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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  |114 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
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R P

R P Yadav  | Answer  |Ask -

HR, Workspace Expert - Answered on Jul 05, 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: Hi,
I appreciate that you have worked for 15 years in a job.
In spite of having a successful professional career, you bravely ventured into business.
It is only 2 out of 10 that are successful in business starting from a startup. So, you are not alone in this sort of situation.
You need to be very frank and honest to the interviewer highlighting the positive points of your career. I am sure that there would be some companies who would be attracted by it and you will eventually get a good job.

..Read more

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  | Answer  |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.

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CSE in Akhilesh Das Gupta or CSE in JECRC. Which one is better?
Ans: Amit Sir, An evaluation across accreditation and ranking, placement performance, faculty and curriculum infrastructure and industry exposure, and research and innovation reveals distinct profiles for JECRC Foundation’s CSE program and ADGITM’s CSE offering. JECRC Foundation is AICTE-approved and affiliated to Rajasthan Technical University, with NBA accreditation for its engineering streams and a NAAC B+ grade; it secured #62 in India Today’s 2024 Private Engineering rankings and #214 in B.Tech by India Today 2025. Its dedicated placement cell records 80–90% CSE placements annually, yielding over 2 000 offers and 1 400+ recruiters including Amazon, Microsoft, Cognizant, and Flipkart, with average packages of ?6–8 LPA and 2230+ offers in 2024–25. The curriculum emphasizes outcome-based education, multidisciplinary projects, industry-linked labs, and a 300-hour soft-skills program. The 32-acre campus houses advanced computing clusters, green infrastructure, incubators, and a robust advisory board fostering corporate partnerships.

ADGITM, affiliated to GGSIPU, is AICTE-approved with a NAAC A+ grade, and placed among the top 3% of Indian universities in QS metrics. Its CSE placements hover at 70–80%, with an average CTC of ?5.1 LPA and highest offers up to ?48 LPA; leading recruiters include Infosys, TCS, IBM, and Accenture. The curriculum aligns with IPU-CET and JEE Main cutoffs for CSE (closing ranks ~18 000–55 000), featuring specializations in AI/ML, Data Science, and cybersecurity. The urban campus offers digital and physical libraries, modern labs, sports facilities, an auditorium, and a CRC for internships and industry engagements. Research output is growing through student projects and seminars, though less extensive than JECRC’s funded initiatives.

Recommendation: JECRC Foundation is preferable for its stronger accreditation balance, higher placement consistency, extensive research grants, and expansive corporate network, while ADGITM offers solid infrastructure, specialized CSE tracks, and a supportive urban campus environment that suits students seeking Delhi-NCR exposure. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Hello sir.My daughter is getting electronics and vlsi in SVNIT surat through jossa counselling from ZEE mains.With HerKCET ranking she is getting PES RR campus Bangalore ece branch.which would be a better choice.
Ans: SVNIT Surat is an established NIT, government-funded and NAAC/NBA accredited, with a 250-acre campus offering world-class labs, centralized computer centers, and digitized libraries. The Electronics and VLSI program is highly specialized, with 70% placement rates in the electronics branch and an average package around ?10.72L for 2025, as well as robust industry links for core VLSI and electronics roles. The department emphasizes deep technical and design-oriented skills in VLSI and electronics system modeling and offers exposure to national projects, research platforms and a multidisciplinary environment.

PES University, RR campus, is among the highest ranked private engineering institutions in India, accredited by NAAC (A grade) and ABET for the ECE program, reflecting global standards and international recognition. ECE placements are consistently 85–95%, supported by extensive corporate recruiting from Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Infosys, as well as compulsory internships and strong training for soft and technical skills. The campus boasts state-of-the-art research centers, modern classroom technology, well-furnished hostels, and high exposure to the Bangalore tech hub, facilitating internships and broad career prospects. Faculty are industry-oriented and the ECE curriculum covers core and advanced topics, preparing graduates for both IT and core electronics/communication roles.

Recommendation: Choose PES University, RR campus ECE if high placement consistency, global accreditation, and proximity to the Bangalore technology ecosystem are priorities for your daughter's career aspirations. Opt for SVNIT Surat Electronics and VLSI if preference is for a highly specialized, research-driven national institute experience with strong placement in core engineering fields and government recognition. Both choices are excellent, but PES RR’s industry connections and placement record make it a slightly more versatile and dynamic environment for future opportunities. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2025Hindi
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Sir I can also get Dayanand Sagar College of Engineering ( CSE ), Kumarswamy layout or BMSIT ( CSE ) which would be a ideal choice? Thank you sir!
Ans: Based on the following insights/information, choose the more suitable option for you: Both Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE), Kumaraswamy Layout and BMS Institute of Technology and Management (BMSIT), Yelahanka, provide strong platforms for CSE, with each excelling across the essential aspects of accreditation, placement, faculty quality, infrastructure, and industry interface. DSCE is autonomous, approved by AICTE, affiliated to VTU, and boasts NAAC ‘A’ accreditation (CGPA 3.42) and NBA-accredited CSE, backed by experienced faculty with research-led curriculum. Placements in CSE at DSCE have ranged from 67% to 91% in recent years, with leading recruiters like Bosch, Amazon, and TCS; the campus houses advanced labs, extensive research centers, robust Wi-Fi, and personalized mentoring systems, fostering a supportive academic environment. BMSIT matches these with NAAC ‘A’ accreditation, NBA-accredited CSE, and an autonomous, AICTE-approved status under VTU. Its CSE placement rate has consistently hovered around 77–85% in the last three years, supported by vibrant recruiter engagement from Google, Cred, Philips, and Deloitte. BMSIT is known for modern classrooms, well-equipped CSE labs, and a lush 21.5-acre campus, with outcome-based learning and broad industry exposure, often topping surveys for industry collaboration and student satisfaction. Faculty at both institutes are highly qualified, with BMSIT particularly emphasizing outcome-based education and deep student mentoring. Infrastructure at both colleges is state-of-the-art, but BMSIT is also highly rated for industry engagement, sustainability, and holistic student support.

Recommendation: BMSIT CSE stands out slightly for its consistent placement rates, robust industry ties, and campus environment favoring innovation, making it an ideal choice for career-focused students, while DSCE remains an excellent alternative for its academic rigor, research orientation, and comprehensive curriculum. Both are solid, but BMSIT’s industry engagement gives it a unique edge for CSE aspirants. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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my son through lateral entry got ece in Anna University ceg campus and eee in ssn please suggest
Ans: A comparison between Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at Anna University’s CEG campus and Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) at SSN College of Engineering—both through lateral entry—shows distinct strengths for each. CEG, Anna University, holds a top state and national ranking, is NAAC A++ and NBA-accredited, and is renowned for its distinguished faculty, advanced labs, and rich alumni base. The ECE program at CEG emphasizes both fundamentals and emerging fields, securing placement rates of 85–95% over the last three years, with over 2,000 students placed recently and a steadily improving trend. Infrastructure includes modern research facilities, high networking opportunities, and access to diverse extracurriculars, and the campus is centrally located, which appeals to recruiters and enhances industry interaction. SSN, also highly ranked (just behind CEG in recent state tallies), offers an NBA-accredited EEE department and is known for its well-maintained campus, dedicated mentorship, and industry-linked curriculum. SSN’s EEE branch has achieved consistent placement rates of 80–89% in the last three years, with strong corporate and research collaborations, industry-focused training, and faculty support. However, core engineering careers in EEE typically trail high-demand profiles in ECE, especially regarding roles in IT, telecommunications, and electronics design. Both colleges offer transparent fee structures and excellent support for lateral entry students.

Recommendation: CEG Anna University’s ECE program should be preferred for its superior national reputation, broader placement opportunities, stronger industry interface, and large alumni network, making it an especially robust choice for long-term career prospects, while SSN’s EEE branch remains a commendable alternative for focused mentoring and core-electrical career orientation. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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