It's one of the most common interview questions — and one of the most mishandled. Here's how to answer it well.
If you are a transfer worker in Singapore, you have almost certainly faced this question: "Why did you leave your last employer?" It feels loaded. You might worry that honesty will count against you, or that saying too little will seem suspicious. Neither extreme serves you well.
The good news: most employers asking this question are not looking for a perfect past. They are looking for self-awareness and honesty. How you answer tells them a lot about how you communicate — which is one of the most important things in a live-in working relationship.
Keep it factual, not emotional
You do not need to share every detail. You do not need to criticise your previous employer. A clear, calm factual answer is almost always stronger than a long explanation. For example: "My employer's family situation changed and there was less work for me" or "I was looking for a family whose schedule fits better with my skills in infant care." These are honest. They are forward-looking. They do not invite unnecessary follow-up.
If the situation was genuinely difficult — perhaps there were disputes over rest days, or your duties changed significantly from what was agreed — you can acknowledge that without blame. "We had different expectations about the role, and we agreed it was better to part ways." That is enough.
What employers are really listening for
A thoughtful employer wants to know three things: Did something go wrong that might happen again? Can this person communicate clearly when things are hard? And does this person know what kind of household they work best in?
That last point matters more than people realise. Workers who can articulate what they are good at — and what kind of environment suits them — are far easier to place well. "I work best with younger children and a consistent daily routine" is not a weakness. It is useful information that helps both sides.
Prepare before the interview, not during it
Think through your answer before you sit down with a potential employer. Practice saying it out loud. Keep it to three or four sentences. If you have a helper — a friend, a shelter coordinator, or a placement service — ask them to do a mock interview with you. The goal is not to memorise a script. It is to feel settled enough that you can answer calmly.
At Anisya, workers build a profile that includes a short self-introduction video, so employers get a real first impression before any interview begins. It gives you a chance to frame your story on your own terms.