4/27/2022
During an interview, you are often asked "why are you leaving your current job?" Therefore, it is essential to prepare a response to avoid being caught off guard.
Common variations to the question:
"Why did you quit your most recent job?"
"Why were you let go?"
"Why did you leave your job?
"Are you looking for anything in this job that you didn't get in the last job?"
What the interviewer wants to know from asking one of these questions: It reveals a lot about yourself. For example, it indicates if you were let go, fired, or left voluntarily. It reveals if you are on good terms with your company. It also shows your expectations.
When you answer this question, be honest, but keep it brief. You do not need to air everyone's dirty laundry, but you want to be honest, positive, and respectful even if you were fired or quit because of a boss or co-worker.
Here are some common answers to "why did you leave your job?" Or "why are you leaving your current job?"
I am looking for a new challenge.
I want a job with better career growth opportunities.
I am looking for something that offers benefits.
I am looking for something more stable.
This position correlates with my skill set. I will be able to achieve this type of growth through this job.
I am leaving because I want to find a more flexible career.
I am interested in a position with more responsibility.
I was laid off or let go.
Pivot to why this current job is an ideal match for your knowledge, experience, or skills. Be clear about your reasons for exiting. If you are unsure how to word it or why you are leaving, consider some of the questions to help you figure out what you are looking for.
What are your career goals?
What are your values and interests?
What do you want out of your employment? (e.g., fulfillment, flexibility, etc.)
What do you like about your current position? What do you dislike?
Do you like the culture feel safe in the current culture your workplace offers?
After thinking through some of these answers, highlight a couple of the key reasons you can give to the interview if asked this question.
Answers such as "I don't like my boss" or "I want more money" are answers you want to stay clear from. These can be perceived as negative responses. Both of these questions can be left up to interpretation, which you want to avoid.
Be clear with your answers. That way, they do not leave the interview confused with your responses.