As if job interviews weren't nerve racking enough, some of the toughest questions are asked and many job candidates are stumped for the "right" answers.  For example, the question -- Why did you leave your last job?, leaves many interviewees with sweaty palms.

Although sometimes difficult, this question is guaranteed to surface in every job interview, so it's best to prepare your answer beforehand.  First you need to think about the interviewer's motivation for asking this question.  The employer wants to know if there were any negative reasons for leaving your job, such as being fired, not getting along with coworkers or incompatibility with company's culture.  If there is a negative reason for leaving your last job, make sure you have your answer formulated "before" you get to the interview and try to present the negative reason in a positive or at least neutral way.  Please do not under any circumstances go on a rant about being fired, laid off or storming out of the office after being fed-up.  Below are some samples of how you might reply.

 •For a job that was not challenging enough.
 •I was looking for more opportunities for professional growth.
 •For being fired.
 •Unfortunately, it was not a good fit for me or them.  I made the mistake of trying to remain, my work suffered and I was fired.  It taught me a valuable lesson, always choosea   company that is the right fit no matter what.
 •For an environment that was too conservative.
 •I prefer a more creative and flexible work environment.

These are just a few examples, but the thing they all have in common is that they emphasize the positive sides of what could be viewed as negative.