Why did you leave your last sales job? A three part answer
Interviewers ask this to check three things. Are you honest? Do you speak well of past employers? Do you know what you want next? A short, calm answer covers all three.
A three part answer
- The reason, in one sentence. Keep it factual.
- What you did well there. Give one result with a number.
- Why this role is the next step.
Example: "The company changed its target market, so my territory moved. I hit 112% of quota in my last full year. This role sells to the segment I know best."
Six example answers
- Redundancy: "My team was cut after a restructure. I exceeded quota in my last two quarters. I want to bring that to a growing team."
- Growth: "I had learned what the role could teach me. This role has a larger territory and a clear path to a senior position."
- Territory change: "My territory was split and the target stayed the same. I want a role where the target matches the market."
- Pay: "My package did not match my results. I am looking for a plan where attainment drives pay."
- Manager or culture: "The team's priorities changed and I wanted a more coaching focused environment."
- Relocation: "I moved cities and want a role closer to home."
Use the one that is true. Do not invent a reason.
See inside · £14 + VAT
What to avoid
- Criticising a past manager or company.
- A long story. Keep it under thirty seconds.
- A different answer from the one you gave the recruiter.
If you were let go
Say so plainly and briefly. Give the reason in one sentence, then what you learned. Move to what you have done well since. The STAR method examples help you build the story.
Practise it
Say the answer aloud three times. Check it takes under thirty seconds. Then move to the AE interview questions and practise those.
If you are still deciding whether to leave, read resigning from a sales job.
Next step: get the free 16 principles for a sales interview.
Questions
How do I answer why I left my last sales job?
Give the reason in one sentence. Add one result with a number and why this role is next. Keep it under thirty seconds.
Should I tell the truth if I was let go?
Yes. State it plainly and give the reason briefly. Then move to what you learned and what you have done since.
Should I mention pay as a reason for leaving?
Only if it is true. Frame it as wanting pay that follows results.
Related guides
Account Executive interview questions
The common questions, what each one tests and how to answer well.
STAR method sales interview examples
Three worked deal stories and a checklist to score your own.
Resigning from a sales job
Notice, unpaid commission and counter offers.
Run your search like a pipeline
A Notion kit for sellers changing roles. It has a target list and a pipeline board with follow-ups due. It also has recruiter scripts, negotiation scripts and an offer calculator for year-one pay. £14, one payment, plus VAT for UK and EU buyers.
Principled Pitch is independent. Pay, quotas and hiring processes vary by company and country. Check the details of any role with the recruiter.