I’ve coached professionals on how to ace interviews for more than 10 years (from entry-level to executive) and one of the first questions they ask me is, “What do I say when the panel asks me, why are you leaving your present job?” This is one of the most common interview questions across the board. I get that this can be a loaded and uncomfortable question depending on the real reason why you’re leaving.
For example, if you’re dealing with a micromanaging boss, a toxic work environment, or you’re burnt out with a major lack of work-life balance, answering this question with the straight-up truth may not be your best bet. In this article, I’m going to dive into this question a bit more and tell you why employers are asking it, what information they’re looking for, and how you can create an honest, straightforward, and positive answer to stand out and calm your interviewers’ nerves.
If you’ve read any of my other articles (for example, How to explain a mistake you made at work) or if you follow me on LinkedIn, you know that I always like to start with explaining the “why” behind the question. As a former Director and Hiring Manager, I can tell you exactly what employers are looking for whenever they ask “Why are you leaving your present job?” So let’s start off there.
Quick Mindset Check
When it comes to interviews, I want to remind you that there is no perfect or one-size-fits-all fits answer. My goal for you is to have you walk into the interview confident in what you offer and proud of your career story (no matter how non-linear or up and down it has been). This is an opportunity for you to also determine whether or not the boss, employees, and culture are a good fit for you. Ok, now let’s get to the root of it all!
Why do employers ask about why you’re leaving your current job?
There’s a reason behind every question that’s asked in an interview. When employers ask “why are you leaving your current job” there’s an underlying motive. Here are the top three things employers are looking for when it comes to this question.
Professionalism:
Have you ever met a person who didn’t have a poker face and no matter what situation they were in, they need to make sure everyone knows how they’ve been wronged or treated poorly? There’s a time and place for that and it’s not in an interview.
There’s a common phrase and it goes something like “your current behavior predicts your future behavior.” For example, if you openly complain about your current boss, the environment, and your colleagues, it’s likely that you will do the same if you work for a new employer.
Employers want to know that their name and reputations won’t be dragged through the mud if things don’t work out. Also, keeping your composure and being mindful of what you say is all about professionalism. Plus, you always want to leave on good terms with your current employer.
Motivations:
Hiring Managers want to make sure you’re a good fit for the role, environment, and team. They understand this by learning more about what is pushing you to look for a new opportunity. On top of that, they want to make sure they can meet any expectations you may have.
For example, if they have a mandatory in-office policy along with limited PTO and you tell them that you’re looking to move due to lack of flexibility in your current role, this will automatically let them know that you may not be the best fit due to their policies.
Red Flags:
Employers are watching your every move. From your interaction with the front desk secretary, to your eye rolls, and tone in your voice… they are watching and looking for any potential red flags that could signal things such as an inability to get along with colleagues or poor performance. Be mindful of your tone, how you treat others, and how you react to the questions being asked.
So why are you leaving your current job?
It’s self-reflection time! Before you can effectively answer this question, you need to have a clear understanding of your own reasons for leaving. To get you started, I’ve developed some questions to help guide you. The self-reflection questions below will help you craft a genuine and intentional response.
And if you’re wondering why I’m including this section, it’s because I really want you to think about your answers. If I gave you surface-level information, you wouldn’t be prepared for follow-up questions. Sometimes employers press on this issue and I want you to be fully prepared IF they do.
Identify Your Reasons for Leaving
Everyone has different reasons for making the decision to leave their current position and meet with a prospective employer. Below are some of the most common reasons for why professionals leave and being to explore new career growth opportunities. They are all valid reasons, but ultimately you need to know your why along with your professional goals.
Career Advancement:
If you’re looking for growth opportunities or a higher position, it’s important to articulate this clearly. Consider if you’ve hit a ceiling in your current role and how a new position might offer the chance for promotion, skill development, or leadership responsibilities.
Reflection Question: Have you reached the peak of your current role’s potential, and are you seeking new challenges that can provide professional growth? Maybe it’s time for a fresh start!
Change in Career Path:
Have you been inspired or realized it’s time to pursue a passion that you’ve kept tucked away for years? If you’re seeking a shift in your career focus or industry, identify what excites you about this new direction. This might include a desire to finally pursue your passion, leverage different skills, or enter a more dynamic field.
Reflection Question: What specific aspects of the new career path are appealing to you, and how do they align with your long-term career goals? How will your previous experience help you be successful on this new path?
Company Culture:
If the company culture is not a good fit for you, think about the aspects that are misaligned with your values or work style. This could involve the company’s work environment, leadership style, or overall corporate vibe or system.
Reflection Question: What elements of the current company culture are causing dissatisfaction, and what kind of culture are you looking for in a new role? What are your must-have’s and hell no’s?
Relocation:
If you’re moving to a new city or region, consider the personal and professional reasons for the move. This could include family considerations, lifestyle preferences, or a desire to be part of a specific community or market.
Reflection Question: What are the primary drivers behind your relocation, and how does this move fit into your broader personal and professional life?
Better Work-Life Balance:
If you’re looking for a better balance between work and personal life, identify how your current job might be impacting your well-being. Reflect on how a new role could provide a healthier balance and support your overall quality of life.
Reflection Question: How is your current role affecting your work-life balance, and what are your priorities for maintaining a healthy balance in your next job? What benefits, perks, or level of flexibility do you need? Remote work? Hybrid Options? A healthy amount of PTO?
Company Instability:
If your current company is experiencing financial or organizational instability, it’s essential to frame this in a way that doesn’t criticize your employer but explains your need for a more stable environment. Consider if this is industry specific and whether or not you want to stay in this industry.
Reflection Question: What specific instabilities in your current company are prompting your job search, and how does a stable environment contribute to your professional satisfaction and security?
Define what you want in your next role
What do you want? The fact is, you wouldn’t be looking for a new job. Understanding what you want in your next role is crucial for framing your answer and for ensuring you find a position that truly fits your needs. Also, when you know what you want, you’re more confident and the answer will flow smoothly. Trust me, employers can tell when you’re genuine and when you’re faking it!
Growth Opportunities:
Are you looking for a role with clear advancement potential? Identify the types of growth (vertical promotions, skill development, cross-functional experiences) that you seek.
New Challenges:
Do you want to tackle different responsibilities or projects? Reflect on the kinds of challenges that excite you and how they align with the potential role.
Better Culture Fit:
Are you seeking a company with values that align more closely with yours? Consider what values and cultural aspects are important to you and look for these in prospective employers.
Location:
Do you need a role in a specific geographic area? Identify the importance of location for your personal life and career.
Work Environment:
Are you looking for a more supportive or flexible work environment? Reflect on the work environments where you’ve thrived in the past and seek similar settings.
Short and Long-term Goals:
How will this new role fit into your 2, 5, and 10 year plan? How will a new role fit into your career aspirations?
Crafting your answer to why are you leaving your present job
I’m going to give you 10 sample answers to get you started! As you begin customizing your answer, I want you to keep a few things in mind.
Be Honest: Always tell the truth, but frame it in a positive and professional manner.
Stay Positive: Avoid speaking negatively about your current employer or colleagues.
Be Specific: Tailor your answer to the job you’re applying for, showing how the new role aligns with your career goals and values.
Practice: Practice your answer to ensure it comes across as confident and polished.
10 Sample Answers to explain why you’re leaving your current role
Now that you have all the details, we’re going to get into the examples! I want you to feel confident when answering “why are you leaving your current job.” I tried to list the most common ones I come across during my coaching sessions.
Sample Answer 1: Seeking Growth Opportunities
“I have enjoyed my time at my current job and have learned a lot. However, I feel that I’ve reached a point where there are limited opportunities for growth and advancement. I’m looking for a role where I can continue to develop my skills and take on new challenges.”
Sample Answer 2: Career Change or Shift in Career Goals for Marketing Field
“I have decided to shift my career focus from marketing to project management. While I have enjoyed working in marketing, I realized my passion lies in managing projects and leading teams. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to a project management role.”
Sample Answer 3: Relocation
“I am relocating to [City] for personal reasons and am looking for new opportunities in this area. I believe this role is a great fit for my skills and experience.” (You can also briefly state why you love the area and provide whatever information you’re comfortable with providing).
Sample Answer 4: Company Instability
“My current company has been going through some significant changes, including layoffs. While I have been grateful for my time there, I am seeking a more stable environment where I can contribute long-term.”
Sample Answer 5: Healthy Work-Life Balance
“I have realized the importance of work-life balance for my overall well-being and productivity. I am looking for a company that values this balance and supports its employees in maintaining it.”
Bonus Tip: At the end of the interview a question that you can ask is, “how do you support your employees in maintaining work-life balance?”
Sample Answer 6: Better Cultural Fit
“While I have appreciated my time at my current job, I am seeking a company whose values more closely align with my own. I am passionate about (personal passion) and (personal passion), and I am excited about the work your company is doing in these areas. I believe this role will allow me to contribute meaningfully to projects that matter to me.”
Sample Answer 7: Seeking New Challenges
“I have been with my current company for five years and have enjoyed my time there. I am now looking for a new challenge where I can apply my skills in a different industry and continue to grow professionally. I am particularly excited about this role because it offers opportunities to work on innovative projects and collaborate with a dynamic team.”
Sample Answer 8: Professional Development
“I have enjoyed working in my current role, but I feel that my professional development has plateaued. I am looking for a position that offers more opportunities for learning and growth, and I am impressed by the professional development programs your company offers. I am eager to bring my experience to your team and continue to grow in my career.”
Sample Answer 9: Desire for More Responsibility
“I have reached a point in my current job where I am looking for more responsibility and the opportunity to lead projects. I am excited about this position because it offers the chance to take on a leadership role and contribute to larger strategic initiatives.”
Sample Answer 10: Passion for the Industry
“I am passionate about the technology industry and am eager to work for a company that is at the forefront of innovation. While I have enjoyed my time at my current job, I am looking for a role that allows me to be more involved in cutting-edge projects and work with a team that is as passionate about technology as I am.”
Conclusion
Thank you for sticking with me through this article! I hope that you have a solid plan for answering “why are you leaving your current job.” I know sometimes I can be quite the “oversharer,” but it’s important to me that you walk away from this article feeling fully equipped, confident, and clear on how you can answer this interview question in a great way and with a positive response.
This question can feel a bit daunting, but now you have the key tools and a planned approach. Your answer will allow you to showcase your skills, passions, talents, and vision for the future.
I fully believe in you and know that you are going to ace your next interview! If you need additional support, practice, or feedback, I’m here to help! I offer Interview Coaching (4 sessions) and if you’d like to sign up, just click here.
In the meantime, I’m cheering you on virtually! Cheers to your success!
P.S. Leave a comment and let me know if this article was helpful!
