How To Answer the Question "Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?”

During an interview, you can expect a hiring manager to ask you a few common questions. Unless you're unemployed, you can expect a hiring manager to ask you why you want to leave your current position. Although the question seems innocent enough, it could ruin your chance at a job offer. Before you go into an interview, prepare yourself to answer the question the right way.

Don't Be Too Negative

No matter how horrible your current job is, don't go into a 10-minute story about the long hours or poor organization at your current place of employment. If you seem like someone who complains or is overly dramatic, the hiring manager won't make you a job offer.

When a team has negativity, it can't succeed. Every good manager and employer knows this, and they work hard to only hire individuals with the right attitude. By complaining about your past experiences, you only hurt your chances.

There's also a risk of the interviewer knowing your current manager. If they're on good terms, the interviewer won't appreciate your criticism of their friend or acquaintance. It's best to focus more on what you're looking for in a new job than what you disliked about your old one.

Tell the Truth, to an Extent

The hiring process is costly and time-consuming for an employer. For that reason, they want to know the person they hire plans to take the job offer and remain with the company. By asking why you're leaving your current employer, a hiring manager can gauge your intent.

The most effective way of showing your intention of taking the job offer and remaining employed with them for years is to answer the question honestly. If you're deceitful, the hiring manager might notice. They may also find out later on about your lies, which won't bode well for a job offer.

With all that said, don't be too explicit about your reasons for wanting to quit. If you think telling the truth could keep you from a job offer, be general in your explanation.

Have a Planned Response

One of the worst things you could do when answering this question is wing it. It doesn't matter if you're great at answering questions on the spot. This is one question that requires planning.

In the days leading up to your interview, think about why you're leaving your current position. Do you want a new challenge? Are there hopes of entering a new industry? If you answer the question in a relatable way, you'll make a positive impression. Write down your potential answers and practice them in front of friends until you get positive feedback.

There's a caveat that comes with this tip. While it's great to prepare for this question, it's detrimental to sound rehearsed. You want to answer the question in a way that's authentic but refined. If you come across as if you're a robot, the hiring manager is unlikely to believe you or see you as a worthy candidate.

Talk About the Future

You might be able to make a five-page list of reasons you dislike your current job. However, save that list for your friends and family members. During an interview, a hiring manager is trying to learn more about you and not your previous employer.

Speak about the future. If you see new opportunities with the company, discuss those. Explain how your career goals fit well with this new position. For even more of a jump on the

competition, talk about how you bring value to the position.

Tie in Past Skills

Instead of speaking about bad experiences with your employer, talk about your skills. Then, explain how those skills would transfer over to this new position.

With this tip, you accomplish two things. First, you show you've researched the position and have a genuine interest in working for the company. You also demonstrate an attention to detail that could help you get the job. Secondly, you make it easier for the hiring manager to see your value. They might not realize how well some of your skills transfer over until you go into detail.

Be Excited

As you answer the question, be passionate and enthusiastic about the future. Mention a few of the challenges you're looking forward to experiencing. And don't just let your words show excitement. Your body language should also complement your words.

If you are genuinely excited about a position, this isn't hard to do. And, in the event you can't get excited about the opportunity, it might not be the right fit for you.

Pay Attention to the Interviewer

Although an interview is about you, the interviewer will appreciate you being conversational. If you're entering a new industry, it's particularly helpful to ask the interviewer how they transitioned for the position. They could have a similar background to you. Even if you don't get the job, your questions could shed light on how you can succeed in your future endeavors.

Being conversational also shows your interest in the company and the position. If the interviewer had doubts about your intent, your questions could put them at ease. Just be sure to answer the interviewer's questions before you ask any of your own.

While you're at it, watch their body language throughout the interview. If you think the interviewer is bored or annoyed, adjust your approach. And if the interviewer seems genuinely interested in your response, you know you're on the right track.

Know that Your Answer Matters

Don't underestimate the importance of answering this question properly. In most industries, the competition for jobs is fierce. To stand out from everyone else, you really need to shine. Giving an excellent answer to this question is one way to showcase your poise, value, and skills.

Of course, other questions matter as well. Before your interview, prepare for being asked about your reasons for leaving as well as any other common interview questions.