How to Answer: Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?

In the middle of an interview, it’s not uncommon for the hiring manager to throw a curveball your way and watch how you react. But as you’ll soon see, asking “Why do you want to leave your current job?” is no curveball at all. It’s one of the most common questions in any job interview, in fact.

That said there are a few feints to this question, which of course are deliberately put there to test you. But have no fear, for I shall be your guide on how not to fall for this professional skullduggery – and indeed, on how to counter it through perfectly legal and ethical sleight of hand.

Heehee.

Why this is a trick question

Typically, there are three distinct reasons why interviewers love this question so much. Out of respect for your time, I’m putting my usual (and very entertaining, I might add) chitter-chatter, which sandwiches most of my advice, on the back burner today.

Sad, I know...

Let’s dive in any way!

They really want to know why you left your job

While there is some low-level deception and trickery to this question (I’m not being serious, btw) – which we’ll get to in a moment – hiring managers still actually want to know why you’re leaving.

So, as briefly and concisely as possible, you ought to outright tell them why you’re interviewing for a new job. Simple as that. But don’t answer just yet! We still have two more pieces of the puzzle left.

How are you going to talk about your previous employer?

This is where you want to start paying extra attention to what you’re saying. Here is where the interviewer’s ears usually perk up. The thought process behind this is actually very simple: How are you going to talk about us when we become your previous employers?

So, the idea is to speak positively and gracefully about your past employer while still being able to make your point. That is to say: if you start spouting complaints about how the coffee machine always malfunctioned, that’s going to be no bueno for you, compadre.

Of course, if you left your employer on good terms, then just tell the hiring manager what you enjoyed during your time there while still mentioning you saw the need to move elsewhere (particularly the company you’re applying to work for).

Is the same reason going to make you leave this job?

Understandably, hiring managers want to know that you’ll be committing to them for the long term (and not, you know, jumping ship because there’s no water in the coffee machine’s group head). Hiring takes a whole bunch of time and money on the employer’s part, so you want to convince them that by hiring you they’re making the right investment.

Here you want to express career-related reasons for leaving your previous job, and how that very same reason has made you apply to this new position. Explain, briefly, how the hiring manager’s company would play a good role in meeting your professional needs (e.g., aligning with your values, better career growth opportunities, feeling valued at your job, looking for new challenges, etc.)

What if I really didn’t like my past employer? How do I “gracefully” deal with that?

That’s a good question. In fact, one is inclined to presume it’s a trick question. Are we playing trick-question-ception here or what?

In all seriousness though, you do not have to act as though your time there was full of joy when in fact all you wanted was to push your coworkers into a locker. You can still be honest in a professional setting.

Simultaneously, this does not give you the license to air all your grievances in the manner you see fit. It’s sort of a balance… but really isn’t, because you still want to be positive. I know that might not make a lot of sense, but maybe this will:

Talk about what you learned

No matter the work environment, there’s a good chance you learned something on the job over the years. Any particular training? Talk about that.

Nothing positive to say? Talk about what you were missing

… And then masterfully segue into how this new role is going to fulfill that missing piece (noticing a pattern here?). Don’t forget to share your gratitude about the opportunity to work there, though. Yes, you might not be 100% in on that gratitude, but you have to mention it to pass the test. That’s just “professionalism”.

(You’ll understand why I quoted professionalism if you read this blog post)

Example answers

Use these as a guideline.

“While I’ve learned a lot in my current role, I am actively looking for a new opportunity that provides more challenges to support the continual development of my skill set.”
“A lot of factors drive my motivation. At the top of my list is client satisfaction, as well as peer and manager approval, but compensation is also among my sources of motivation. I’m always excited to sell a product that I’m enthusiastic about and to constantly exceed my goals.”
“I’ve been working on continually developing my interpersonal skills. It has become apparent to me that room for further development is limited in my current role; therefore, I’m excited for an opportunity that would allow me to further develop my skills in that regard, where collaboration and transparency are considered key tenets of communication.”

And here’s one that might give you butterflies in the stomach…

“As I look back, it’s become clear to me how my and my employer’s definitions of success were not 100% in agreement. In hindsight, I see how I could have done some things differently. There’s a lot I had to learn, so I’m excited to be able to bring this development to this job, which is in accordance with my skills as well as my career goals.”

If you are honest, professional, and deliberate with your answers…

Then you have nothing to worry about. Simply follow the pointers I’ve outlined for you above, do your own research, and keep going until you feel comfortable with your “mental model.” You can never go wrong if you base your answers on good information, common sense, and professional behavior.

For more information on averting any interview bombshells, check out this bunker chock full of helpful material.