Although it’s obvious that you are applying for a job because you need it, employers would still ask “why are you looking for a new job?” They ask this question for a variety of reasons.
For the most part, they want to understand your goals and see how you fit into the organization and they also want to know if you left your previous employer on good terms.
Your response can impact your chances of landing the job offer hence it’s necessary, you provide a good answer that will impress your interviewers.
In this article, we have compiled some tips you help you answer “why you are looking for a new job?” with sample answers to help you construct your own.
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Why Do Companies Ask Why You’re Looking For a New Job?
During a job interview when an interviewer asks why you are looking for a new job, it is to ascertain quite a number of things. Firstly, they want to know if you left as a result of conflicts you caused.
Employers, just like everybody else prefers to work with individuals who can have and maintain cordial relationships throughout their association.
Another reason they ask is to understand your goals so that they can employ someone who will be a good long-term fit for the role.
Employers prefer to hire individuals who have clear goals (ambition) and who they feel are likely to work with them for a long time adding to the fact that the recruitment process for new employees can be long, time-consuming, and costly.
Employers can ask this same question in different ways including
- Why are looking for a change of job
- Why are you interested in new job opportunities?
Reasons for finding a new job are plenteous. It could be because you were laid off or you need it to develop yourself or you are even relocating. For whatever reason, we will help you with ways to give a clear and precise response.
How To Answer, “Why Are You Looking For A New Job?”
If you want to answer “why are you looking for a new job?”, be direct and straight to the point. You should state your answer in a very clear and matter-of-fact way.
There’s no need to panic or stress about it. It’s best if you give an answer quickly and move o to the next conversation. It’s absolutely normal to search for jobs and it’s not something to be apologetic for, whether you were laid off or just looking for a better opportunity.
When answering, it’s important to te the following things;
- Do not speak poorly of your previous employees. Employers like to work with people who speak well of them, while they work with them and even after they’ve left.
- Use positive words and gestures
- Focus on your abilities. Take advantage of the question and use it to highlight the skills that your prospective employer would be looking out for.
- Give career-oriented answers
Good Reasons Why You’re Looking for a New Job
Reasons candidates search for a job might be justifiable to them but employers consider only a few of them to be valid. Here are some valid reasons employers will consider.
Relocation
There may be a point in your life, you may have to relocate. This is a valid reason to search for a new job in a new environment. If this is your case, employers will find your intentions genuine, especially when you speak fondly of your previous employers.
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Corporate Restructuring
A merger or acquisition can be an opportunity to re-evaluate your goals and how they align with the company’s current reality. This can be considered to be valid reasons to look for a new job.
Professional Development
If your reason for looking for a new job is to seek a new challenge, probably because you have worked with your previous employer for a long time employers will consider it a valid reason.
Other valid reasons include
- Your company is going through layoffs, and although your job hasn’t been eliminated yet, you feel that this is a good time to look for a more secure job opportunity.
- You’re looking to grow or take the next step in your career and your current employer can’t offer the type of opportunity you seek.
- You’d like to move into management and your employer doesn’t have this opportunity available.
- You’d like to change industries.
- You’d like to gain exposure to a different stage or size of the company to become more well-rounded
- Your current role has changed since you joined the company and no longer fits your career goals.
- You were laid off
- You were fired
The Top Mistake to Avoid With This Interview Question
When answering “why are you looking for a new job?”, the biggest mistake you should avoid is speaking poorly of your previous employer, colleague, or boss.
Whether you were fired, laid off, or still working for the company, it will keep your prospective employers wondering if you were part of the problem since they haven’t heard the other side of the story and this could cost you the job.
Complaining and bad-mouthing your previous employer paints a bad picture of you, it doesn’t sway your interviewers to want to reason with you or give you any preference. When answering try to use positive language all though. Be honest but not unprofessional.
Why You’re Looking for a New Job: Best Answer Examples
Here are some sample answers that can help guide you in crafting a perfect response;
Example 1:
“In my previous place of work, 60% of my department was laid off of which I was a part. I enjoyed the role and learned a lot on the job, but the company had struggled financially for the entire time I was there. I’m hoping to find a company that’s in a better financial position so that I can continue learning and growing as a Staff Accountant and take on more responsibilities over time.”
Example 2:
“My current role as an accountant is going well, however, I’ve been working with the company for six years, and I think it’s time to experience another organization so that I can expose myself to new challenges and keep growing professionally.”
Example 3:
‘My former employers were greatly affected by the recent financial downturn. After months of struggling to keep the business afloat, the management decided it was in its best interest to lay off staff and close the business. Leaving my job was tough as it helped me grow into a well-rounded professional. I applied for this position because I know that I can add value to your organization through the skills I’ve nurtured and the experience I’ve gained over the years.’
Example 4:
‘Initially, when I started working for my previous employer, I intended to move on after six years, but I spent almost 11 years with the company. They made work feel like home to me. After re-evaluating my ambitions, I decided it was time to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to work with a new group with fresh ideologies and innovative ambitions. During my search for innovative cybersecurity firms, I was thrilled to find your organization which I applied to immediately.’
Example 5:
“I have really enjoyed working in my current company but we’re going through big changes and restructuring right now. Some of my bosses and the person who recruited me into the company have left the organization, and I feel that it’s the best time for me to look to make a transition as well if I’m able to find the right opportunity.”
Example 6:
“I wasn’t actively job searching, but a recruiter contacted me and your job offer sounded like an interesting opportunity. I researched your company’s history and recent growth caught my attention, so I was hoping to learn more.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Get This Job Best Answer?
For starters, I have all the skills and experience listed in the job description, and I’m confident that I can make an immediate impact on your company. I’m motivated to achieve this not just by my experience in managing successful projects for businesses but also by my love of the field.
What Is A Good Reason To Want To Work For A Company?
Express your personal passion for the employer’s product/service/mission. Employers want to know that you are enthusiastic about their work, whether it takes the form of a service, a mission, a brand, or any combination thereof. Additionally, you might relate your interests to the organization’s guiding principles, which are frequently listed.
Why Are You Looking For A New Job Answer Examples.
Looking for New Opportunities
I believe it’s time to seek new opportunities and advance in my work. I have been a longtime customer and supporter of your business. I think my talents are a perfect fit, and I’d be thrilled to join your team.
Why Are You Interested In This Job?
You can start by saying;
“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …”
“I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …”
“I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …
What Can You Bring To This Company?
How to answer “What can you bring to the company?”
Research the company website.
Review social media and professional networking accounts.
Study the job description.
Make a list of your core values.
Practice your communication skills.
Use the STAR interview response method.
What Are Your Reasons For Applying?
The job description sounds interesting.
You feel it’s a good fit for your experience.
The job plays to your strengths.
You’re impressed with the company.
You have a connection that works at the company.
The position would be a step up.
The organization offers career development.
Why Should We Hire You With No Experience?
Try to make your lack of experience work in your favor. Convert it to a strength and tell the panel you are fresh, enthusiastic, hungry, and ready to get started!
Why Should We Hire You Answer Example?
“I believe that I possess all the skills and experience that you’re looking for and I’m confident that I am the best candidate for this job role.
What Qualities Make You A Good Candidate?
Leadership.
Teamwork.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
Analytical Skills.
Dependability and a Strong Work Ethic.
Maturity and a Professional Attitude.
Adaptability and Flexibility.
Good Personality
How Do I Say I Am Interested In A Company?
You can say; I really enjoyed meeting with you and was very impressed by you and the potential role that I can fill in your company. Because I’m most interested in working with you, I wanted to keep you up to date with my job search.
Conclusion
There are many reasons interviewers ask “why are you looking for a new job?”. As we stated earlier it is to ensure that the candidate did not leave his previous employer on bad terms, the goals of the candidate match with their own, and to know if you can remain with them for a long term.
You can pin this post and use it as a guide to help you know how to frame your answer and avoid deadly mistakes that could cost you the job offer.
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