Just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don’t need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don’t need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free

– Paul Simon

One of those job interview questions that candidates fear the most (right after, “What’s your greatest weakness?”) concerns their current — or most recent — job.

“Why do you want to leave your current job?” or “Why did you leave your last job?” are both fraught with peril, as they can lead you into negative territory, which is never a good place to be during an interview.

But you have to provide a substantive answer. “Made a new plan, Stan” won’t cut it.

Maybe you want to leave your current job because there are no remaining challenges, no way for you to progress further in the company. 

Maybe you lost your job because your company downsized; no shame in that, especially in this economy.

Regardless of why you left (or want to leave) your old job, your No. 1 goal should be to convince the interviewer that your commitment to the new position is 100 percent.  You are ready to go above, beyond and into the future.

But what if you did something you shouldn’t have — like just walked out on your old job?  Did a “Jack” move and just slipped out the back?

According to Lisa Rosendahl, who addressed this question recently in her HR blog, Simply Lisa, this is the time to be very honest:

You walked off a job and there really isn’t a way to sugar coat this at all. You have to disclose this in an interview and when doing so, be prepared to address a question that may be largely unspoken, ‘what makes me think that she won’t do the same if I hire her here?’

Rosendahl says to be prepared to explain all the circumstances and offer assurances that you won’t do the same with the new employer.  The door isn’t closed, but the interviewer is “looking for actions that show a sense of responsibility, initiative, and professionalism in the face of adversity.”

If you haven’t left your current job, you still have time to make sure you do it right.  Doing so can be a bonus in your interview, according to Andrew  G. Rosen, author of The Exit Guide:  How to Leave a Job the Right Way.

Leaving a job is an art form — one that most people will never perfect.  Why?  Because it’s something we only do a handful of times in our lives.  Practice is not an option.  That’s why it is imperative to get it right.

According to the exit guide, there’s an orderly process to a successful departure, including a proper way to say goodbye, write a resignation letter, gather references, and even clean out your desk.  There’s also an art to keeping in touch with those for whom and with whom you have worked.

So, before you drop off the key, Lee, you might consider laying the groundwork for a successful transition.

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