It’s a normal trend for a hiring manager to be curious about why you are a job seeker, hence the question, why do you want to leave your current job?
Sadly, in a bid to answer this question, some folks end up losing the opportunity to get the job due to giving disturbing answers.
To ensure that you don’t fall victim of this, this guide has the best answers to this question.
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Tips On How To Answer The Question – Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?
Below are some tips on how to answer this interview question “Why do you want to leave your current job?”
1. State Your Reasons In Clear Terms
What you should do in the course of preparing for an interview is to write the reasons why you’re searching for a new opportunity, and after you’ve done that, take note of the major reasons you would want to give in your interview.
While at it, consider reasons that are professional rather than personal, and if you are unsure of what to say, take note of the following questions as they will guide you on how to get your answers:
– What are your values?
– What do you like about your position? What do you dislike?
– What are your career goals? Where do you want to be in five years? 10 years?
– What industry do you want to be in?
– Are you passionate about your company’s mission?
– What are your needs in a workplace environment? What do you need in a job?
– What are your relationships like with coworkers? Managers?
– Does your present situation align with these answers? Why or why not?
2. Keep Your Answers Short
While trying to give the best answers to the question, don’t answer more than expected of you.
A sentence or two is enough response, then find a way to point the conversation back to why you’re the most suitable candidate for the job.
3. Maintain A Positive Response
It is true that you may be leaving your current job due to one or more negative experiences, however, you must find a way to maintain a positive response to avoid giving an employer the impression that you will quit in the face of difficult situations.
Search for something positive about your current job such as the skills you have acquired, positive interactions you’ve had with your customers or stakeholders as well as good relationships you have built with your coworkers.
4. Be Sincere With Your Answers
As much as you don’t need to go into details, you must be sincere.
You may have had issues with your current employer, however, you can’t afford to bad mouth him or her. You must find a way to say it without doing this (we will discuss that later in this article).
Having done that, try to take the conversation back towards why you can’t wait to explore the opportunities ahead of you.
Note that the company you’re interviewing with may reach out to your previous employer, and that’s why you must be sincere to avoid having an answer or answers different from that of your employer.
Additionally, if you’re unemployed, make sure to let them know as well, and try to give a reason why you might consider a new job
What Can Be Considered A Good Reason For Leaving Your Current Job?
Listed below are some reasons considered good enough for one to decide to leave a current job.
Take time before your interview to prepare an answer using any of the reasons that most suits yours.
1. “I feel undervalued in my current role.”
2. “I’m looking for a new challenge.”
3. “I want a job with better career growth opportunities.”
4. “I don’t like the hours at my current job.”
5. “My values no longer align with the company’s mission.”
6. “I want to change career paths.”
7. “I decided to go back to school.”
8. “I decided to relocate to a new city.”
9. “I had to leave for health reasons that have since been resolve.”
10. “I was laid off/let go.”
11. “I’d like additional compensation.”
12. “The company I worked for went out of business.”
13. “I had to leave due to family or personal reasons.”
14. “My personality didn’t align with the company culture.”
15. “I want to pursue a better opportunity.”
Read More: Best Answers To “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job”
Sample Answers For The Question – Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?
These examples below are some ideal answers you can give when asked the question – why do you want to leave your current job?
Sample Answer #1
“Although I’ve loved my career, I think it’s time for a change of pace after two years.
I saw that project management was mentioned in the job description for this role, which is something I’d really like to go into.
My current boss claims that I cannot complete this assignment in my current position or with my existing team, and they do not currently have any opportunities to promote me, which is why I am willing to leave my job.
Sample Answer #2
“I left to pursue a higher education.”
Employers-to-be are aware that not everyone can successfully juggle a full-time job with academic goals. People frequently leave their jobs to pursue their degrees, especially if they are switching industries. This shows their dedication to their professional goals.
Sample Answer #3
“Despite the fact that I enjoyed my position as a legal assistant, I believed that if I obtained my paralegal degree, I would be able to seek jobs that required more of me. By going back to school full-time, I was able to complete my curriculum more quickly and keep up with my long-term professional goals.
Sample Answer #4
In the year I’ve been there, my present job has given me a lot of benefits.
However, I believe it’s time for a change if I want to keep pushing myself and advance in my job.
My current job doesn’t require much interaction with people, but I wish to develop that skill further.
I adore that this job looks to combine customer service work with data entry work, like I do currently. I used to spend a lot of time talking with clients at the job I had three years ago, so I’d love to do some of that again.
Can you elaborate on how I might support your customer service efforts in this position? “
Sample Answer #5
If you were laid off:
“Unfortunately, a firm restructure that led to the loss of 15% of our personnel had an impact on me. In the interim, I’ve been carefully pondering my next step, getting back in touch with my network, and looking into options.
I’m enthusiastic about this job since it epitomizes the aspects of my previous employment that I liked the best and because it will move my career in the direction I’ve always wanted it to go.
Sample Answer #6
“I’m hoping to advance my career. I adore my job and my coworkers, but I’ve reached a point where my team no longer offers any room for advancement. Would you please elaborate on the job’s potential for advancement and the steps the business takes to help employees advance their careers? ”
Mistakes To Avoid When Answering The Question – Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?
There are certain answers you must not give when answering this question as they will mar your chances of getting hired.
Take a look at them below:
1. Never Bad mouth
When you are asked “why are you leaving your current job?” it may sound as though you are invited to bad-mouth your present employer, however, don’t attempt to do this as this will make you appear unprofessional in an interview.
This is because hiring managers want to employ someone who is leaving their previous job on good terms.
How To Avoid Bad Mouthing
– Talk About What You Want Gain
Talk about what you hope to gain from this job transition such a challenge you will love to solve such as leading projects, leading a team, working more hands-on, or probably a certain work environment you’d like to be a part of.
Please, watch what you say so that you don’t go speaking off-point.
For instance, if the job is an individual contributor role, don’t go saying things like you’re searching for an opportunity to lead people.
– Talk About The Benefits You’ve Enjoyed in Your Current Job
Talk about the things you are grateful for about your current job such as what you’ve learned in your current job or the ģreat skills you’ve built.
However, note that if you say that you are in search of additional opportunity to do something, you will be asked if you’ve tried getting one at your present job.
So, be prepared to answer that.
It’s also a mistake to tell a prospective employer that you’re looking to leave your current job for a personal reason.
For instance:
– I want a shorter commute
– I am not being paid enough
– I work too many hours in my current role
3. Avoid Giving Numerous Reasons For Leaving Your Current Job
You don’t need to mention numerous reasons why you want to leave your current job.
Try as much as possible to keep your answer short, and just give about one to two reasons.
Ensure that those two reasons sound most positive and that you’re most comfortable discussing.
4. Don’t Say Anything That Suggests Inadequacy
Avoid any answer that will suggest that you won’t do well in your next job.
Some of such reasons include:
– Inability to get along with your boss/coworkers
– Constant mistakes at work
– Struggling to learn the job or not performing well in your current company
Final Words
I bet this article has highlighted the best ways to approach the question – why do you want to leave your current job as well as the things you must not say while at it.
Do you have further questions? Feel free to ask in the comment section.