I loved the people I worked with and the projects I worked on, but at some point I realized I wasn’t being challenged the way I used to be. I’m ready for the next challenge in my career. But if you want to go into a bit more detail, you can definitely put a positive spin on the answer.Įxample answer #3 for “Why are you leaving your job?” In fact, even the blunt version is more or less fine. This is probably the tamest reason to be job searching. It was a hard decision to make because I love the mission of the company, but I ultimately think this is the right choice. I realized the leadership of my team was going in a different direction, and I’m interested in working in a more collaborative environment. Wrap it up with something positive about the company.Įxample answer #2 for “Why are you leaving your job?” Mention briefly and neutrally that you two are on separate tracks and move on. There’s no other way to put it: You have a bad boss. And while it was a great learning experience and I enjoyed contributing to the team, I’m ready to join a company that values my skills and allows me to use them more fully. Who doesn’t wish they were paid more? It’s a completely normal thing, but perhaps not the best to bring up during an interview-at least not until the hiring manager is more invested in you.Įxample answer #1 for “Why are you leaving your job?”ĭuring my three years at LBD, I had the opportunity to really develop a strong skill set in data analysis, quantitative reasoning, and programming. Notice how all of these responses are honest, but also include at least one positive thing about the interviewee’s previous role.
To give you an idea of how to frame your answer, here are four fairly blunt-but also fairly common-reasons why you might be ready to move on, and how to translate them into tactful responses during your job search. Be specific about what you want, rather than dwelling on every little thing that annoys you at your current company.
Rather than saying your current job is boring, for example, tell the interviewer what you’re excited to be working on in your next role. Focus on what you have to look forward to, not what you’re leaving behind. Look to the future instead of lingering on the past.If you can, try to include one or two positive points about your current position in your answer. You don’t get any points for recounting each and every flaw of your last supervisor. Honesty doesn’t mean badmouthing your former employer, so keep things positive, neutral, or at least tactful. Never make up an answer to an interview question just because you think it’s what the hiring manager wants to hear. Remaining truthful throughout the job hunting process keeps you from ending up in a role that’s not a good match for you. As you think about your answer to this question, here are a few things to keep in mind.