How long have you been looking for a job?

How to Use

Interviewer: How long have you been looking for a job?

Bill: I left my previous job six months ago, but I have only been looking for a job for 2 months.

Interviewer: What were you doing during the four months that you were out of work but not looking for a job?

Bill: I was spending time with my family. I have two kids, who are 7 and 10, and I wanted to spend some more time with them.

Interviewer: I understand. Did you feel like you did not have enough time to spend with your family at your previous company?

Bill: Yes, and that is the main reason that I decided to leave. My previous company often asked employees to work up to 80 hours a week.

Interviewer: Well, our company encourages employees to work no more than 60 hours per week. Working overtime is sometimes necessary, but we want our staff to have satisfying lives outside of work as well.

Bill: I heard about that, and it is a major reason why I applied for this position. Plus, your company has a great reputation in the industry.

How You Can Answer This Interview Question