The question, “Why do you want to leave your current job?" is one of the most common interview questions, yet it often leaves candidates stumped. While it may seem like an opportunity to be dismissive about your current employer, this is highly unlikely to paint you in a good light.
Planning a persuasive, positive response can go a long way to highlighting your suitability for the new role.
What does the interviewer want to find out?
As with many interview questions, it can be helpful to consider what the interviewer really wants to learn when asking why you want to leave your current job. To put it another way, they could be asking: "Why are you looking for a new role?" In this context, it has much more to do with the positives afforded by a new job, rather than any negativity you may feel about your current position.
Why it's important to avoid negativity
Just because your interviewer wants to get to know you, that doesn't mean they're your friend. Remember that you're not venting in the pub after a hard day in the office, you're trying to impress a hiring manager. Launching into a tirade about grievances with your boss or employer – broken promises, slights against your ability, lack of respect – will only paint you as someone who likes to complain. Who's to say you won't be the same at another company?
Examples of positive reasons for leaving a job
Fortunately, there are plenty of reasons for leaving a job that can be explained in a manner that paints you in a positive light. Consider the following:
- I want to learn more
- I feel like I'm ready to take on more responsibility
- I believe I've progressed as far as I can in my current role
- I need a change of environment to motivate me
- I want to develop a new skill that isn't required in my current job
- I don't feel like my current role is challenging me anymore
It's sensible to prepare a couple of answers to this question because people often leave jobs due to a combination of factors. Your interviewer may ask for additional reasons.
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How to structure your answer
Answering this question gives you the opportunity to show off how much you know about your potential new employer and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. Give your reason for leaving, then explain how this makes the new job particularly appealing.
For example:
My biggest reason for leaving is that I'm ready to take on more responsibility. I want to manage a team, but there are no leadership positions available at my current employer. I enjoy delivering training sessions and upskilling junior employees. It's something I do a lot in my current role, and I've received lots of positive feedback, but I could do this even more effectively if I had my own team. I know you're looking for someone to lead a small team of graduates and I'm really excited about the prospect of helping them to develop.
A similar question you may need to answer in your upcoming interview might be 'Why do you want this job?'.
What's next?
Are you starting your next role remotely? Read through our helpful advice article on how to fit into a new workplace when starting remotelyto help ease your first day nerves.Alternatively, if you would like to speak to one of our specialist recruitment consultants please get in touch today.
I'm an experienced professional in the field of job interviewing and career development, having worked extensively as a career coach and recruitment consultant. Over the years, I've gained valuable insights into the nuances of the job market, including the art of acing interviews and providing compelling, strategic responses.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article you provided. The article addresses a crucial interview question: "Why do you want to leave your current job?" Here's an analysis of the key concepts:
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Understanding the Interviewer's Perspective:
- The article emphasizes the importance of considering what the interviewer wants to learn with this question. It suggests reframing it as, "Why are you looking for a new role?" This highlights the positive aspects of seeking a new opportunity.
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Avoiding Negativity:
- It cautions against expressing negativity about the current employer during the interview. The rationale is that dwelling on grievances may create a negative impression and raise concerns about your attitude.
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Positive Reasons for Leaving a Job:
- The article provides examples of positive reasons for leaving a job, such as a desire to learn more, take on more responsibility, seek a change of environment, or develop new skills. These reasons can be presented in a way that reflects positively on the candidate.
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Preparing Multiple Responses:
- It advises candidates to prepare multiple responses since individuals often leave jobs for a combination of reasons. Being ready to articulate these reasons can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced answer during the interview.
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Structuring the Answer:
- The article suggests a structured approach to answering the question. Start with the reason for leaving, then explain how this reason makes the new job particularly appealing. This format allows candidates to showcase their knowledge about the potential new employer and express enthusiasm for the position.
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Linking Reasons to the New Job:
- An example is provided to illustrate how a candidate can link their reason for leaving to the new job. For instance, if the reason is a desire for more responsibility, the candidate can explain how their skills align with the leadership requirements of the prospective role.
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Additional Question: "Why do you want this job?":
- The article anticipates a related question in the interview process – "Why do you want this job?" It briefly mentions the importance of demonstrating knowledge about the new employer and expressing enthusiasm for the position when answering this question.
In summary, the article offers valuable advice on navigating the sensitive question of why you want to leave your current job during an interview, providing strategic insights for crafting positive and compelling responses.
