I've been interviewing for a new job for the past few months.

13 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 15,2021 at 12:00PM UTC

   First, good for you to initiate leaving a toxic boss! Without knowing what the job types are or your field, do the new positions offer something your current one does not (new skills, team work, travel, responsibility, room to grow, etc)? Or aligns with what specific values? Shows that you've done your research and care and are interested about the company for more than just a job. Vice versa, what do you have to offer that isn't being valued at your current company? Good luck!

2. Erin BeemerOctober 15,2021 at 1:00PM UTC

   I would definitely focus on the positives of a new opportunity versus leaving a negative one.

   For a given opportunity, you could determine what that company has to offer (such as values/corporate culture, products, location, etc) and indicate that growing your career in a company that can offer "this" is attractive to you and why. It can also play into other similar questions - Where do you see yourself in 5 years? etc.

   Even professionally stated, you do not want to risk that you appear unable to work with others or seem to be placing blame, etc. regardless of the real situation.

   Best wishes for finding a better role!

3. Jackie GhedineOctober 15,2021 at 1:25PM UTC

   I'm excited to explore organizations and find new challenges and make a contribution.

4. AnonymousOctober 15,2021 at 2:25PM UTC

   I think better opportunities is a valid response. Try being specific about the job that’s hiring you. “A better opportunity to develop skill X.” “A better opportunity to do what I really love, which is to (insert something from the job description).” Could be anything - better growth options, more varied skills, the opportunity to learn from top professionals in your field, the chance to take on a new responsibility. I would make it align with your goals and keep it positive and work/task related, if possible. It’s an easy way to show that you understand what the company wants and that you are excited to provide that for them.

   In my most recent interview, I was asked a twist on this question - “if hired here, what would make you want to leave this company.” I think that’s a question that really gets to what drives you as an employee.

5. Kirsten BunchOctober 15,2021 at 2:45PM UTC

   Great question! What do you like about your current job that you would like more of? You could use that as a leverage point. For example, I love working on special projects and want to work in a company that has more opportunities to take on special projects. Or, think about how your boss's toxicity impacts your work. For example, if your boss constantly pushes your ideas aside you can say, I love to bring new ideas to the team and am looking for an organization that embraces innovation. That way you look like you are not running from something but desiring to be pulled toward something amazing. Does that help?

6. AnonymousOctober 15,2021 at 6:37PM UTC

   Love this. Thank you!

7. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterOctober 15,2021 at 3:06PM UTC

   Here's my recommendation: clean up your thoughts about your current work situation and boss. Maybe he/she is an absolute a**hole, but that doesn't mean you have to be miserable there. Pay attention to your thoughts about your work and your boss - and decide, on purpose, to think thoughts that will serve you better.

   THEN you'll be cleaner in answering the interview question...and also, you'll come to the interview with much better energy.

8. Orlagh CostelloOctober 15,2021 at 4:06PM UTC

   I generally go with something like "I achieved everything I could achieve where I am and I'm looking for a new challenge". The interviewer doesn't need to know that the reason you can't achieve anything more is because of a toxic boss :)

9. AnonymousOctober 15,2021 at 5:09PM UTC

   I second this response.

10. AnonymousOctober 16,2021 at 3:43AM UTC

    I had this same problem this year. I was very selective in the positions I applied to because I didn't want to end up in another bad situation. I started applying around February and got an offer in the summer. In interviews I expressed that I admired their company's mission/that it really resonated with me, and that I really wanted to focus all of my time and energy into one company (corporate) vs. many clients (agency). So for me it was a big switch - if there's a way to explain how exactly a company or position would be a better opportunity for you, that might set you apart!

11. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 16,2021 at 3:48AM UTC

    One thing I recommend to candidates is to tape themselves asking themselves questions and then answering them. I promise you, that answer will sound a whole lot better the 20th time you say it than the first.

    This will allow you to edit your answers to precisely get across what you want. I used to practice in the car, in the shower. Doing this can help improve your confidence if you get nervous or help you stay on point if you sometimes ramble.

    If you said to me "I'm looking for a company that aligns with my values", I would want to know what your current company's values are, why/how they don't align with yours and what you're looking for/need in a company to have values that do align with yours.

    And please make sure you listen and answer the question you were asked. I've had candidates talk for 5 minutes and not answer the question I asked them.

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

    GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

12. AnonymousOctober 16,2021 at 7:39PM UTC

    I have worried about this question, and it never came up for me!

    I've been asked "Why do you want this job," so it was easy to frame things in that light as a step up or a better match for my knowledge, skills and abilities. Answering that question in your mind may help you with your answer.

13. Annetta MosesOctober 19,2021 at 2:06PM UTC

    I recommend looking for career growth opportunities. It is often true. At your current employer you want more money, a promotion, more responsibility, etc. If that is what you want and you are not getting that at your current employer, it is okay to look at opportunities outside of your current company.
    Good luck.