The interview is going great, you are getting on well and you are well-qualified. Suddenly, you get asked one of the most dreaded interview questions; “What are the reasons for leaving your current job?”
You are excited to explore this next opportunity but outlining your reasons for leaving a job to a potential employer can you make your feel uncomfortable.
It’s one of those common, but tricky interview questions. You don’t want to risk whinging, but it does need an explanation.
Being able to clearly and succinctly explain why you want to start a new chapter in your career could help strengthen your chances of securing a new opportunity. Likewise, being unable to offer a solid answer could plant a question mark in a hiring manager’s mind and make them wonder if you’re trying to be evasive – when you’re not!
Here are our tips on discussing why you are leaving your job at the interview.
Why do employers ask, “Why are you leaving your current job?”
Contrary to popular belief, this interview question isn’t designed to trick you into making yourself look bad. The aim is to understand the reasons behind your job move, learn about your career goals and whether you are parting from your current employer on bad terms.
It helps your future employer understand what motivates and engages you at work. Work culture and longer-term career plans are also covered by the question. The idea is to unwrap what you are looking for from your next role.
Why ARE you leaving?
Before we continue, it is important to note the purpose of this article is to help you express your reasons for leaving in a way that will satisfy your current and prospective employers. Therefore, before reading our top reasons to answer why you are leaving your current job at an interview, make your own shortlist of reasons (however vague they may be) so there are no surprises.
“I am looking for opportunities to progress”
Wanting to develop your skills is a sign of employee engagement and adds extra value to a company. It is a desirable quality rather than a liability. Perhaps you aren’t being given the appropriate resources to grow and learn in your current role. This is definitely one to bring to the attention of a new employer when sharing your reasons for leaving a job.
Good answer:
“Although I enjoy my current role, I am looking to accept a bigger challenge and move into a position that allows me more space to develop professionally.”
“I am looking for a career change”
Some see this as a dangerous answer. However, in the tech space, it can serve as an indication that you’re dedicated to finding interesting and meaningful work. By explaining your career development plan and outlining your ultimate end goal, you can demonstrate your drive and commitment.
Good answer:
“Although I appreciated the opportunity at my previous role, after reconsidering my long-term goals, I decided I want to pursue a career in __________ instead.”
“The company restructured and the dynamics changed”
Organisations grow and evolve, and internal dynamics change as a result. Acceptable answers for leaving a job will focus on the positives of the situation. However, try not to appear resentful or suggest that you were unwilling to try and adapt.
Good answer:
“My team recently downsized. I appreciated this was necessary for the company’s new direction, I think it’s time for me to pursue opportunities which better fit my skill set.”
What you should avoid when answering why are you leaving your job?
So, now we’ve covered what you should say, perhaps it’s time to review what you shouldn’t!
It can be an easy slip of the tongue to set back an interview that was previously going well. The interviewer may put you at ease however, there are certain things you must try to avoid when answering this question.
Don’t Complain
Try to avoid launching an attack of complaints about your former workplace. This can make you look bitter or negative – which a potential hiring manager does not want to see! Emphasise on the positives of working. Identifying how the dynamics changed to prompt the move and what you learned about the experience is a great way to avoid complaining.
Don’t criticise a manager
It can be easy to fall into this trap if conflict was the reason for leaving your current job. Instead, try and think tactically and positively about how the relationship deteriorated. For example, perhaps your previous manager micromanaged your work. Instead of speaking badly of them and risk coming across as unprofessional, tell your interviewer that you set up daily and weekly reports for your manager to keep them up to date.
Takeaways.
Just so we are clear. Here are the Dos and Don’ts when you are asked “Why are you leaving your current job?”
Do
- Make a list of why you are. You can plan around these.
- Highlight your ambition. Opportunities to learn and professional growth are both totally acceptable reasons for looking for new roles.
- Underline your need for meaningful work. A career change and new directions are welcomed in the tech space.
- Mention any restructuring that led to a change in dynamics, business need, or company re-ordering.
Don’t
- Complain. No one wants to employ a bitter or negative person.
- Criticise your line manager or colleagues. This is unprofessional and the working world is small. Keep your conflicts to yourself.
If you are looking for new tech, digital or data opportunities we can help. Not only do we build digital careers we provide help, guidance and feedback along the way. If you think your job search could benefit from a more tailored and nuanced approach. Get in touch today.