How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?” with Sample Answers
An interview is the crossing line between you and your potential new journey which is why acing interviews is crucial. To help you overcome your anxiety about interviews, we have curated various answers to the question, “Why do you want to leave your current job?”
There may be multiple reasons why a person might leave a job. It could be for higher wages, greater chances for advancement, or additional training within the role. Whatever the reason may be, job change can be a frightening thing. Communicating your reasons for change in an interview can seem even more daunting. Read this blog to get an idea of how to talk about your reasons for changing jobs professionally.
Reasons Recruiters Ask, “Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?”
Below are reasons why employers can ask the reason for a job change:
1. Check Compatibility with Role – Recruiters usually ask this question to assess if you are a good fit for the position and to know how well-suited you are for the role.
2. Value Alignment – Recruiters want to hire a person who is directly in alignment with the company’s values and goals. So, recruiters ask this question to know how well you fit the company’s culture.
3. Career Insights – Recruiters ask this question in order to understand how the position fits into your career aspiration, they use this question to gain insight into your career ambitions. It also gives them an idea of how long you can work with them and how far you will be willing to go for the organization.
4. Red Flag – The question enables recruiters to spot potential character deficiencies or red flags. Many behaviors are not accepted in the workplace, among which is having constant disputes with teammates or management. Given that problems in the work workplace are inevitable, it will be inappropriate to mention if you have a conflict with your previous management or teammates.
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Sample Answer for “Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?”
Below are various professional responses to the interview question why you want to leave your current job:
1. Relocation
Relocating is a common reason why people leave their jobs. Explaining how relocating affects the dynamic of your current job is important. However, keep it professional. Do not give much personal information.
Sample Answer
“When I eventually get married, I will want to start and build a family in my hometown and raise them here as well. As much as I love my current job, regrettably, the company does not have a branch here in my hometown or close by. Moreover, my fiance works and resides in this area. The changeover will go well. “
2. Termination of Contract
Many companies hire on a contractual basis. Contractual employees have the benefit of seeking new prospects once the contract period is over. When talking about job change highlight how wonderful it was working with your previous employer and how you are seeking to secure a permanent position in a new domain.
Sample Answer
“While it has been an exciting experience working with my boss for the past 2 years. I would like to secure a more permanent position since my contract is coming to an end. Based on the job vacancy, I believe I have the necessary skills and experience to succeed in this position.”
3. You Desire a Fresh Start
The desire for something new may come from a variety of reasons that are unique to each person. However, keep your remarks brief as you express your desire for a new beginning. Your prospective employer doesn’t need to know the specifics of your choice, instead, you should communicate to them how your present position is not as appealing as it once was and why you’re looking for a change.
Sample Answer
“I have been working with the XYZ industry for 12 years now. It has been a great experience. I have learned and acquired a productive skill set working with XYZ. But I think it’s time for me to try out something new and more challenging. I think this job will expose me to new challenges and I am well suited for the position.”
4. Job Insecurity
It’s okay to explain to your recruiter that your current job is not sustainable. You may experience greater job insecurity if you work for or in a financially troubled organization. Startups, for instance, have the potential to be incredibly successful but also have a high risk of failure. However, try not to sound bitter or spiteful. Be calm, collected, and professional with your response.
Sample Answer
“In as much as I love my job, I have come to realize it is not sustainable. For the past 4 months, my company has laid off 7 workers. I would love to work in an environment where there are functional cooperative structures. From the job posting, I believe this is a good opportunity for me as I am well qualified for the role.”
5. Incompatibility with Career Goal
It is understandable that sometimes we choose a job because it is what’s available. It is okay to explain to your recruiter that at the time of accepting the job it was well suited, but now you want to advance your career, but the current job doesn’t make room for that. Part time jobs and work from home jobs can be a good idea for people looking to change careers because of this reason.
Sample Answer
“Working with XYZ company has been an amazing experience. I have been with them for the past 2 years but I wish to advance my career now. Sadly, there’s no room for advancement in my current position. Based on your job vacancy, I think it’s the perfect fit for me and I have the experience to succeed in the position.
6. In Search for a Better Workplace
It is okay to want more from your job. Wanting a better work environment doesn’t mean that the current one is bad. It could be that you need more time for your family or you need flexible work hours which your current job does not provide. Explain to the recruiter your actual reason for wanting to switch workplaces.
Sample Answer
“At the time I started working with (company name) I was newly wedded. However, since then I have had two kids which requires more of my time. It has been great working with my current company but the work schedule is tight. Your company offers a flexible work time which is well suited to my current situation, in addition to that I possess the qualifications for the position.
7. Want a Shorter Commute
How long you have worked at a job is irrelevant if your commute causes you discomfort. A straightforward explanation for why you may wish to leave your current employment can be to commute more conveniently. Simply tell the recruiter that you require a location closer to your home and that this current position is ideal.
Sample Answer
“My job with (business name) dates more than three years ago. And although working with them has been wonderful, sadly, the trip from my house to the office is fairly long. I have a two-hour commute to and from work. I don’t want to move out of this town because I live with my wife and kids who are well settled in the city. Given that the location of your current offer is closer to my house which is ideal for my current circumstances, I am also qualified for the role. Thus, I wish to work at your establishment.”
Why You Want to Leave Your Current Job: What Not to Say
There are certain things you shouldn’t mention as a reason for leaving a previous job. We have made a list of them below:
1. Clash with your Boss
Experiencing conflict in the workplace is common but that shouldn’t be a reason why you should leave a job. Telling a recruiter you left a job based on a clash with your boss might send the wrong signal about you. It is expected that employees possess the skill of emotional intelligence, and learn to manage conflicts in the workplace in healthy ways.
2. Bad Company Policies
It is best to avoid bringing up the drawbacks of your current position because doing so might damage your reputation. Every business wants a worker who can quickly adapt to their new role and isn’t held back by their previous experiences. Be professional and straightforward with your response, don’t say more than what is necessary.
3. Financial Ground
Everyone knows that moving to a better job is based on benefits and incentives. However, you should never use this (financial ground) as your primary justification for quitting a job. Saying or implying that you are resigning because this income is higher is not appropriate.
4. Do Not Sound Negative/Bitter
In an effort to impress a recruiter, applicants frequently make the error of disparaging a former coworker/employer. Regardless of how you feel about your current position, it is best to keep your emotions in check and be polite. There is no need to ramble or list several justifications for quitting present employment.
Conclusion
The decision to leave a job is personal, therefore, it is advisable for you to be professional about your responses during an interview. “Why do you want to leave your current job,” is a common interview question recruiters ask job candidates. Remember to focus on what the employer expects and how you can be an asset to their firm while answering the question. Be brief, simple, and confident with your response.
