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Explain why you're leaving, even if it's messy

Redundancy, a bad manager, being let go or just bored. Get a short, honest answer that doesn't badmouth anyone or raise new worries.

Updated 17 Oct 2026

The prompt · ChatGPT

Help me answer "why are you leaving?" (or "why did you leave?").

The real reason: [as honestly as you like, e.g. made redundant, clashed with my manager, dismissed, burnt out]
What I'm happy to share: [e.g. the basics only]
What I want next: [and why this job fits]

Ask me up to 3 short questions first if anything important is missing. Wait for my answers.

Then:
1. A 20-second answer that's true, calm and moves quickly to what I want next.
2. An answer if they ask a follow-up question.
3. If it's on an application form, a one-line version.
4. Three things not to say, and why.

Never invent a different reason; if the truth is risky to share, help me say less, not something false. Only use what I've told you, leave blanks for anything I haven't given, and don't invent facts or figures. UK English.

Stay in this ChatGPT chat. Do not turn on apps or connectors, and do not use memory from another chat.

A short example

Fill the blanks, then paste. e.g. the basics only: a short note you already have. and why this job fits: a short note you already have. Leave the rest of the prompt as written.

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