Imagine this: You walk into a job interview at the right time, give the perfect handshake, and present yourself with confidence and determination. Then, the very first question you hear from your interviewer is “What are the reasons for leaving your current position?”. How do you answer this question without making your current employer look bad, or communicating a lack of commitment?
Explaining the reason for leaving a job in an interview can be a tricky task, especially if the reasons are not entirely positive. Therefore, instead of looking to the past, gaze into the future and give an answer that communicates what you want to accomplish in this new opportunity. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Be positive
It’s important to be honest and straightforward when answering this question, but also to present your reasons in a way that puts them in the best possible light. Even if you’re leaving your current job because of a negative experiences, it’s important to be respectful and professional. Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on what you’re looking for in a new job and how the new role aligns with your career goals. For example, if you’re leaving your current job because it lacked opportunities for career growth, you might say something like, “I’ve really enjoyed my time at my current employer, but I’m looking for a new opportunity to grow and develop my skills.”
If you’re leaving your current job because of a poor working environment, it’s important to avoid placing blame on your current employer. Always avoid badmouthing your boss or co-workers as this can come across as unprofessional and may hurt your chances of getting the job. Instead, say something like, “I am seeking growth and development. Unfortunately, the organization couldn’t provide that any further. While I am grateful for what I learned, I feel that it is time to move forward.”
No matter what your reason for leaving your current job is, it’s important to focus on the positives and how the new job aligns with your career goals. This will show the hiring manager that you’re looking to move forward in your career, rather than dwelling on negative experiences from your previous job.
Communicate your career goals
Be prepared to talk about specific examples of how the new job aligns with your career goals. For example, if you’re leaving your current position because you’re looking for more career opportunities, you could mention how the new job offers opportunities for career advancement and training.
Additionally, it’s important to show in your answer that you have researched the company and the role, and that you understand how the new job aligns with your career goals. This will show the hiring manager that you’re genuinely interested in the role and that you’re a good fit for the company.
Be concise
As with any interview question, you should always give a complete answer in the shortest way possible. It might be tempting to over-explain yourself and excessively talk about your current employer, career path, or goals; but this can derail the conversation causing you to loose the interviewer’s attention. Instead limit your answer to a couple of sentences and always be ready for follow-up questions.
In summary, when explaining your reason for leaving a job in an interview, it is important to be honest and straightforward while also being positive. Always show your interviewer that you are looking to move forward in your career and that you have researched the company and the role, and that you understand how the new job aligns with your career goals. Last, be sure to be concise to avoid loosing your train of thought as you answer the question. If you follow these tips you can rest assure that your answer will impress the interviewer and will aid you in landing the job.
Written by
Jose Caceres
Marketing Manager
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