Friends, neighbours and colleagues may already be asking you “What happened with your job?”

This is a question you will hear frequently as you launch your search. It is most important that you are prepared to handle this question capably. Therefore, one of the first things you should do is develop a response that is truthful and acceptable to you and to your previous and prospective employers.

You will probably edit your Reason for Leaving Statement several times. Although you will not distribute a written copy, the process of writing and refining your statement will keep your explanation concise and help ensure that you have it firmly in your mind. When drafting your statement consider these points:

• Keep it short and factual. Generally, the more you try to explain the more difficult your explanation becomes. You should be prepared to answer follow up questions, but only if they are asked.
  
  
• Be as positive as possible. Negative statements about your former employer will only hurt you.
  
  
• Put your best foot forward, but be truthful. There would have been a number of factors that contributed to your leaving. Pick the reason that is most positive and easiest to explain.