How to Answer, ”Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?”

By March 14, 2019For Talent

If you’re interviewing for a new position, you need to come prepared. You should always plan the perfect outfit, research the company and brush up on some of the most common interview questions beforehand.

This week we decided to take a look at a common question that frequently trips up employees, ”Why are you leaving your current job?”.

Sure, you could rant on about how annoying your boss is or how terrible your salary was last year but that’s kind of putting a dampener on the whole interview situation don’t you think?

Here are some ideas of how you can answer the dreaded question in a much more positive way.

“I want to relocate”

This is a pretty straight-forward and honest answer. People move cities all the time. Perhaps your partner has been transferred to a new city or you want to move closer to your ageing parents. By all means be honest and tell the interviewer that it’s time for a change.

”I’m relocating to this area due to family commitments. I left my previous job in order to make the move.”

”There was no opportunity for growth”

Remember that ambition is an admirable trait. If you want to change your job in order to move up the career ladder then that’s totally understandable. A good hiring manager will appreciate your enthusiasm and drive.

“I would like to develop my skills in different areas. I have learned a lot in my current job but I am ready for a new challenge.”

” I want to utilise my skills”

Do you have untapped potential? If your current job is not allowing you to use your skillset in fun and innovative ways then it might be time to jump ship. After all, you don’t want to settle for second best.

”This job seems like a fantastic match for my skillset, which I am not able to fully demonstrate in my current role.”

”I’ve decided to take my career in a new direction”

Beginning a new career can be daunting but remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Remember that enthusiasm and soft skills are seriously important so focus on them during the interview.

”I’ve come to realise that I would like to change my career. My current boss does not have any opportunities in the direction that I would like to explore.”

”I was let go from my previous position”

Getting fired isn’t always a bad thing. With budget cuts and company restructures it can happen to anyone. The important thing is that you are open and honest about what happened. Do not let it knock your confidence.

”The company made some cutbacks and, unfortunately, my job was one of the roles that was eliminated.”

“This opportunity was too good to miss”

Not everyone is actively looking for a new job. In fact, in order to find the right fit companies are now encouraging passive candidates to apply to their roles. These are people who are in employment but would be open to making a move if an amazing opportunity came along.

”I am not actively looking for a new job but when I saw the opportunity on Jobbio I was really intrigued. It sounds like a great role and your company culture really appeals to me.”

Apply for your dream job online today. 

Author Alice Murray

Alice Murray is a Content Creator at Jobbio with a passion for Employer Branding and Graduate Culture. She's a keen traveller and a self-proclaimed lazy runner.

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