This is Find Your Dream Job, the podcast that helps you get hired, have the career you want, and make a difference in life.

I'm your host, Mack Pritchard.

I'm also the founder of Max List.

It's a job born in the Pacific Northwest that helps you find a fulfilling career. Every

Wednesday, I talk to a different expert about the tools you need to get the work you want.

Every hiring manager you meet will want to know why you're changing jobs. Your response,

especially if you were fired or laid

off, can make a huge difference in getting an offer. Heather Joy is here to talk about how to

explain why you left your last job. She's the founder and owner of right path, resumes, and

career coaching. Heather's company specializes in career coaching with a focus on interviews, resumes,

and LinkedIn profiles.

She joins us from Forest Grove, Oregon.

Well, let's jump right into it, Heather.

Why do interviewers care at all about why you left your last job?

That's a good question.

Well, of course, they may be concerned about if you were a good resource.

You know, if you had a negative history, if there's something wrong with your background,

if you switch jobs pretty frequently, they're going to notice that on your resume, but some interviewers

will still be willing to interview you to find out why that was and still be willing to

hire you. But their biggest concerns are just if you've been difficult to work with,

if there's any red flags for them. You work with a lot of candidates.

What mistakes do you see applicants make when they answer this question? Probably the biggest

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