How to Answer the Question: “Why are you leaving your job?”

One of the most common questions you’ll get in an interview is “Why are you leaving your current job?” I’ve seen quite a wide array of answers over the years! Here are some practical tips for how to answer that question and keep the interview flowing smoothly.

1. “I’m looking for new opportunities to grow in _____ skillset.”

   Focus on the positive of what you’re looking for in a new role rather than denigrating the old position and team. Companies and hiring managers are looking for an alignment between the growth they can offer and what you’re desiring.
   
   Think about it this way: if you can pick two areas of growth or focus over the next year, what would those be? Express your desire to learn and grow. Most organizations are excited to have someone on the team who is passionate about growth.

2. “I’m looking for better work-life balance / less travel.”

   Some jobs are more demanding than others, including a heavy busy season or travel. It’s completely ok to look for a change, but you need to quantify what that looks like for you. Are you ok with 20% travel?
   
   Another important distinction is what “work-life balance” means to you. Does that mean leaving at 5 every day? Or remote work 2 days a week? What about times when the job needs a little bit more - are you willing to accommodate that?
   
   The more you can honestly think through and articulate what flexibility and work-life balance means to you, the more the recruiter and the hiring team will be able to help you land in a good spot.
   

3. “I’ve been laid off or let go.”

   If you’ve been laid off or let go from your previous employer, it’s really important to be honest about this and talk through it with your recruiter or the interviewer. First, realize that it’s ok that happened. Nearly everyone will get laid off / furloughed / let go at some point in their career. Here are some strategies for answering that question, depending on your situation.
   
   If you lost your job because the company was struggling financially and had a large Reduction in Force that you were caught up in, simply communicate the facts in a calm, professional manner. With today’s uncertain economic turbulence, layoffs are an understood fact of life. If possible, include the percentage of the company’s employees who were impacted by the layoff or RIF. Offer to share references from the company or previous managers there.

   If you were let go for performance or cultural fit, it is best to be honest and share what you can. Take the time to reflect on what you learned or would do differently. Sometimes there genuinely are personality clashes that will never improve with time. Point to longer tenure other places if possible and explain why those organizations were a better fit.

4. “I’m looking for more financial opportunity.”

   If your sole reason for making a move is compensation, this is a tough one. Money alone never keeps anyone happy, and companies will be wary of that being the sole reason for a move. They will be concerned that you’ll do the same thing again in a year or two.

   If you feel like you’re significantly under-paid, it’s probably a smart idea to ask a recruiter their opinion on what your compensation target should be. An honest recruiter will give you valuable guidance on what you should be looking for.

One last piece of advice: don’t be afraid to practice your answers with a recruiter, your family, or even your mirror! The more comfortable you are with sharing your story, the more natural you’ll be in the conversation.

If you’d like to talk to one of our professional recruiters about how to answer any of these questions or how to tell your story, we are happy to help! Just reach out at info@forgesc.com and we’ll help in any way we can.