What’s a good way to answer “why are you looking to leave” in an interview when the real reason is you don’t get along with your boss?

Anonymous

September 22,2022 at 12:16PM UTC

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What’s a good way to answer “why are you looking to leave” in an interview when the real reason is you don’t get along with your boss? Backstory: I’ve worked at my current company for almost one year, prior to this I’d worked for my last company for 6 years, and 8 years at the one before that. I’ve dealt with micromanagers before, but this the first time I’ve ever had a boss who is passive aggressive, condescending, rude, and just all around unfriendly. I have already spoken to her directly, as well as her boss, and nothing has changed. So I’m planning on starting to apply elsewhere, but I’m nervous about how my short stint will look and how to explain it. Please help!

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AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:34PM UTC
"I am looking for a change" or "I don't feel my skills are being utilized"
I don't think I would say that I didn't get a long with my manager, that can be a dangerous answer and not get a job that you really want.
Cynthia Armistead NewmanSeptember 22,2022 at 12:37PM UTC
"It's time for a change" works and doesn't make you look like you can't get along with people.
Michele DarleySeptember 22,2022 at 12:41PM UTC
I'm no longer able to make an impact. The culture is changing (be able to back that up). I've always been interested in _____whatever the company is doing or who they are. Make it about you looking for a career opportunity for yourself and less the company you're leaving.
AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 12:42PM UTC
Just say it didn't turn out to be the position you applied for and accepted.
Talking to her and her boss obviously is not going to change anything. She is exactly what they want.
LinaSeptember 22,2022 at 12:45PM UTC
It wasn't the right fit and you're looking for an opportunity where your skills are better suited.
Shelly EdwardsSeptember 22,2022 at 1:42PM UTC
You are looking for an opportunity with a growth-minded leadership where you can be given room to excel in your position. Or you are looking a more team-friendly environment where employee input and success is a strong part of the culture. As an HR person, I could read between the lines on that one and appreciate that you are not looking to bash your current employer.
AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 2:26PM UTC
Some great answers here already that I would've said also. I wish you luck in your job search!
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachSeptember 22,2022 at 4:22PM UTC
Career growth & advancement is the best answer !
Also, if you want to work with someone on thriving despite difficult managers, comment and I'll send you my info! I can guarantee this wont be the last one you'll deal with and you can make it work to your benefit if staying at this company will help you learn / reach your long term career goals.
Heather CutlerSeptember 23,2022 at 12:15AM UTC
I was in a similar situation during my last job search.
I was only with my employer for eight months when I started my search. I shared your same concerns and handled it like this: I was working for a non- profit and interviewing with a large corporation. During interviews, if people asked at all, I said “I’m looking to return to a corporate setting”. Full stop! No long, drawn out explanation (I think as women we sometimes over-explain). Just a succinct & factual answer.
And guess what…not a single person asked me to elaborate! Get comfortable with an assertive statement, and be ok with some silence after you give your answer.
No one cares about your current office drama, micromanagers and your boss’s condescending tone. Resist the urge to detail every single reason why you’re looking.
Best of luck to you!
JJSeptember 23,2022 at 12:30AM UTC
Lie and say you have outgrown your role or that you are looking for new challenges. Make it about you wanting more, not the horrible people you work for.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 1:52AM UTC
That’s a good question! I never know what to say either.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 6:29AM UTC
An interview is not a true or false test. No need to mention your current manager: this would only raise red flags.
Best to answer this question in a positive, generic way: “I am looking for more responsibility/growth in (list key function of job you are applying for.) “
As for your tenure of almost a year: not problematic. One year (or close to it) is fine, especially because your prior jobs have been long-tenured.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 10:17AM UTC
I’m dealing with this issue as well
AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
I think you could say you’re looking for other opportunities that better fit your personality. If pressed further tell them how you like to be managed. Don’t get into the negative things but turn it around on what you like. For example you could say you prefer a manager that is helpful and lets you do your thing but is open, honest, and transparent. Meaning they will come to you if there’s ever a problem.
Orlagh CostelloSeptember 23,2022 at 2:37PM UTC
" I have done all I can in my current role and a new pair of eyes is needed now to carry things forward to the next phase"
Has the benefit of being true, since if you have issues with a manager like that, you can't really get anything done
AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 9:43PM UTC
I’ve had this situation a few times. Don’t mention anything about the manager about reason for leaving focus more on role or company. Example looking for new challenge that aligns with my career goals/ skills. Or reached a ceiling in my current role or limited opportunity to develop. Focus on the positive.
when it comes to your questions ask specific questions to the hiring manager such as: how would you described your management style? What is the culture of the company and team? What type of 1to1 and team meeting structure do you have?
this will help to weed out any future micromanagers. ( questions to determine if more hands off approach and
if you will have autonomy which is your preferred way of working etc
Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertOctober 1,2022 at 3:39PM UTC
As an interview coach and hiring manager, I believe honesty is best. That said, of course you have to be strategic about what you say and focus on the positive. I would say something like, "My boss and I turn out not to be a good fit. I'm looking for someone who is friendly and constructive, even when communicating things I need to do better. If you don't mind my asking, how would you describe your management style?" This puts the hiring manage in the position of having to sell themself to you. It also gives you good information.
Be sure to be friendly and charming yourself; don't go into this interview defensively, as a burned person. And try to do more due diligence this time on what the boss is like. If asked what you have learned from the situation, you can say, "I need to do more due diligence before accepting a position."
For my best interviewing tips, check out my 5-minute video at https://www.yeswriting.com/interview-coaching/ Best wishes!