Why do you want to leave your current job

Why you want to leave your current job tells interviewers about your future possibilities with them. Select your response carefully!
Learn 6 good reasons to mention and 5 bad ones to avoid!

When you’re asked why you want to leave your current job in an upcoming interview, it’s important to have a well-crafted answer prepared. Leaving your current job can be a scary proposition.

You don’t want to come across as negative or ungrateful but as someone looking for new challenges and opportunities.

Preparing an answer to this question can be tricky, but it’s worth taking the time to do so. Your response will set the tone for the rest of the interview, so make sure that you stay positive and focus on the reasons why you are excited about making a change.

Here are a few tips on what to say when an interviewer asks, “why do you want to leave your current job?”

Why do interviewers ask – Why you want to leave your Current job?

The majority of persons who quit a job in 2021 cited low compensation (63 percent) and no prospects for advancement (63%) as the reason. In any case, it’s always a good idea to be prepared to answer this question in a way that highlights your professionalism and enthusiasm for the new opportunity.

4 Key Reasons interviewers ask about the reason behind you leaving your current job

They want to understand your motivation for leaving your current job. Are you unhappy with your current situation? Are you looking for better opportunities elsewhere? Or are you simply ready for a change?
They want to gauge your commitment to the new company. If you’re quick to jump ship at the first sign of trouble, they may not want to invest in you.
They may be trying to assess whether or not you would be a good fit for their organization. If you can’t articulate why you’re leaving your current job, likely, you won’t be able to sell yourself to the new company either effectively.
One is whether you have good relations with your current employer. If you speak ill of them or talk about how much better things will be at the new company, it reflects poorly on you. The interviewer wants to know if you will be a positive force in their workplace or if you will bring negativity from your previous experience.

People behave habitually. This is why their past gives clues about their future behavior.
Here, the interviewers are trying to find the pattern and real reason why you leave a job!

11 Key Reasons Why People Leave a Job

Here is a list of responses you should give as well as avoid giving when answering this tough interview question. It can pretty much cost you a good job opportunity if you pick up the reasons the interviewers would not appreciate.

6 Good Reasons for Leaving a Job

1. Career change to a new industry

Career change is certainly one of them. It can be very exciting to enter a new industry, and it can also be a great way to advance your career.

Of course, it’s important to ensure that you’re ready for the change and have a plan in place. But if you’re feeling stagnant in your current position or are simply ready for something new, then a career change might be the right move for you.

Sample Answer 1 :

“I’m looking to make a career change into a new industry. I’ve enjoyed my time at my current job, but I feel like I’m ready for a new challenge. My current job has been great in terms of teaching me the basics of the industry, but I want to take my skills to the next level and learn more about what else is out there. I’m optimistic that this new opportunity will allow me to do just that!”

2. You got a better job opportunity

One common reason is that the individual has been given better job opportunities.

For instance, you’ll want to consider how the new job compares to your current position in terms of salary, benefits, responsibilities, etc. You’ll also want to ensure that the new company is reputable and that you’ll be happy working there.

Ultimately, only you can decide whether or not leaving your current job for a new opportunity is the right move for you.

Sample Answer 2:

“I got a better opportunity, and I feel like it’s time for me to move on. The previous job was great, but I think it’s time for me to take on a new challenge.”

3. Company Restructuring

Restructuring can be a good time to assess your career options. Sometimes, company restructuring can be a good thing. It may be an opportunity to reassess your career goals and pursue new avenues within the company.

Or, it could signify that it’s time to move on to something new altogether. Either way, it’s important to take some time to reflect on your options before making any decisions. On the other hand, company restructuring can also be a stressful and disruptive process.

Sample Answer 3:

“I’m looking for an opportunity that suits my skills and interests better. The company restructuring has left my current role feeling pointless, and I’m eager to contribute to a team where I can have a more impactful career. Additionally, the commute to my current job is quite long, so I’m also motivated by the chance to find something closer to home.”

4. Your contract was terminated

When your contract has terminated, the company no longer needs your services, and you are no longer needed.

This can be frustrating if you have worked at the company for a while and have built relationships with your co-workers. However, it is important to remember that you are not obligated to stay at a job that you do not want, or that is no longer beneficial to you.

Sample Answer 4:

“My contract was terminated, so I’m looking for a new opportunity. I enjoyed the company and my team, but it wasn’t the right fit for me long-term. I’m excited to find a new position where I can continue to grow and develop my skills!”

5. Overqualified or underutilized for the role

It’s a good reason to leave your job if you’re underutilized or overqualified for it. That means you’re not using your skills and abilities to their fullest potential, or you’re using skills and abilities that are beyond what’s needed for the job.

Both scenarios can be frustrating and demoralizing. You may feel like you’re not being used in the best way possible, or you don’t have the opportunity to learn and grow. And if you’re overqualified, you may feel like you’re not challenged enough or that you’re not using your strengths and knowledge.

Sample Answer 5:

“I feel like I’m overqualified and underutilized for the role. The company is going through many changes and upheaval at the moment, making it a stressful place to work. And I’ve just been offered an exciting new opportunity that I want to take advantage of. So, it feels like it’s time for me to move on.”

6. Relocation to a different city

Suppose you relocated to a city significantly different from the city you’re originally from (e.g., A big city like Bangalore differs from a small town in the middle of nowhere).

In that case, it could be a good reason to leave your job. This is because it can be challenging to adjust to a new city, especially if it’s significantly different from where you’re used to living.

And if you’re not comfortable with your surroundings, it will be tough to be productive at work. So if you’ve recently relocated and are finding adjusting difficult, this can be a good reason to give the interviewer.

Sample Answer 6:

“I am looking for an opportunity to relocate to a different city. I have outgrown my current city and am looking for an opportunity to explore new opportunities in a new location. My current job does not offer the growth potential I am looking for. I am excited about the possibility of learning new skills and expanding my knowledge in a new environment.”

[ Know how to powerfully introduce yourself with : 20 Strong Examples of – Tell me about Yourself for Fresher Sample Answer ]

5 Bad Reasons for Leaving a Job

1. Saying that you have problems with your boss

It reflects poorly on you as an employee. It shows that you can’t handle conflict or criticism well and are likely to cause problems wherever you go.

Additionally, it makes your boss or colleagues look bad. They may already be struggling with work-related issues, and having someone else come in and voice their complaints will only worsen things.

2. Saying that you don’t like the job

There are many different reasons why people may decide to leave a job. However, saying that you don’t like the job is not a good reason. It shows that you are not willing to commit to a position.

If you don’t like the job, you are likely to move on to another position as soon as something better comes. This doesn’t look good to potential employers and will likely damage your reputation in the long run.

3. Not satisfied with the working condition

Quitting your job is not always the answer. Responding that you are unhappy with the working conditions is a bad reason to give when they ask why you are leaving the current job.

If you are unhappy with your working conditions, there are things you can do to improve the situation, such as speaking to your boss or trying to find another job that is a better fit for you.

4. Saying that you are About to get fired

Saying that you are leaving a job because you are about to get fired is a bad reason. It shows that you are not reliable or committed to your job, and it will make it difficult for you to find future employment.

5. The job is too difficult

Maybe the hours are long and challenging, or the commute is tough. Perhaps the company culture isn’t a good fit, or the work itself isn’t interesting or rewarding.

Whatever the reason, disliking your job is certainly not uncommon. However, if you’re responding that you want to leave your job solely because you don’t like it, that’s generally not a good idea.

How to prepare the Answer for why you want to leave your current job

Now you know the reasons that can be acceptable by the interviewers for you leaving your current job. It is time to learn how to deliver your answer during the interview.

6 things to keep in mind when answering why you are leaving your current job

1. Be honest with yourself about your reasons for wanting to leave

If you’re unsure why you’re thinking about leaving, take some time to reflect on what isn’t working for you in your current situation.

Are you looking for a new challenge? More responsibility? A different company culture? Once you understand your motives better, it will be easier to communicate them clearly to potential employers.

2. Be mindful of how you phrase your answer

Remember that potential employers are interested in understanding both why you want to leave your current job and why you want to join their company.

Be sure to focus on the positive reasons for both, and avoid sounding negative or ungrateful.

For example, instead of saying, “I’m looking for a job that pays better,” try, “I’m interested in finding a role with more earning potential.”

And instead of “I want to get away from my current boss,” try “I’m looking for an opportunity to work with a team leader who I can learn from and who will help me develop professionally.”

By framing your answer in this way, you’ll come across as motivated and positive – two qualities that are sure to impress potential employers.

3. Be ready for follow-up questions

In addition to asking why you want to leave your current job, employers may also ask why you’re interested in the role you’re applying for.

Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience fit the job and what you can contribute to the company if hired.

4. What you’re hoping to find in a new role

Be specific about the kind of position you’re hoping to find. What sort of responsibilities are you looking for? What kind of culture are you hoping to be a part of? Again, be honest and specific in your answer.

5. Focus on Your skills and experience

This is your chance to highlight your best skills and most relevant experience. Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve received that could be helpful in the new role.

6. Relate it to Your career goals

Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? This is your chance to share your long-term career aspirations with potential employers.

5 Big Mistakes to Avoid When You Talk about Leaving your current Job

There are a few mistakes to avoid when you answer the question, “why do you want to leave your current job?” Here are five of the most common:

1. Don’t focus on the negatives

It’s important to avoid coming across as negative or ungrateful for what your current job has given you. Instead, focus on the positives of your career change and how it will benefit you in the long run.

2. Don’t make it personal

Your answer should be based on professional goals and not personal ones. For example, if you’re leaving because of a toxic work environment, simply state that you’re seeking a positive workplace culture where you can flourish.

3. Avoid sounding entitled

You may have valid reasons for wanting to leave your current job, but avoid sounding entitled or as if your next employer owes you something. Instead, focus on what you can offer and how you can add value to the team.

4. Avoid using unprofessional words such as ‘boring’ or ‘stressed’

Even if your current job is less than ideal, using unprofessional language to describe it will only reflect poorly on you. Instead, focus on the professional development opportunities you seek in a new role.

5. Don’t give vague answers

Be as specific as possible when explaining why you want to leave your current job. This will show that you’ve thought carefully about your career change and clearly know what you’re looking for.

Some examples of good reasons to leave your current job could be:

You’re seeking new challenges
The organization doesn’t align with your values
You’re looking for a better work/life balance
The company is going through restructures, and you’re seeking stability
The commute is too long

Whatever your reason, be sure to frame it in a positive light and avoid coming across as negative or ungrateful.

What’s Next?

If you’re considering leaving your current job, it’s important to have a clear idea of why you want to make the change.

Take some time to reflect on what isn’t working for you and what you would like to see in a new position.

During your interview, be prepared to articulate why you’re looking for something new and how this opportunity aligns with your career goals.

Leaving a job can be nerve-wracking, but if you go in with a solid plan and confident attitude, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream role.

There are many more important and tricky interview questions you need to master if you want to crack important job interviews! Prepare yourself thoroughly with our “Fresher Interview Questions and Answers” Section!

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