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Stuck at my job for 13 years: How do I answer interview questions about leaving?

Krishna

Krishna Kumar  | Answer  |Ask -

Workplace Expert - Answered on Jan 27, 2025

Krishna Kumar is the founder and CEO of GoMoTech, a company that provides strategic consulting in B2B sales, performance management and digital transformation.
Before branching out on his own, he worked with companies like Microsoft, Rediff, Flipkart and InMobi.
With over 25 years of experience under his belt, KK is a regular speaker at industry events and academic intuitions, both in India as well as abroad.
KK completed his MBA in marketing from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Andhra Pradesh and his management development programme from XLRI, Jamshedpur.
He has also completed his LLB from Nagpur University and diploma in PR from Bhavan’s College of Management, Nagpur, where he was awarded a gold medal.... more
Mrutyunjaya Question by Mrutyunjaya on Jan 06, 2025Hindi
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I have been working with a company since 2011 & it is almost 13 years , hence getting challenges in Job interview . Could you support how can I response if interviewer ask why you want to left your job now when you associated with a company since more than 13 years

Ans: Dear Mr.Mrutunjaya

Congratulations on your long stint.

I would suggest instead of saying things that would be please the interviewer, state things that you believe in.

It could be any or all of the following.

1. Explore newer opportunities
2. Expand job role
3. Take up challenging assignments
4. Come out of the comfort zone
Career

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Ashwini

Ashwini Dasgupta  |104 Answers  |Ask -

Personality Development Expert, Career Coach - Answered on Feb 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 05, 2023Hindi
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Hello mam, I am a 52 year old qualified woman, i left my well paid illustrious job after doing it for 13 years in 2008 to run my own business but due to some unforeseen and unfortunate personal and professional circumstances, I couldn't be successful in business due to lack of funding and no partners with me and remained a trader only in last 15 years. Although as a sole proprietor of the business, I handled all aspects of business my self like sales, marketing, finance, new clients generation etc, Got lot of experience as a sole proprietor but couldn't generate much revenue. I am a single woman industry. Now if I leave my business and go for a job with my total 28 years of job and business experience, how would I explain to interviewer the reason of leaving my business? How will i explain my business income which is much lesser than the current job salary of a person with 28 years experience in my field of business? I tried to go back in job several times in the last 15 years but couldn't because of these 2 reasons so please help. Thanks
Ans: Hi Sir/ Madam,

This is an commendable experience. Kudos.

Here are the few aspects you may consider- When explaining your decision to leave your business and seeking a job, honesty and framing your experiences in a positive light are key.

Highlight your entrepreneurial journey- mention on the various roles you have performed- sales, marketing, finance etc. This will show your versatility and multiple other aspects of the business.

Be honest and tell the interviewer'

Focus on the learning and growth-highlight the new skills you have learnt during your entrepreneurial journey and link it to the jobs you have/ will be applying.

Express your desire to have stability

Be honest on your financial conditions and explain how these are important

Get active on networking and referrals

Tailor your resume as per the industry, jobs you are applying

Prepare for the interviews. Practice, practice and practice

Employers value candidates who are honest and transparent. They value the diverse experience you bring on the table. Be effectively communicating your experience you can position yourself as a valuable asset to any organization.

All the best



Thanks
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a skill or attitude?

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Nitin

Nitin Sathe  | Answer  |Ask -

HR, Recruitment Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 05, 2023Hindi
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I am a 52 year old qualified woman, i left my well paid illustrious job after doing it for 15 years in 2009 to run my own business but due to some unforeseen and unfortunate personal and professional circumstances, I couldn't be successful in business due to lack of funding and no partners with me and remained a trader only in last 15 years. Although as a sole proprietor of the business, I handled all aspects of business my self like sales, marketing, finance, new clients generation etc, Got lot of experience as a sole proprietor but couldn't generate much revenue. I am a single woman industry. Now if I leave my business and go for a job with my total 28 years of job and business experience, how would I explain to interviewer the reason of leaving my business? How will i explain my business income which is much lesser than the current job salary of a person with 28 years experience in my field of business? I tried to go back in job several times in the last 15 years but couldn't because of these 2 reasons so please help. Thanks
Ans: Ma’am, The interviewer will surely ask you what makes you come back looking for a job. It is good to be forthright about why your business went the way it did. And you are sure to have had huge learning experiences from the failure as well; these learning’s could be applied to the new job for the value addition that the employer would expect from you. I do not think a question about why you have a low business will be asked if you have replied to his query regarding the same truthfully. If you see a bleak future in your business, it is better to go back to the illustrious career that you once followed, but as a caution, I would advise you to expect a lower salary since you have had a break and need to prove yourself at the job once again.
Wishing you the best!

..Read more

Career

Career Coach  |49 Answers  |Ask -

Workplace Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 19, 2024Hindi
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Tell us why you wish to leave your current job. This is a very common question asked by employers in a job interview. What is the correct way to answer this question?
Ans: When responding to the question about why you want to leave your current job in a job interview, it's crucial to convey a positive message and avoid speaking negatively about your current or previous employers. Here's a paraphrased version of the tips:

1. Highlight career advancement: Stress your interest in professional growth and how the new position complements your long-term career objectives, showcasing a forward-thinking attitude.

- Example: "While I've gained valuable experience in my current role, I see this new opportunity as a chance for continued growth and development in alignment with my career goals."

2. Emphasize positive aspects of the new job: Showcase what attracts you to the new role, such as the company's values, mission, or specific job responsibilities. Frame your response around a positive change rather than escaping something negative.

- Example: "I'm enthusiastic about joining a company that prioritizes innovation. I believe my skills are well-suited to the challenges presented by this new role."

3. Refer to personal circumstances: If applicable, mention changes in your personal life (e.g., relocation, family situations) that prompt your job search, emphasizing that it's unrelated to dissatisfaction with your current job.

- Example: "Due to recent changes in my family situation, I'm seeking a position that offers a better balance between my professional and personal commitments. I believe this new opportunity provides that balance."

4. Steer clear of negativity: Avoid criticizing current or past employers, colleagues, or company culture. Keep your comments positive to present yourself in a favorable light.

- Example: Instead of expressing dissatisfaction with management, say something like, "I'm looking for a work environment that aligns more with my collaborative and team-oriented approach."

The key is to convey your enthusiasm for the new opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals, without dwelling on any negative aspects of your current or past roles.

..Read more

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Janak

Janak Patel  |26 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Apr 09, 2025

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One fincart advisor contacted me for giving me advise regarding mutual funds and investment of sector is fincart a good company or not to invest
Ans: Hi Sammer,

An adviser/company to be categories as good or not is a bit subjective. I say this because you may find people who have had a good experience with them and those who did not have a good one.

But let me try to help you with some pointers that can help you decide
1. Before asking what they can offer you, ask them - "What do you gain by becoming my advisor?" Their response will give you insight into their objectives. If its not clearly stated, then consider it a RED flag.
2. Are they going to advise based on your preferences or they have a selected list that you need to choose from. I have heard of adviser pushing different products without considering your preferences e.g. You prefer MF and they push ULIP, Regular MF vs Direct MF etc. This can include cross selling other products that they are servicing like insurance and pension products.
3. Inquire about their process of engagement before advising you. Will they consider your requirements and evaluate them and present options to choose or start by putting the options on table and recommending MFs without understanding your goals/requirements. Simple ask, so which is the best MF scheme to invest today. If they start listing them - RED flag.
4. How will they construct a portfolio for you, structure and number of schemes in it, will it have a strategy and objective to it. Or will they keep building it over time by adding new schemes as and when. A person once came to me with a portfolio of approx. 30 lakhs with over 30 MF schemes in it - RED flag. Going beyond 5-6 schemes needs to be reviewed thoroughly.
5. What are their processes for reviewing the performance of the portfolio/schemes and how do they provide recommendation for changes in the portfolio. Will they take into account tax impacts when recommending exits.
6. Will they aim to educate you in this whole process about various aspects so as to establish and enhance their engagement, trust and your own confidence in them.
7. Most important - Will it be a fee based engagement or a commission based. Typically fee based engagements should encourage customer's preferences e.g Direct MF, using client's Demat account etc and provide recommendations for customers requirement with alternatives and options. Even when you change a recommendation, they should educate you on its impact and recommend alternative to mitigate the impact. Commission based engagements are based on their earnings from your investment. Some times their approach is to add schemes based on commissions. But there are good advisors who will stay the course of a well constructed portfolio even in this model, having the customers interest at heart.

So do your own assessment of any advisor you engage with based on the above. You can add more points of evaluation based on your own experience and knowledge.
Remember Simple strategies are more often successful.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

...Read more

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