How To Answer ‘Reason for Job Change?’ in Interviews: Sample Answers & Tips

Did you know that an estimated 50 million people have left their jobs in the past 2 years due to job pressure, burnout, general dissatisfaction with job roles, and personal needs? Leaving a job means different things for different people. “What is your reason for job change” is a popular question most employers ask during an interview. How you answer this question can likely increase or reduce the chance of you getting the job. In this blog, we will provide you with the appropriate answers to the ‘reason for job change’ questions for different scenarios. 

Why do Interviewers Ask About the Reason for the Job Change?

There are some significant factors why recruiters pose this question. Let us discuss some of these reasons here before we move on to how to answer the reason for the job change:

• To Assess if You Left Voluntarily: Interviewers may want to know if you were fired from the job or let go because of any performance-based issues. This allows them to gauge your professionalism and check if you are a cultural fit for their organization. 
• To Know if Your Reason Aligns With the Business and Job Role: Recruiters may want to know if they possess the resources you are looking for at your new workplace. In addition, they may want to check if the role you have applied for matches your career objectives. 
• To Understand Your Relationship With Previous Employers: Interviewers ask about the job switch reason to assess if you left your previous job on good terms with your manager or supervisor. Further, they may want to know if your former employer considered you a valuable asset to their team or company. 
• Determine Your Work Ethics: Recruiters may want to know your attitude towards work through this question. For example, your response can highlight your enthusiasm for learning and personal development if you describe your reason for leaving a previous position as seeking a new challenge.

Best Reasons for Job Change & Sample Answers

In today’s evolving employment landscape, professionals often find themselves contemplating job changes for various reasons. Whether seeking career advancement or due to personal commitments, transitioning from one role to another is a significant step. Employers understand this and may want to know the reason behind you making this crucial decision. To give a prompt and effective answer during the interview, you must prepare beforehand. Below are the best reasons for job change, along with their sample answers.

1. Career Change

Changing careers is the best reason for switching jobs. Working at the same place for an extended period can make your job duties and responsibilities feel monotonous. This may lead to the desire to change careers. It’s a natural part of growing within a position, especially when looking toward developing new skills and expanding one’s knowledge base. It could be for passion, search for greater opportunities or even spontaneity. Additionally, applying for jobs for freshers can help you get a head start in a new profession.

Sample Answer Based on Career Change

I have been working at my job for about 3 years now, which has indeed been a tremendous experience for me. I have learned a lot and developed diverse skills related to my work but I think it’s time for me to try something different. I wish to explore unchartered waters with new challenges and I think your company will be a great opportunity for me.

2. Salary Increment/Low Pay

Changing jobs may be an appealing possibility if you are feeling unfulfilled or undervalued in your current role. You might look for opportunities that offer greater responsibility and remuneration, as a way to improve upon the career options available to you. Therefore, it is important to have a balanced approach when explaining the reasons for changing jobs. 

Start by highlighting some of the positive aspects of your previous company and then explain your financial situation briefly. This way your explanation won’t be too focused on finances and it will provide insight into solid reasoning behind wanting to switch job roles. Here’s a sample with the best answer for the reason for job change in an interview:

Sample Answer Based on Salary Increment / Low Pay

While I’ve enjoyed the experience and responsibilities at my current job, I’m seeking new opportunities because I believe my skills and experience warrant a more competitive compensation package that reflects the value I bring to the organization.

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3. Clash with Management

Individuals are placed at each tier based on their role within the organization as well as its structure. They are expected to answer to those directly above them in rank. At higher echelons supervision is intensified which sometimes leads employees to feel restricted or uneasy enough that they may choose to pursue job change elsewhere for more suitable working conditions. Communicating these difficulties to HR might become difficult for us. Mentioned below is an example of how you can tackle such a situation and provide a suitable reason for a job change in a short time.

Sample Answer Based on Clash with Management

I’ve decided to explore new career options due to a misalignment in management styles and communication approaches at my current job, and I’m seeking a work environment where collaboration and mutual understanding are prioritized.

4. Personal Health Issues 

People may leave their jobs on health grounds if they are physically or mentally unable to continue to perform the duties of that job. Looking for a new job due to health issues can be difficult for individuals as it often means sacrificing reliable income but it is sometimes necessary for an individual’s well-being. If you are looking to change your profession due to health issues, you can look for work-from-home jobs so you can stay financially independent. Mentioned below is how to answer why are you looking for a job change due to health issues.

Sample Answer Based on Personal Health Issues

After careful consideration, I’ve decided to change my job due to health reasons, as I believe a role with a less strenuous workload and a more supportive work-life balance would better contribute to my overall well-being and recovery.

5. Relocation

You may choose to relocate for a myriad of reasons, such as changes in the cost of living or finding something else to occupy your time. It is not uncommon for people who are looking to start a family to look into job vacancies in suburban areas. If you decide on relocating but find that your current employer does not extend remote working options, then it could be necessary to search elsewhere for employment prospects that fit with this decision. Relocation is a valid reason to mention whenever you are faced with the question of the reason for a job change. 

Sample Answer Based on Relocation

I am pursuing a job change due to my upcoming relocation to a new city, and I am excited about finding a position that allows me to continue contributing my skills and experience while adjusting to my new location.

6. Unhealthy Work Environment

Creating a healthy work environment is essential for any organization to succeed. Unfriendly standard operating procedures (SOPs), congested human resources policies, and too much workplace politics can all be at odds with productivity levels among employees. Poor management and coordination can hamper the mental health of employees, becoming a reason for job change in a short time. In case this is your reason, you can explain to the recruiter how your previous working environment didn’t take into consideration the mental health of employees.

Sample Answers Based on an Unhealthy Work Environment

I have decided to seek new career opportunities due to the unhealthy work environment at my current job, and I am looking for a workplace that promotes positivity, teamwork, and a healthier balance between work-related stress and well-being.

7. Expansion of Career Horizon 

Let’s discuss another example of how to answer why are you leaving your current job. Changing jobs is often done in order to advance one’s career. During an interview, it can be beneficial to explain how the new job aligns with your qualifications and work experience as well as professional goals and objectives. You can also explain what made you decide to expand your horizons. Mention what you intend to achieve in your career trajectory. Also, you can state how the company can enhance your career objectives and how you can be an asset to them. However, keep it light, don’t be overly inspirational but you can be passionate with your words.

Sample Answer Based on  Expansion of Career Horizon 

I am exploring a job change to expand my career horizons and gain exposure to new challenges, industries, and opportunities that will allow me to continue growing and developing as a professional.

8. Contract Expiration/Termination

Contract expiration is the best reason for a job change in a short time. Nowadays, many organizations favor using contract workers instead of providing permanent employment. If your agreement soon expires or you are someone with a part time job desiring a new occupation, there are certain ways in which you must answer questions regarding why you want to make the changeover.

Sample Answer Based on Contract Expiration/ Termination

As my current contract is nearing its expiration/termination, I am actively seeking new job opportunities that align with my skills and experience and provide a platform for me to continue contributing effectively in a new professional setting.

9. Layoff

This example of how to answer why are you leaving your current job discusses a challenging reason. If your job position was terminated unexpectedly due to layoffs, it is important to start with “why” you were laid off. There are various reasons why people get laid off but when a person is said to be fired from a position, it is commonly assumed they did something wrong. So, rather than starting with “I was laid off”. It is preferable you structure your sentence properly. 

Sample Answer Based on Layoff

Due to recent company-wide layoffs, I am in the process of exploring new job opportunities where I can utilize my skills and expertise, contribute to a thriving organization, and secure stable employment in a more secure and growth-oriented environment.

Tips to Remember while Answering the Reason for Job Change

In the previous sections, we have discussed some of the best reasons for job change in a short time. Now here are some tips to help you customize an answer for yourself.

1. Be Honest – It is important that you tell the truth while answering this question as any inconsistency may easily be spotted by an experienced interviewer.
2. Communicate your Reasons Effectively – Even if you were laid off based on bad conduct, you can explain that you know you were wrong and mention a few things you would have done better and how well you have gotten better. This will speak great volumes about your character and vulnerability. 
3. Learn from Your Mistakes – Most employers just want someone who can and is willing to own their actions. You don’t need to sound “Perfect”. You only have to sound “Right”. 
4. Be Expressive – Whatever the reason for your job change, it is okay to be expressive that way you will find a well-suited working environment that is also compatible with your career needs. 

These aforementioned tips will help you frame the best answer for the reason for a job change.

Do’s and Don’ts for Explaining Reason for Job Change

When providing an answer for why are you leaving your current job, there are certain rules that you should follow. These will help you answer the question confidently and appropriately in front of the interviewers. Let us discuss some of these do’s and don’ts:

Do’s while answering the reason for job change:

• Preparation is the Key: Research the company and the job role beforehand to frame your answers accordingly and be confident about your decision to change the job.
• Be Clear and Concise: Answer in a straightforward manner, stating the facts clearly and briefly.
• Be Respectful: Always be respectful while discussing your former workplace. Avoid negative remarks about the employer or colleagues.
• Highlight the Positives: Wherever possible, share examples of your good interactions with managers, supervisors, and team members.

Don’ts for framing a good answer explaining the reason for job change:

• Don’t be Underconfident or Overconfident: Maintain a balance when discussing your reasons for changing jobs. Try to remain humble and demonstrate your willingness to learn. 
• Avoid Criticizing Your Previous Employer: Refrain from blaming your previous employer for your job change because it gives a negative impression about your professionalism and ability to work in a team.
• Don’t Keep Expressing Your Frustration: Avoid going on and on about what went wrong with the previous employer. This reflects that you cannot move on. 
• Avoid Giving a Negative Reason for Job Change: Instead of negative influences, focus on positive reasons like seeking to explore the domain and being ready to take on new challenges.

Conclusion

How you respond in an interview determines if you will get the job or not. You have to convince your employer that you are up to the task. You have to be clear about your reason for a job change. However, under no circumstances should you talk badly about your previous employer. We hope this has been insightful for you. You can also learn how to respond to the question ‘How did you hear about this position?’ with our blog.

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