How to Answer, ‘Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?’

One of the most common questions asked in interviews is “Why are you leaving your current job?” yet it frequently puzzles applicants. Even if the idea of leaving your present position makes you happy, you could feel awkward discussing your reasons for leaving a job with a hiring manager. And for precisely that reason, you need to give this question careful thought. You’ll leave a favorable impression on the interview panel and improve your chances of getting the job if you can respond to the question quickly and without feeling embarrassed. 

We’ll be addressing a variety of topics in Leverage Edu’s blog series on interview preparation advice. Here are some pointers for answering the interview question regarding your reasons for leaving a job, as well as an explanation of why employers inquire about this and examples of how not to respond to it. 

Must Read: How to Ask for Promotion

Why Does the Employer Ask, ‘Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?’

Unlike the more typical interview questions you’ll probably encounter, this one isn’t meant to make you appear awful. A recruiting manager will inquire about your motivations for changing jobs in an effort to understand your professional objectives and whether you are leaving your current employer gracefully.

Interviewers might learn more about your definition of job satisfaction and engagement by asking you about your reasons for leaving a previous position. It may also reveal your long-term career goals and your expectations from a new position.

Also Read: How to Write a Cover Letter?

5 Best Reasons You Must Include While Answering “Why are You Leaving Your Current Job”?

You shouldn’t be ashamed to discuss your reasons for leaving a job; there are plenty that are acceptable. In fact, you should welcome the chance to highlight your commitment to improvement and your work ethic. Here are five resignation reasons that a hiring manager may find acceptable:

Better Work Opportunities and Career Growth

Interview candidates should demonstrate a desire to advance their skills, as this is one quality that all hiring managers look for. It’s crucial to share your reasons for leaving a job with a potential new employer if you feel that you aren’t receiving the necessary resources to advance and learn in your current position. Give specific examples of the kinds of abilities you want to develop and how you intend to go about doing so.

A Change in Profession

It is not a sign of being fickle to want to change your professional path. It could be a sign of your commitment to locating fulfilling employment. You can show your devotion and desire by detailing your career growth plan and your long-term objective.

Better Work-life Balance 

The COVID pandemic has resulted in a renewed emphasis on the value of work-life balance among businesses and individuals. However, if pandemic constraints ease, you might discover that your preferred work arrangements no longer suit the requirements of your company. If you’re leaving a job for that reason, tell the hiring managers right away. You should also convince them that whatever flexibility they provide you will be rewarded with high levels of productivity and engagement on your end. Focus on what you want for the long run when talking about work-life balance, whether it’s remote work, a 4/10 workweek, or flexible hours.

Company Restructuring

Employee unhappiness can result from team changes or budget cuts brought on by company restructuring. If this is the reason you’re quitting your job, it can be good to give specific examples of how the new organizational structure isn’t working for you, what you’ve done to try to make things better, and what you’d alter if you could. This demonstrates your level of commitment, your capacity for problem-solving, and your commitment to working as a team player in the face of adversity. 

Relocation

Sometimes the desire or need to move is a good justification for quitting your current position. This is the situation if you believe that shifting is best accomplished by physically relocating close to the location of the prospective job rather than requesting remote work from your previous employer, which they might or might not accept. Describe your motivation for moving, the talents you can bring to the organization, and the advantages you see in a new position and location. A hiring manager who requires their team to be in or near the office may be impressed by your desire and determination to establish new roots in an era where many candidates wish to work from home.

Why It’s Crucial to Stay Away from Negativity While Responding to this Question? 

Just because the person conducting your interview wants to get to know you doesn’t necessarily make them your buddy. You should keep in mind that you are aiming to impress a recruiting manager, not ranting in the pub after a long day at the office. A rant about your complaints with your supervisor or employer—broken promises, slights against your abilities, lack of respect—will simply give the impression that you enjoy whining. Who’s to say you won’t remain the same at a different organization?

Also Read: How to Answer “Why do you want this Job”?

Sample of How to Answer “Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?”

You have the chance to showcase your knowledge of and excitement for the position with your potential future employer by answering this question. Give the reason you’re leaving, and then describe how this makes the new position more alluring. For example, I’m leaving primarily because I’m prepared to take on greater responsibility. I want to lead a team, but my present employer doesn’t have any leadership openings. I appreciate teaching classes and developing the skills of young workers. Even though I already perform this frequently in my current position and frequently receive favorable feedback, I believe I could perform it even more successfully if I had my own team. I am quite thrilled about the potential of assisting a small team of recent grads in developing, and I know you are searching for someone to lead them. 

I’m leaving primarily because I’m prepared to take on greater responsibility. I want to lead a team, but my present employer doesn’t have any leadership openings. I appreciate teaching classes and developing the skills of young workers. Even though I already perform this frequently in my current position and frequently receive favorable feedback, I believe I could perform it even more successfully if I had my own team. I am quite thrilled about the potential of assisting a small team of recent grads in developing, and I know you are searching for someone to lead them.

Must Read: How to Answer, ’How did you hear about this position?

FAQs

You’ll feel more assured going into a job interview if you prepare your reasons for leaving a job and how to express them in a constructive, professional manner. Follow Leverage Edu for the best tips on interview preparation.