired — admit you made a mistake — talk about what you have learned from 
the experience and how it will make you a better worker in the future.  Remember — keep it brief — keep 
it honest — keep it positive!  Then, stop talking so interviewer can go on to the next question.  Do not say 
anything negative (bad) about past supervisors, coworkers, or customers.   The interviewer may think that 
once hired, you will complain about your new supervisors, coworkers, and customers. 
Laws:  Laws protect workers’ rights to privacy, so past employers will normally tell only begin and end 
dates of employment and no other details.  If you had conflicts with former supervisor , try to use another 
supervisor’s name from same company on applications.  Or, ask the offended supervisor to please let you 
have a fresh start by not giving you a bad reference.  It does not hurt to ask since the supervisor might agree.
QUICK CHECK:
1.  a) What type words do you use to explain why you left a job?  b) Do not use what type of words to say 
why you left a job?  c) How to negative words make you look?
2.  List 5 examples of what you SAY on job applications if you left a job.  
3.  List 5 examples of what you DO NOT say on job applications if you left a job.
4.  a) If you were fired, what should you admit and talk about?  b) List 3 "keeps" to remember .  c) Why 
should you stop talking?  d) About which 3 people should you not say anything negative?  e) Why?
5.  a) What should you use on future applications if you did not get along with a former supervisor?  b) Or, 
what can you ask the offended supervisor?  c) Do you think the offended supervisor would agree?
6.  If you were an employer and a job applicant told you that he was dischar ged from his last job and will 
  discuss the situation in an interview.  a) Do you think you would give that applicant an opportunity to 
  discuss the situation with you?  b) Give a reason for your answer .	
Do not use NEGATIVE words to say why you left 
a job.  Negative words make you look negative.
JOB APPLICATIONS — DO NOT SAY THIS:
Quit (or Fired)
Let go for being late to work (or too many absences)
Pay is too low - or - Bad working conditions
My mom made me quit - or - No transportation
Did not like job. My boss (or coworker) is a jerk
Arrested. Needed time for court appearances
Had to quit because of low grades at school
Fired for fighting -or- Fired for harassment
I did not like coworkers
Tired of dealing with customers
Store products were pieces of junk
Use POSITIVE words to explain why you left a 
job.  These are good words to use.
WHY I LEFT MY LAST JOB — SAY THIS:
Want to learn new skills for my career goals
Want to take a new step in my career
Want to work for larger (or smaller) company
Seeking a job with opportunity for higher pay
Seeking a job with opportunity for promotions
Company closed (moved or downsized work force)
Seasonal (or Christmas) job
Needed time to study for finals (graduation, sports)
Need a job that is closer to home
Want a job in retail (or food service or office)
Job ended. Will discuss interview
U.S. Work World
CAREER mini-lesson
College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.