How should a candidate explain why they are looking for a new job in an interview?
Frame the response around growth and fit with the role, highlighting skills and goals, and why this opportunity aligns with your priorities. Avoid negative remarks about past employers; keep it concise and professional to signal a considered move.
If you are a professional with prior work experience, the recruiters will most definitely ask you your reasons for leaving your previous job or your reasons for looking for a new job now.
And while you might have a clear answer in your head, it’s important to know how to convey the same to the recruiters.
Meaning that if you left your previous job due to some personal conflict with a colleague or because you had a horrible boss, you can not give these reasons during the interview.
Because bad-mouthing your previous employers or talking about your personal conflicts will not exactly leave a good impression on the recruiters. And is a big no-no.
In fact, what the recruiters are interested to know with this question is about your work values and priorities.
When your frame your answer:
- Try to focus on why this new opportunity is good for you
- Keep it concise
The best way to go about it is by offering positive and opportunity-oriented reasons for both leaving your old job and looking for a new one.
Here’s a sample answer that will give you an idea about how you can answer this question:
“I loved working with XYZ organization and although my role has armed me with exceptional marketing skills and a rich experience in the industry, there was a lack of growth opportunities for my role in the company. That’s why when I saw the job posting online for this role, I was thrilled. I believe that this is the next move in my career that will help me grow and increase my potential.”
This answer works well because not only does it provide a professional and diplomatic reason, but it also sheds light on your skills and enthusiasm for the new role.
It reassures the recruiters that it is a well thought out move and that you are confident in your decision - which is exactly what recruiters expect to hear from an ideal candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will recruiters ask this question if you have prior work experience?
If you have prior work experience, expect this question. Recruiters will most definitely ask your reasons for leaving your previous job or looking for a new job now.
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What do interviewers want to learn when they ask this question?
They want to understand your work values and priorities.
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How should you frame your answer?
Focus on why the new opportunity is good for you and keep it concise. Offer positive and opportunity-oriented reasons.
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What reasons should you avoid giving?
Do not cite personal conflicts or a horrible boss, and avoid bad-mouthing previous employers. These reasons are a big no-no in interviews.
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Should you focus on problems at your old job or opportunities in the new role?
Emphasize opportunities in the new role rather than past problems. Try to focus on why this new opportunity is good for you.
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Why is a positive, opportunity-oriented explanation effective?
It provides a professional and diplomatic reason while highlighting your skills and enthusiasm for the new role. This approach works well.
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How concise should your answer be?
Keep it concise.
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What impression should your answer give to recruiters?
It should reassure them that your move is well thought out and that you are confident in your decision.
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How can you explain limited growth as a reason without sounding negative?
Acknowledge limited growth opportunities and connect the new role to growth and potential. For example, note a lack of growth opportunities and explain how the role helps you grow and increase your potential.
