"Why do you want to leave your job?"
Be straightforward but avoid negative comments about past employers in the job interview.
Don't bad-mouth the company, your manager or colleagues, it puts you in a bad light. Keep it positive and make the reason for a leaving a constructive one such as a new challenge, exciting opportunity, increased responsibility or learning possibility.
Use this job interview question as an opportunity to focus on the future.
"I have reached the ceiling in my particular job, and I am ready for more responsibility"
"After a number of years in my last position I am now looking for a new experience where I can contribute and grow in a bigger environment"
Avoid stating your salary as a prime motivator for change.
However location is a perfectly acceptable reason for moving.
"I am relocating to this area for family reasons and left my job to make this move"
"I was spending hours each day commuting. I would prefer to be closer to home"
When asked common job interview questions like this, relate how you worked hard in your last position and now you want to use your skills and experience to benefit this company.
"I am interested in an opportunity to use the skills and abilities I have developed over the last couple of years in a new and challenging position"
If there is an obvious issue with the company you were working for, such as layoffs, acknowledge and discuss this.
"There is a great deal of uncertainty about the security of our jobs. I am looking for a stable company where there is the long term opportunity to grow and advance"
Sometimes, it is just the wonderful opportunity offered by the new position that made you consider a move.
"In all honesty I wasn't really looking to move jobs, but this looks like such a great opportunity to use all my skills and experience and I have always admired this company"
Situations to be considered when asked common job interview questions along these lines include the following.
You may have taken time out to raise a family. Use this as an opportunity to reassure the Interviewer that you are now ready to return to the workplace and detail the child care arrangements you have put in place. Point out to the Interviewer the efforts you have made to keep up to date in your particular field.
Taking time off to study is a positive reason. Highlight how this has taken your skills and abilities to a new level, and how it demonstrates your desire for self-improvement and growth.
A travel break can also be seen in a positive light. Emphasize how it has added to your life experience, enabled you to deal with a number of new challenges and increased your self- confidence. The reasons for deciding to spend time traveling should show you as an individual who is keen to learn and grow.
"I believed that I had reached the ceiling in my previous job. I needed to make a career move and decided that I would take the opportunity to spend some time fulfilling my dream and travel before looking for a new position. I have discovered so much about myself and developed a number of skills dealing with all the challenges I faced. I am really excited about returning to the workplace and using all I have learned to contribute in a positive and constructive way"
Make sure the reason you provide for leaving is congruent with the reason you have provided on your resume and the reason that will be given by your previous employer when a reference is done.
Prepare for other typical job interview questions using these complete answer guidelines:
Tell Me About Yourself?
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Why Should we Hire You?
Why do you want to work for this Company?
Describe Your Greatest Achievement?
What are your Goals for the Next 5 Years?
Common job interview questions about leaving your job can be tricky if your reason for leaving is complicated. Go to the information provided in
How to Handle Difficult Questions
for specific advice on how to deal with reasons such as retrenchment, personal problems, being fired, conflict with your boss and colleagues.Standard interview questions and answer guidelines about handling conflict, your ideal job, how you define success and what motivates you.
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