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I have a job interview because I'm really burned out in my current job but how to explain without sounding like I'm giving a generic answer that doesn't really answer the question. Or does it matter?

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Rebecca Milliken

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I have a job interview because I'm really burned out in my current job but how to explain without sounding like I'm giving a generic answer that doesn't really answer the question. Or does it matter?

I have already had the first interview and am on to the next one. First was a phone interview, second is a Zoom and third will be in person.

I have done the same job for 20 years at various places and have done very well. For the most part it's a decent job and my current employer is pretty easy to work for. But the job itself has me burned out. I just do not care anymore.

I was told of an opportunity in the same field but a different role. I have worked with people in this role for my whole 20 years and know their job very well. I am extremely well versed in the product and the expectations of the job and know I can do it well and be successful.

My qualifications don't match up exactly with what the job description is, but I also know that the people in this role often did not have the knowledge needed to do a good job, which I know I do.

In any case, in my first interview, I was asked why I would be interested in switching roles. I gave some non answer about wanted to try something new or change things up or something. While the interviewer seemed OK with that answer, I felt like it was unsatisfactory.

The true answer is I'm starting to hate my job and I always thought I would enjoy this job. But I don't want to come out and say I hate my job!

The other thing is, I don't know how much answers matter as much as how I come across personally and what I bring to the table. I mean, if the answer is vague and generic, does it really matter?

What do you think?

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  1. Anonymous

    You can say something to the affect that you are looking for different opportunities in your field, that you are ready for a change, that you want to get involved in other aspects of your field, you want a new challenge, etc. None of those are lies. No one needs to know that you hate your current job.

  2. Rebecca Milliken

    Thanks. That's kind of what I said in the first inteview. That I like my field but I'm looking for different challenges, etc. I guess that's a good answer. I just don't want to sound phony but maybe I'm just sounding phony to myself because of my burn out.

  3. Danielle Blugrind

    Is it true to say you have grown as much as you possibly can in the current role, and are looking to grow more and get out of a role that has stagnated? If so, go with that.

  4. Anonymous

    I suggest to focus on what excites you about the new role & what you bring to the table instead of what you don't like about current job. Nothing negative about your current boss or company. Also check out some YouTube videos on how to answer these type of questions. There's some other free resources on sites like https://earnbetter.com/ai-interview-questions-and-answers/ where you can practice answering... Good Luck!!

  5. Anonymous

    suggest if asked again, 'although I'm good where I'm at, I thought that I'd see what is out there and came across this opportunity and it resonated with me to want to further explore more about this posting. Now that I've learned more I would not only like to learn more about the role but the company and to be continued to be considered.'

  6. Anonymous

    You simply say you have excelled at a certain area of work for 20 years and while you've loved the various companies and the work, you are now really looking to grow and add to your expertise and skills

  7. Anonymous

    Former recruiter here, let the interviewer/recruiter know that although this may be in a similar industry, the work entices you and you want to do more and perhaps if similar, working from a different angle is very interesting to you. In your current role, you can always use this line, which I've used and it works "I've taken the current position as far as it can go, and I'd like to take the next step in expanding my skills." I hear you on the wanting to say what we think, but unfortunately, that wouldn't work out so well. :-) Hang in there. Sometimes we just need a change of pace, the same information can be boring and stifling and when we shift, the world we live in shifts and then we recalibrate and makes us just feel good about our work. Keep us posted and good luck!

  8. Sumaya Jailani

    Hey Rebecca!!

    Don’t worry !! You have a bright future….this too shall pass?✨

  9. Sarah Borders

    I don’t think you need a *different* answer. Just elaborate on the original one. Talk about what you like about the company and the people you’d get to work with. Talk about what’s different with this role and how the challenge interests you.

  10. Anonymous

    Like the others said, I would stick with the generic, "I'm looking for a change in scenery." Include that you like learning new things and how others may do the same thing differently. Also, state you are satisfied with your company, but you feel your skills have outgrown the position (or your career goals no longer align with it), and let it stop there. One thing you don't want to do is disparage your company or the people in it, as it will set off red flags with the interviewers. Explain the items in their job description that caught your attention, as those are areas in which you are interested in learning/working more.

  11. Rebecca Milliken

    Thanks everyone for your suggestions. You are all pretty much reinforcing my instincts. I don't even know if it will be asked this question again but just hearing your ideas has helped me formulate my response that will sound upbeat.

    To be clear, I would never say anything negative no matter how I feel. And I like my workplace, just the job has become draining. I just didn't want to sound formulaic.

  12. Anonymous

    The correct response is:

    The natural progression from my current role into that role is your open position. Here is why I am a good fit, after spending X years in my present position and working in constant alignment with those in that role I have a strong understanding of what it means to be successful in it. So I guess you could say it will add to my professional experience and will also be a stretch goal for me personally to master that as well.

    See how that answers the question, doesn't speak about burnout, addresses your close experience and shows your ability to jump in right away.

    If a follow up is but you don't know XYZ- the response there is in my last role I had never worked on X but I took a class and within 3 months was up and getting it done.

    Go get em! Smile when you say these things and be upbeat. Don't bash the old and only look ahead.

  13. Anonymous

    As a recruiter I can honestly tell you it's best to just give the generic answer. Stay positive and tell them you're looking for growth opportunities and you've heard great things about the company. You will sound like everyone else but this isn't really the question where you want to stand out.

  14. Rebecca Milliken

    Kind of what I was thinking. I mean, why does anyone leave a job? I do like my company but I really am ready for a change.

  15. Anonymous

    You say that you have outgrown your job position and would like the opportunity for further growth and to learn new things.

  16. Anonymous

    I'm currently struggling with the same thing…. I haven't started interviewing yet but was concerned about the “why the change question.”

    Nonetheless, I wanted to send you well wishes on your journey…what’s meant for you will always work out, good luck!

  17. Anonymous

    It's a little bit of everything- what you say, how it comes across. Though people don't acknowledge it (or may be aware), it also has to do with vibe, looks, experience, - then maybe also your connections/brand, etc.

    And, it may not have anything to do with you. They may be hung up on their busy day or the fact that they have to interview 10 people and the candidates are either looking the same or not what they want.

    Keep going, have many interviews. And do what works for you. If you think you need to improve, find tips to do so (so many videos online). And remember to shrug it off. Putting yourself on display/out there can be draining.

    One final tip. If your answers aren't landing like you think they should (and you have good emotional intelligence/intuition), then switch the conversation to be about them/ the company. (A sales technique).

  18. Alexis

    Since you already have a job, I think it's ok to say that you are weighing your options. Then pick something from the job description/ad that really got your attention and fill that into your self-marketing spiel.

  19. Afo Ogbeyalu Kalu

    I am grateful for the opportunities and successes realized at . . . . (current company)

    I am applying for this particular position as it is more aligned with my career goals.

    In my current position, my successes include . . . . (give examples of the career highlights)

    The skills I've cultivated over the years, led to the earlier mentioned achievements, and are transferrable. I am eager to utilize them in support of your team's/department's/organization's strategic vision.

  20. Kelli Blair

    It won’t matter if your credentials are good! Also, something along the lines of you have maxed out your opportunity for growth in your current role and you’d like to continue developing your skill set.

  21. Rebecca Milliken

    Yes! This sounds good! Thank you. :)

  22. Elise Pilkington

    What I can tell you is, as a (retired) manager, I would have found your answer quite satisfactory. In fact, I'd expect someone who's done the same job for 20 years to be ready to try something new. I'd consider them a better candidate than someone who never wanted or thought they could handle a change.

  23. Rebecca Milliken

    Thanks!

  24. Anonymous

    I guess that your answer is acceptable because you have been in this job for a long time.

    I understand that this is not directly about that, but if you say that you feel burnt out, then you should consider a timeout before jumping into new position. Any possibility to take a break before you start at your new workplace? Maybe this is not the first thing to say at your next interview, it's just something to think about.

  25. Rebecca Milliken

    I definitely cannot support a time out as I am a single mother and suport my elderly parents.

  26. Amy Collins

    Flip it around ... "Ready for a new challenge" !

  27. Rebecca Milliken

    UPDATE: Interview went very well. He didn't ask about why I'm changing although it did come up tangentally. This was a Zoom interview and I have another in person with him soon. If that goes well I have to meet with his boss and then that boss's boss before the final decision! So many interviews!

    Thanks everyone for the support.

  28. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    You could say that you are looking "to grow". Use your 20-years of experience to highlight your skillsets and successes.

    Wishing you well in your job search.

  29. Cindy Glover

    I’ve always been completely honest- they can take it or leave it - Id explain it as professionally as possible but end it with not wanting to start a new job without being transparent

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