Q About two months ago, I resigned from my job due to some differences with my ex-superior. I had worked there for less than six months. I've been to five interviews since then, but I never made it to the second round. I feel it may be because of the reason I left my previous job.

At the interviews, I put across the reason in a more diplomatic manner, such as I didn't feel challenged by the work as there wasn't sufficient autonomy given. Should I be stating a different reason? My past employment includes four months in the job I have just left, six months in a contract position and four years in a permanent position.

Please advise what concerns these potential employers may have and how I can counter them?

A While the short tenure in your last two jobs could be a possible reason you did not go further in the interview process, how you performed at the interviews could also be a factor.

Employers generally assess candidates based on their ability to perform the job in terms of their past working experience, career achievements and qualifications. Another area, which is often overlooked, is the personality of the candidate and the likely fit into the company's corporate culture.

When shortlisted for an interview, candidates would usually have met the minimum criteria based on what is presented in their resumes, namely, their work experience and qualifications.

While potential employers are typically focused during job interviews on finding out more about the candidate's career achievements, such interviews are also used to assess the candidates' soft skills, including interpersonal and communication skills; and for more senior level positions, leadership skills and management style.

Candidates who are articulate and express themselves well would clearly stand out among the many job applicants. And candidates with solid career track records and good progress in their careers would generally be preferred over candidates with short stints in different jobs or companies.

Given that you were shortlisted for five job interviews within two months, you probably possess the basic skill sets and experience for the positions you applied for.

If asked why you left your previous jobs, it is good to give a 'diplomatic' answer. But if probed further, it may be good to give an honest answer instead of being evasive. You should not lie or make negative comments about your past employers.

Your answer may give potential employers the impression that you need to be constantly challenged and be given autonomy in your job, otherwise, you could get bored and seek other job opportunities.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on October 26, 2008.