You left your previous job within six months. Why?
Give a short, honest and professional reason, such as a role mismatch, a project closing or relocation, never criticise the old employer, and explain why this role is a better long-term fit.
Explain it simply
A short stint makes HR worry you will leave them quickly too. They are checking two things: was the reason reasonable, and will it repeat here?
Keep the reason factual: "I was placed in a non-technical back-office process, while I want to build software", or "the startup shut down". Never complain about a manager or colleagues. Then explain clearly why this role matches what you want for the long term.
Example
Situation: After campus placement, Meghna was put in a voice-support process when she had expected a software role, and she resigned after five months.
Task: Explain the exit without sounding unstable.
Action: She says: "I joined as a trainee expecting development work, but after training I was placed in a voice process with no route to development for at least two years. I learned a lot about handling customers, but I wanted to code. Meanwhile I built two React projects. This role is a frontend developer position, which is exactly the work I want to grow in for years."
Result: HR sees a clear, reasonable reason and a strong fit with the new role.
What to say in the interview
"I left because the role turned out to be X, while I want to do Y. I learned Z there, but this role is a much better long-term fit because..."
Common mistakes
- Criticising the previous company or manager.
- Giving a vague reason like "it didn't work out".
- Showing no link to why this role will be different.