How do you answer why you're looking to leave your current employer?

21 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 11,2023 at 6:27PM UTC

   You can say the job you were hired for is not the job they have you doing. Or say that layoffs are happening at the company and you are being proactive.

2. AnonymousJune 11,2023 at 6:29PM UTC

   I also work at one of the top Global Organizations that make the best place to work list. Most toxic environment that I have ever been in and my mental health is shot. Hoping to get laid off since layoffs are happening every other month and not due to performance.

3. AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 2:51AM UTC

   No job is worth your mental health. Please take a short term disability (stress) and seek other work. You don't want to die on the job. Take care of yourself sis.

4. Susan Heidi WolmanJune 11,2023 at 6:38PM UTC

   The polite way to phrase that is“ I am looking to advance in a different path than is offered in my current company. ‘. Follow that with a question about what career path is offered in the position you are interviewing for. Also ask about how they measure and reward success in this position. Another good question would be to ask why the position is open.

5. Teena JonesJune 11,2023 at 8:23PM UTC

   You can choose to leave the answer blank or be honest without condemning the company. You can always let it be know you are looking for the best fit for your skills and an opportunity to deliver your best skills. The company you are with is fine but you could not pass up the opportunity you have been waiting on .........

6. AnonymousJune 11,2023 at 9:54PM UTC

   Not a good fit. Tried to make it work..

7. AnonymousJune 11,2023 at 10:18PM UTC

   Thank them for the opportunity, and if they even ask why, say you have been given an opportunity more aligned with your career goals. Nothing more.

8. Lourdes SuárezJune 11,2023 at 10:29PM UTC

   It has always seemed to me that what recruiters are looking for is not to see why we left, but whether we are able to badmouth the other company, which we know is a bad practice. I have always left when the salary is not enough for what I want to do, my time is worth a lot and if I am tied to a company that pays very little for my services, I can't achieve anything I want. Of course, sometimes this is not the company's fault, I have lived in Argentina and Venezuela which are countries with very high inflation, where companies are not able to update salaries as fast as inflation rises.

9. Crystal HowellJune 12,2023 at 10:40AM UTC

   I am looking to pursue other business interests. Always praise the last company, Never Bad Mouth them. Make sure to do your research on the new company, do they promote within? What is the culture?

10. AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 12:02PM UTC

    You are not required to give a reason, but what you want to do is to NOT burn bridges, as they say. Remember it sounds like you're quitting the people/culture, but their people/culture could change in the future and it may draw you back. Go out on a positive, as you see it's already taking a lot of energy thinking of this, don't let it consume you. "I've been offered another opportunity and I would like to explore it at this time".

11. AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 2:15PM UTC

    They almost never ask this in an interview. They are more likely to ask "why are you interested in our position?"

    The automated systems don't usually ask that about a job that you're still working at.

12. AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 6:08PM UTC

    You simply say it's a misalignment with my career trajectory/workstyle and the companies. Then go on to tell them what you do want that is lacking there. The smart ones will get it. Ask the tough questions up front and use specifics for what you do not want to repeat so you don't make any mistakes where you decide to go next. If you are being recruited then you shouldn't respond on that because its only about what they are pitching to you. If you apply let them know what is exciting about their new role.

13. AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 7:07PM UTC

    There are lots of ways to give a fair, professional and honest answer! I was in a situation where my leadership was basically not going to allow me to be successful and I was asked about why I applied for the job and (on top of expressing what interested me) I explained that my company had been dealing with ambiguity which meant projects I was really excited about were understandably postponed. I said I really was in my field to help and wanted to be effective and I realized that I wasn't going to be able to do my best for at least a couple of years in that company so I was looking for somewhere that was more ready to implement the changes. I got the job so in my case, it seemed to be a good answer.

14. MislynJune 13,2023 at 3:09AM UTC

    Just be honest and they’ll them exactly why you want away from the other job. I know this all too well. Try running about 5 different businesses through one major business and get crap for pay. Work for a crap boss with an even crappies attitude. I did it for two long miserable years. I’m sure the person hiring had probably been in your shoes once in their lifetime. I use to watch horrible bosses and laugh until I worked for one. I have scars I will never get rid of because of him. I wish you the best of luck in your job search.

15. Joycelyn M. SiameJune 13,2023 at 12:47PM UTC

    Say after some reflection, the company and I were not a fit and I wasn't allowed to utilize my skillset properly within the company, so I am looking for a company that better meets my skill level and values. Then you can talk up whatever company you are interviewing with by listing their values that line up with yours, from extensive research, and highlight your skills against what they are looking for in whatever position you are trying to acquire. Good luck with the job search!

16. Dcre1977June 13,2023 at 1:20PM UTC

    I would just say you prefer a company where you can make a larger contribution to improvments and they seem to have everything going the direction they want to go.

17. Afo Ogbeyalu KaluJune 13,2023 at 1:39PM UTC

    I would first schedule a meeting with HR and/or my department head to determine if there are any opportunities to pivot to a different role within the organization . . . One with a title and responsibilities more aligned with your skills-set, so that you can make a more impactful contribution to the workplace. If there is no opportunity presented, I would use that as the reason for leaving my current position.

18. AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 11:01PM UTC

    Then she risks that info is out there that she's unhappy and wants to get out from the department she's in. They'd get rid of her by finding someone that thinks they want her role.

19. lilahgaelJune 13,2023 at 1:44PM UTC

    “I’m looking for a position with an organization that is more aligned with my long term goals” followed by a list of goals that includes attributes of the position and organization that you’re interviewing for.

20. Cindy GrossJune 13,2023 at 3:47PM UTC

    Tell them what you're running towards - exercising a skillet and growing your skills. List the things you really want to do that align with their job posting. #BefriendingDragons

21. PatriciaJune 15,2023 at 5:40AM UTC

    Here's something I have used in the past:

    "I've genuinely enjoyed my time at my current employer, and I'm grateful for the experiences and skills I've gained there. However, after careful consideration and reflection on my long-term career goals, I've come to the realization that I'm seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth that may not be readily available in my current role. I'm looking for an environment that fosters professional development, encourages innovative thinking, and provides greater responsibilities that align with my aspirations. I believe that this new opportunity will allow me to leverage my skills and expertise while continuing to learn and grow in a dynamic and stimulating setting."