Hi FGB team!!

Anonymous

April 6,2022 at 4:36PM UTC

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Hi FGB team!! I am searching for a new role outside my current employer. There have been many personnel changes to my organization. This environment is not a positive one. There is the 'old boys club', the 'I brought half of the co-workers from my last job', and the crude misogynistic banter among male directors. How do I explain the popular question of "Why are you leaving the current role?" Thank you ladies!

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AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 4:45PM UTC
I'm looking for a better fit and a new challenge. No need to get into the weeds with the "toxic" explanation. Your interviewer is looking for a healthy simple answer that can explain your need to move forward in your career. If you offer complaints of old boys club and crude misogyny you open yourself up to a potential interpretation of all sorts. Don't go there. Focus on exploring the role and culture of the new company and determining if there is a fit. No need to offer your experience in an unfit environment.
Michelle S.April 6,2022 at 5:02PM UTC
I agree with the anonymous comment about not getting in the weeds with the toxicity you are currently experiencing.
This is always a risk because the HR and/or recruiter intimately knows the company and if there are any circumstances that are toxic in the workplace you’re interviewing for, you will be quickly moved over, and maybe that’s for the best.
Frankly, I try to walk a line of extreme honesty and it’s been amazing for my job picks. As an example, I straight up tell a Recruiter that I will not work under a manager that micromanages because I know that I am not my most productive in that situation. I always want to provide a period up front of building trust and rapport but after I prove myself, I will not be micromanaged because I won’t be there long.
I have found some amazing opportunities because of that honesty. So who knows! But its best never to get in the weeds unless it’s something extremely positive.
Melissa Boillot, SHRM - SCPApril 6,2022 at 5:17PM UTC
Seeking an environment more congruent with my values and professional goals
Echo SchneiderApril 6,2022 at 6:10PM UTC
Well done to put your needs and professional goals as #1!
IntentionGirl630054April 6,2022 at 6:37PM UTC
I once had a manager who recommended that when you accept a new job to 'get out of' the old job, that you scrutinize the new job and make sure you would accept it even if you LOVED your current job. He says not doing that leads a lot of people to jump from the old frying pan into the fire. Best of luck with your search and focus this answer on why this new job is 'so right' for you -- and that will answer the 'why' of your leaving...
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 6:55PM UTC
I would just always keep it generic. No matter what job you're transferring to, just say, "I'm looking for more advancement opportunities and a chance to learn new skills from other professionals. I really want a place where I can grow with the company." Works every time. It was the exact thing I said after I landed my dream job when I really was leaving because my boss was harassing me every day and attacking my character in front of coworkers.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 9:03PM UTC
That's simple.....you keep your response as neutral as possible. Stay on message on why you want their open position and stay away from specifics about your current position.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 8:29AM UTC
Its an invasive questions that I don't think any worker owes and new employer. All I say is that I'm not leaving, I'm seeking a new better fit based on my current goals {of getting the hell away from misogyny!!} lol.
Susan RoblesApril 7,2022 at 1:55PM UTC
What about reframing the question? Speak about why this new job, role, company is going to be a good fit and or a place where you can make great contributions.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:58PM UTC
They won't ask for the next job, only for the job after that, and you'll be able to say "To take job X."
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 3:48PM UTC
I'm in basically the exact same situation! When I've had interviews and they ask why I'm looking for a new job (and for me I'm an engineer and would be going from more of a design/manufacturing back to what I was doing previously as an energy engineer). This maybe isn't the best thing to say but I've basically just brought up that I always keep on the lookout for positions to advance and further my career. I get people want you to stay and grow within a company - and if they value me and treat me that way - I'll stay. But if I'm not happy, I want to grow elsewhere, I'm leaving. I also usually frame it in a way that I want to get back into Energy Engineering.
Maybe if there is a way to frame it for why you're switching - wanting to learn something different (when I previously left, I said I was looking for a design role - which either I don't like doing now, or I just don't like the company)