Posted by How to answer why did you leave your current job? Recruiters are known to ask about these particular questions to get a sense about you personally and the thinking behind your job hunt. When it comes to the questions, you should be fairly honest with your answers and not be inflammatory towards any individuals or a group of people.
But you still can frame it in what your specific difficulty was about the job. Take for example if you are leaving because you don’t work well with a particular person, it is good to let the interviewer know but with more explanation and ask what are the specific issues are and what you are looking for to move forward. Avoid mentioning anything negative even if they press you to direct to that way. Here are 10 examples of answering an interview question about leaving your current job.
1. A change in career direction
2. For professional growth opportunity
3. Found a better opportunity
4. If you are not actively searching for a job
I may not be actively searching for a job right now however when your recruiter reaches out to me about the role, it caught my attention. I have been working *insert current job scope* to further advance my career, I would love to take on a more challenging role. The person I talked with mentioned there was an opportunity that would help my career progression. Can you share with me more about that?
5.What if you were laid off
For the past year, the company reviewed its organisational structure. Instead of eliminating jobs entirely, I was one of the * numbers of people* people in the department who was let go. The lesson I have learned through this experience is to take up more responsibility by investing in my career and myself. I recently take up online classes and workshop *fill in what you learn*
6.What if you were fired
The job scope I was tasked with in my previous position did not suit my strengths. But I did learn from that experience. Now I have done more analysis of myself and your company. This position would be a perfect fit for me because *add reasons why you are qualified for the position*
7. I don’t like the organisation
At my current company, I have grown my skill sets and establish positive relationships with my peers. But, it became clear that I need stronger motivation from a company to go further. Your organisation’s mission to serve the community is something that I wanted to work with. I believe my *add skill-set* when it comes to supporting the company.
8. I like to earn more
I am motivated by a lot of factors at work, that includes client satisfaction, as well as my peer and manager, are what I strive for. Compensation is also a great motivator for me personally. I would be glad about the opportunity to promote and sell a product or service that I am passionate about, exceed my targets and celebrate when I have achieved my goals. My *add skill-set* will prove its value to the company.
9. The work hours do not suit me anymore
I can perform the best at work when I maintain a balance between work and life. The commitments that I have built with my managers and colleagues are very significant to me, and I arrange my time around following through on those commitments efficiently. It is highly important to me to work with everyone in the company that values my ownership of my schedule and provide flexibility when it is appropriate.
10.Relocating to a different area
My family recently shifted and travelling to my current workplace is not feasible for me due to the long distance. Despite enjoying what I do and working together with my peers, the current travel distance would severely affect my performance at work. Working closer to my new home will reduce my commuting time and I look forward to achieving that with the position at your company.
Conclusion
There are plenty of reasons that you choose to leave your current job and the simplest way to respond to this question is to learn how to convey your answer. All you need to keep in mind is to stay positive throughout the interview session and try not to put blame on anyone for leaving your job. Only describe relevant details and do not go overboard with it. Most importantly, your response should indicate your desire for a better future career while using information about the company that can support your assurance.
What is your personal take on answering this particular interview question? Leave us your thoughts on the comment sections below. Head over to Jobstore.com and unveil your next job opportunity.
You Jing is a content writer who writes career and lifestyle contents to inspire job seekers and employers alike on their journey to work-life balance, empowerment and transformation in their career path.
- Reach me at youjing@jobstore.com