We’ve all sat in interviews and faced the question…’why do you want to leave your current role’. You feel the fear and panic setting in and unless you’ve got a pre-prepared answer sussed, you run through a million different reasons that could be used instead of the one answer that’s on the tip of your tongue…your boss was a nightmare, you were overworked and underpaid or you just hated it.
Interviews are about selling yourself, and sometimes a more positive answer (or another truth) is better placed than your initial response answer. We are not advocating that you lie in the interview – of course we’re not, but there is always another truth you can use. There are normally practical and emotional reasons for wanting to leave a job and your instinctive response will probably be the emotional one. Try and give the practical, non-emotional answer in the interview! If you’ve been made redundant then it’s ok to say that. If you’ve been fired, you should be honest about this and use the opportunity to tell the interviewer why. You’ll get found out if they take up references so there’s no point telling porkies!
Remember to keep your answer short and don’t be negative – and certainly don’t say bad things about the last company or your boss. You want to come across as positive!
Here’s some practical alternatives you could consider using:
- There was no scope for progression in the company.
- This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and experience but I am not able to fully utilise them in my present job.
- I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my skills and experience in a different capacity.
- I’m looking for a company where I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment.
- There isn’t room for growth with my current employer and I’m ready to move on to a new challenge.
- I was commuting and spending a significant amount of time each day on travel. Whilst I don’t mind travelling [x] miles, I would prefer to reduce my every day travelling.
- I am seeking a position with a financially secure company with room for growth and opportunity for advancement.
- Advancement opportunities are scarce at my current job. I understand the recession has affected businesses, but it’s important to me to keep my career continually moving in a forward direction that is consistent with my career goals.
- The business goals within my current company aren’t stretching me sufficiently.
- The culture within my current company isn’t sufficiently commercially focussed and I want to be in a position where I can contribute to company performance more.
We wish you every success in your interview!
Most of us will be having (or will have had) a summer holiday of some kind this year. As there’s only one bank holiday left before the long stretch to Christmas (which is fast approaching!), we’ve been considering how we can help you beat the holiday blues when you get back to work after your holiday.