How to answer the interview question: “Why are you leaving your current job?”
In this article, you are going to gain insights into the reasons why interviewers ask the question, “Why are you leaving your current organization?” and more importantly, how is the best way to answer it.
Top reasons that interviewers want to know why you are leaving your current job
When an interviewer asks you these questions, he or she is trying to understand the following aspects:
- If you are leaving involuntarily
- If you are leaving because of personal issues
- If you are leaving in good terms with your current employer
- If you have unrealistic expectations that they might not be able to fulfill. (For instance, if you are getting bored with your responsibilities after the first year of employment.)
- If the job opportunity would fit into your career trajectory
By asking these questions, hiring managers/interviewers want to know if there are any issues concerning your work ethics, work attitude, level of maturity, and resilience. When making a career move, every candidate has a “good reason” for it. However, not everyone makes the same choice under similar circumstances. Since your decision to leave reflects your character, your explanation of how you came to this decision is the most important.
They want to ensure that you have thought things through and are fully ready to dedicate yourself for the new position. You need to give your interviewer enough confidence in his or her decision to qualify you.
So, if they offer you the job, they would feel secure that you will stay for a substantial duration with them.
With all these factors in mind, your interviewer would happily listen to your answers while secretly making their own judgments. Therefore, it is critical that your answers must not raise any red flags or ruin your image. If you would like to know how to best answer each of these questions tailored to your personal situation, please reach out to one of our consultants for a detailed discussion.
What not to say?
You may want to be honest in an interview. You are leaving your job for a reason. However, you should try your best to refrain from being negative. Remember to avoid speaking ill of your current organization or colleagues. Your interviewer would not want to hire someone who speaks ill of others; any negativity in a conversation is a red flag that reflects an impoverished attitude and an ungrateful character.
Employers find it hard to imagine that someone with such attitude would bring in positive vibe to the business and be a good team player. Focus on what you are looking forward to, not what youare leaving behind.
With this in mind, what is encouraged to say?
What to Say?
The best approach is to direct the focus on why you are interested in this job opportunity. Rather than focus on the past and any negative experiences, your answer should open the door to a discussion about why this new position is the perfect job for you. The interviewer is looking for an answer that will help or her decide if you are a good fit.
The best way to express genuine interest is to ask good questions. The questions have to be sincere to be able to help you get sufficient information in making a decision of getting yourself affiliated or not once given an offer. Another way is to share the kind of job opportunities you are looking for, so the interviewer would be able to gauge whether you would be interested in their offer or not. Lastly, it is good to point out the specific aspects you like about the job – but do not overdo this, because it will make you appear desperate and will convey a lack of sincerity.
However, when the interviewer insists on finding out your feelings about your previous job, remember to be genuine and stay positive. Admit the mistakes you have made and recognize the lessons you have learned. This will show that you constantly reflect and refine yourself. If you are leaving because of the job scope, then you should be truthful so that the interviewer could understand your preferences and expectations. If they decide to hire you, they will try to meet your expectations so it would be fair on your behalf as well. This is valuable for you; after all, the sole purpose of changing jobs is personal and social growth. Your role should fit into your expertise and background.
How to prepare?
When you are going to have an interview for a new role, you should be well prepared to answer questions about why you are leaving your job or why you have left your previous one.
Remember what not to say and be prepared with the information that may come up.. Take time to write down, study and contemplate on all the valid reasons you could think of about doing this career move.. More importantly, keep a good state of mind. Sleep well the night before, stay calm, meditate if you can and stay optimistic. A friendly reminder to take a couple of deep breaths and put a smile on your face before entering the meeting room.
Remember that you will never get a second chance to make a first impression. Therefore, you should answer precisely with utmost honest.
