Overcoming "RFL" Challenges and Succeeding in Interviews

Navigating interview challenges and securing opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations can feel daunting, especially when your reason for leaving (RFL) involves complex circumstances like redundancy, a toxic workplace, or a misaligned role.

When a career transition involves difficult circumstances, feelings of diminished self-worth or doubt about your abilities are common. Over the years, I’ve worked with many individuals facing these exact challenges, guiding them to turn their RFL into a positive part of their story. Whether it’s redundancy or a difficult resignation, I’ve helped professionals navigate these conversations in interviews with clarity and confidence. ( I’m not saying they all got the role—but they left the interview feeling more confident and in control. And sometimes, that’s what makes all the difference)

For those who have been made redundant or who have stepped away from the job market for some time, interviews can feel especially intimidating. You might be used to being the one conducting interviews after years in leadership roles, and now being on the other side of the table can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming.

If you’re finding that you’re not as successful in interviews as you’d like to be, you’re not alone. Many professionals face similar challenges, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right approach can make a world of difference. There are effective strategies you can use to overcome these obstacles and showcase your true value.

Being made redundant or choosing to leave a role can be a deeply emotional experience, especially when the circumstances were unexpected or unpleasant. Whether your RFL is due to redundancy, a misaligned role, a toxic workplace, or burnout, how you explain it in an interview is key. The focus should be on addressing the situation constructively, centering the conversation on your future, and positioning yourself for new opportunities.

Here are some key objectives and strategies for addressing these RFL scenarios and explaining them effectively during an interview, based on the approaches I’ve used to help professionals successfully transition through interviews

1. Being Made Redundant

Objective: Overcome the shock and present your experience positively.

How to overcome it: Redundancy can be a shock, especially if it wasn't anticipated. It’s important to process the experience and understand that redundancy is often due to external factors beyond your control. Focus on the skills you gained and how they’ve made you stronger for your next role.

At the interview: Frame redundancy as an opportunity for growth and new possibilities. Share how you used the time to upskill, reflect on your career goals, or explore new directions. Emphasise your resilience and readiness for new challenges.

2. Resigning Because the Role Wasn’t as Described

Objective: Move past disappointment and present yourself as adaptable.

How to overcome it: When a role differs from what was promised, it can be frustrating. Reflect on the learning experience—what did you gain from the time in the role, and how has it clarified your career direction?

At the interview: Be honest but diplomatic. Explain that while the role didn’t align with the initial description, it helped you better understand what type of environment and responsibilities suit you best. Emphasise that you’re now seeking a role that is a more suitable match moving forward.

3. Toxic Workplace

Objective: Show resilience and professionalism despite difficult circumstances.

How to overcome it: Working in a toxic environment can take an emotional toll. It’s important to take time to recover and reflect. Focus on the ways you stayed professional and committed, even in a challenging situation. Prioritise your well-being as you move forward.

At the interview: Avoid dwelling on the negatives. Acknowledge that the workplace was difficult, but shift the focus to what you learned—conflict management, adaptability, and personal boundaries. Highlight your growth as a professional and what kind of positive work culture you’re seeking next.

4. Industry Burnout

Objective: Reassess your career direction and refocus on what brings you fulfillment.

How to overcome it: Burnout can signal the need to step back and reassess what you want from your career. Whether you need a break or a complete career shift, give yourself the space to explore new passions. Self-care and setting healthy boundaries are essential to preventing future burnout.

At the interview: Be transparent about your experience but focus on how you addressed burnout by finding balance and clarity. Discuss the steps you’ve taken to prevent burnout in the future, such as developing healthier work habits or pursuing roles that better align with your values.

5. Handling Emotions During the Interview

Objective: Stay composed and professional when emotions may be triggered.

How to overcome it: When your RFL involves strong emotions—whether it’s redundancy, a misaligned role, or a toxic workplace—take time to process those feelings before the interview. Practice discussing your RFL calmly and professionally, focusing on the lessons learned rather than the emotional aspect.

At the interview: If a challenging topic arises, take a deep breath and emphasise the positives. It’s okay to acknowledge that the experience was difficult, but focus on how you’ve grown from it and are now ready for new opportunities. Demonstrating emotional intelligence can be a powerful sign of resilience and adaptability.

Whatever your RFL—whether redundancy, a toxic workplace, industry burnout, or a misaligned role—there’s always a constructive way to explain it during an interview. More importantly, learning how to manage your emotions and stay composed when these topics come up is crucial. By focusing on growth, adaptability, and your future goals, you can turn these experiences into opportunities to demonstrate your resilience and commitment to your career.

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