Do’s and Don’ts for Answering, ”What Are Your Reasons for Leaving a Job?”
“What are your reasons for leaving your job?” is up there with “What are your weaknesses?” in the shortlist of interview questions candidates dread most. Even if the thought of moving on from your current role fills you with joy, you may not be comfortable sharing with a hiring manager your reasons for leaving a job.
Why do employers ask this interview question?
Unlike the more common interview questions you’ll likely be asked, this one isn’t designed to trick you into making yourself look bad. By exploring the reasons behind a job move, a hiring manager is attempting to learn about your career goals and whether you’re parting from your current employer on good terms.
Giving your reasons for leaving a job helps interviewers determine what satisfaction and engagement at work look like to you. It can also shed light on what your long-term career plan is and what you want to get out of a new role.
What are some good reasons for leaving a job?
There are many acceptable reasons for leaving a job, and you shouldn’t be embarrassed to talk about them. In fact, you should relish the opportunity to describe your work ethic and underscore your desire to grow.
1. More responsibility and better career growth
One thing all hiring managers want to hear from interviewees is that they’re hungry to develop their skills. If you aren’t being given the appropriate resources to grow and learn in your current role, it’s important to bring this to the attention of a possible new employer when sharing your reasons for leaving a job.
2. A career change
Wanting to move in a new direction professionally doesn’t make you fickle. It can serve as an indicator that you’re dedicated to finding interesting and meaningful work.
3. Company reorganization
Company restructuring can often lead to cutbacks or new team dynamics, which can cause employee dissatisfaction. If this is your reason for leaving a job, it’s helpful to give some examples as to why the new structure isn’t working for you, what you’ve done to try to improve things and what you’d change if it were all up to you.
5. Relocation
Sometimes a good answer to why you’re leaving your current job is as simple as the desire or need to relocate. This would be the case if you feel relocation is best accomplished by physically moving near the office of the potential employer rather than asking your old company for remote work, which they may or may not honor.
What should you avoid doing as a response?
– Complaining
– Criticizing a manager
– Highlighting salary
Thinking ahead about your reasons for leaving a job — and how you can discuss them in a positive, professional manner — will help you feel more confident going into a job interview.
