It is common for hiring managers to ask why you want to leave your current job, how you answer that question can have a big impact on your chances of getting into the new position. So don’t blow it, when answering the “Why do you want to leave your current job?” question, my advice is to be honest (to a point), positive and upbeat.
Top 10 Reasons for Leaving a Job
There are many reasons to leave a job. Most people are looking for career advancement opportunities or new challenges. Sometimes companies get into financial difficulty and have to reduce their work force. Where I live, many people would leave their current job simply to have one with a shorter commute. Those are pretty straightforward reasons that anyone would understand.
Then there are people who want to leave because they do not like their job or their boss. But NEVER say anything negative about the company or people you are working for. If you do, the interviewer may think of you as a complainer who has a problem with authority or cannot get along with others.
So, even if the reason you want to leave is that you hate your job or do not get along with your boss, give a different reason for wanting to leave. You do not have to lie, just be discreetly selective with your answer.
These are simple answers to the questions if being asked;
“I’ve worked with ABC Company for five years, and during that time I’ve achieved all of the goals I set for myself. I enjoy my job, but my advancement opportunities there are limited. I’m looking for new challenges with a larger organization, like yours. With my experience in (whatever field of specialization), I’m sure I will contribute to your company’s mission statement.”
OR…
“To be honest, I don’t want to leave. I’ve enjoyed my work time at ABC Company and have had great success there. But the company is going through a tough time and is downsizing its staff, so it’s time for me to move on. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise to me. I’ve admired your company for years and am excited to have this opportunity to interview with you. I feel my experience at ABC Company will enable me to help you with…(whatever).”
OR…
“I like my current job, but I’m interested in changing career paths. I’d like to broaden my horizons and find new ways to contribute to an organization’s goals. This position with your company will allow me to do that by (whatever).”
Try to include specific information relevant to the company you’re interviewing with. For example, if you know the company participates in community environmental events, mention that (“I’m also eager to work for a company that helps the environment.”).
KEY NOTE: The more you use specific information that shows you are knowledgeable about the job and the company for which you’re applying, the sweeter your answer will sound to the interviewer!
REASONS FOR LEAVING YOUR JOB:
- You are looking for better career prospects, professional growth and work opportunities
- You want a change in career direction
- You are looking for new challenges at work
- You were made redundant or the company closed down
- Your company was restructuring
- Your company underwent a merger or an acquisition
- Your company’s growth prospects are poor
- Your job duties have been reduced, or your job outsourced
- You have to travel on business too often
- You are to be sent to a faraway foreign location
BAD REASONS TO GIVE FOR LEAVING YOUR JOB:
- The company turned out be disappointing
- You didn’t like your job or your boss
- Your boss did not keep his promises (of promotion or a raise)
- Your job was boring and you grew sick of it
- You don’t want to work overtime
- The targets set at work were not realistic and hard to achieve
- You were fired
- You left for legal reasons
I hope you found the interview tips helpful and please don’t hesitate to contact the admin if need further advice.
