6 Best Responses To: “Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?”

Answering “Why are you leaving your current job?” interview question requires self-awareness and tact. You want to be honest, but you don’t want to make your previous employer look bad. There are plenty of good reasons to leave a position, so focus on those. Here are some rational answers that employers tend to view favorably:

1. Looking for more responsibility and career growth opportunities. 

Managers love employees looking to learn new skills and take on new challenges. If you feel you outgrew your last job, say so. This is your chance to expand into a new role.

2. A career change

Circle back to your CV and all the accomplishments spotlighted there, and then mention that you’re ready for a career pivot that will allow you to try new things. Focusing on your achievements can help.

Sometimes a job or industry simply isn’t a good match. Trying new things doesn’t make you inconsistent; it indicates that you’re curious and value meaningful work. Explaining your career plan and professional goals are great ways to endear you to your interviewer.

3. Company restructuring

Your company culture might have changed or be restructuring, leading you to worry about recent or potential layoffs. In your interview, highlight how you’re adapting to a changing work environment — even if it doesn’t pan out in the end. This is your chance to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.

4. Work-life balance

Something may have changed in your personal life, prompting your new job search. If you’re starting a family, you probably don’t want to work 10 hours per day at a busy startup. Or maybe you don’t have a new family, but you can’t keep putting in so many extra hours. It’s okay to seek balance; just be up-front about it.

5. Relocation

 Moving to a new city might require you to find a new job. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start or following your spouse abroad, you might not have the option to work remotely — especially as organizations switch to hybrid work models.

6. Personal reasons. 

It’s possible you’re leaving for reasons you don’t want to share. In these cases, you can keep your answer vague while justifying your departure. For example, if you’re applying for a part-time role, you could say: “Some personal factors in my life have changed, and a full-time position is no longer the right fit.”

Yes, the “why are you leaving your current job?” interview question is tricky.

The solution?

Practice, practice, practice. Know what you’re going to say before your interview. Preparation is the key to talking through even the worst reasons for leaving your job.

Avoid lying and victimizing yourself, instead focusing on the productive things you did while unemployed.

Avoid bad-mouthing a boss/manager. You might not have agreed with your boss on everything, and that’s okay. You can be truthful but remain tactful. If your previous supervisor micromanaged you, explain that you appreciated their investment in your work, but you ultimately want more autonomy. Show your interviewer that you left on good terms despite your differences.

Then swing the conversation back around to why you’re right for the job. Keep it brief, honest and positive at all times.

Ready to impress an employer in your upcoming interview? Book a one on one interview coaching session now to help you confidently answer all the questions.