When the interview question “Why do you want to leave your current job?” is asked, is it ok to say because I want to work remotely for more work/life balance?

29 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 11:01PM UTC

   Id say no way.

   Be more creative!! I think they might see you as "not my problem, I'm going home".

   I don't know your line of work, but sometimes throwing in "remote" and "work-life balance" will fly red for the recruiter (it would for me!) No one wants to constantly chase people down to do the work. No one.

   EVERYONE needs a work-life balance including the workaholics ?

   I agree that we need an on/off switch but the wrong first impression can be the last first impression.

   Id save the work-life balance communication for after you have the job and able to create shortcuts (if feasible)

2. Looking for a changeAugust 18,2022 at 1:00AM UTC

   If it’s a job that’s remote I would come up with another answer.
   If it’s not I’d still come up with another answer and ask if this could be a remote or hybrid remote position in the future

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 18,2022 at 1:12AM UTC

   Let me preface my answer by saying that I've worked remote for over 15 years and I think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.
   I understand not wanting to commute and I understand wanting to have a better work/life balance.

   But I would not advise answering that in an interview. A prospective employer does not want to hear that you want to work for them because it's an easier commute. There are so many other reasons you can give - you're looking for a better opportunity, you're looking for a new challenge, you're looking to work for that company because x, you're interested in their product, your're interested in the growth the company has shown, you read a piece about the company and was intrigued.

   Whatever you decide to make your reason, make it something positive - you want to go toward something instead of away from your current commute.

   Also, just because you'll be working remote, doesn't necessarily mean you'll have better work/life balance. I work more hours than I did when I worked in an office. You may need to work on setting boundaries.

   Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!

4. AnonymousAugust 20,2022 at 12:33PM UTC

   I would focus less on your reason for leaving your job and more on your reason for applying for that role at that particular company. I would highlight things that attracted you to the new opportunity beyond it being remote. Because quite honestly remote jobs don’t = better work/life balance. Some remote roles are more demanding or intrusive if you will. So I would think about what about the role/company is attractive to you. In the interview, I would see the role being remote as a bonus. I’ve been working remotely for 10+ years and I interviewed hundreds of candidates and I can tell you I’m more intrigued by those who show passion for the role and/or mission of the company vs focusing solely on the benefit of working remotely.

5. Elise PilkingtonAugust 20,2022 at 12:34PM UTC

   Honestly? This answer would do nothing for me as an interviewer. I want to hear about what intrigues you about this job, why you want to work here instead of any place that will give you a paycheck and the conditions you want.

6. Kia HarrisAugust 20,2022 at 12:47PM UTC

   Elise, if I may ask after reading your response…. If the resume shows the ability to succeed in the role why does it matter to you personally or professionally?

   I hire in my current role and I want honesty about what drone you to the role. As I know the ability for the role to stay virtual and any hybrid pieces. Honesty in huge in retention and also having discussions that move the company forward.

7. Kia HarrisAugust 20,2022 at 12:47PM UTC

   Error: drove

8. Elise PilkingtonAugust 20,2022 at 10:42PM UTC

   Hi Kia, I suppose it could depend on the role and the quality of the competition for the position. I could envision situations where a position is difficult to hire enough staff or to keep employees as long as desired. There it could indeed be very encouraging to interview someone for whom the working conditions ticked all the boxes. Other times, hiring for a challenging professional role where there is an abundance of talent, this response is probably not going to make much of an impression (compared to the other candidates). I assume people asking the questions are interested in making their very best impression on the hiring manager and also that the hiring manager is looking to hire the best possible person. I realize that circumstances aren’t always quite that cut and dried.

9. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertAugust 20,2022 at 12:48PM UTC

   Basically yes.

   Interviewers appreciate the truth and feel uncomfortable with B.S. However, I don't think you need to say "work-life balance." In an interview, you want to focus on their needs, not yours, until they have selected you. How about "I prefer to work remotely. This enables me to put all of my energy into the work that I do instead of commuting."

   By the way, I am assuming you have already told them why you want to work for their organization specifically and in this position specifically. Other people who responded did not make that assumption. If that is not the case, I agree that you need to explain these two things.

   As an interview coach, I have put all of my best interviewing wisdom into a five-minute video you can view here: https://www.yeswriting.com/interview-coaching/ Best wishes!

10. AnonymousAugust 20,2022 at 1:15PM UTC

    When it's time for me to look for my new role I'm going to steer clear of focusing on my current employer but focus more on my future employer. At that time, I will research a potential new company to ensure that their values align with mine, their strategic priorities are something that I can see myself supporting, the products or services that they offer is something that I utilize and/or the role itself aligns perfectly with next steps in my career strategy. These are all things that you can say to shift the focus on why you want to leave and highlight why you want to join their company. I think WFH is part of the comp and benefits conversation and should be brought up and discussed with the TA or recruiter.

11. Shelby CAugust 20,2022 at 1:27PM UTC

    Well stated.

12. AnonymousAugust 20,2022 at 1:17PM UTC

    I wouldn’t focus on it unless you’ve already emphasized your interest in the actual role or company. I interviewed someone who made it clear the only reason they applied was that it’s fully remote. They knew nothing about our organization and it felt like a colossal waste of my time.

13. Shelby CAugust 20,2022 at 1:25PM UTC

    I don't see anything wrong with it.
    You could tell them that with the rising cost of gasoline, what you pay for dress clothes, dry cleaning, tolls, wear and tear on your car, etc it makes good financial cents ;) to work from home. Plus, it also saves you an hour commute each way which will give you ten hours a week back so you will have the balance you didn't know you were missing prior to Covid.

    You need to express all of these things after you've told them what you have to bring. Don't forget to tell them how working from home will also allow you to [fill in blank], so you will be a better employee. You also need to remember to do your research and not make it all about you working from home. That can't be the only reason you want to work for them.

14. AnonymousAugust 20,2022 at 2:31PM UTC

    Honestly most companies do not care much about your desire to work remotely or about your work life balance, they are more concerned about what you can do for them.

    I would highlight your skill set and if work life balance/remote comes up then address it briefly. I know when I interviewed for my remote job I have now, I didn’t mention that as the main reason, but I did mention that it was an added bonus. Even though it was the main reason and still is. I love remote work but my manager can be a micromanager like the best of them! With remote work there still is a need to establish boundaries. However, Its really awesome to work from home and I understand why so many want that option.

15. Gretchen SkalkaAugust 20,2022 at 2:53PM UTC

    This question is asked to get better insight into your overall career goals, so the way to answer it is to focus on the positive aspects of what you're looking for in your career and how the new opportunity can support that.

    The desire to work remotely because it promotes work/life balance is much more widely accepted now.

    Think of it in terms of the value that flexibility provides to you and your employer. The increased productivity you can provide in such an arrangement.

    Again - the question is meant to draw out what matters to you for your career, so you can elaborate about the benefits you've seen from remote work during the pandemic and the contrast you've seen being on-site now.

    And, I'll always add this - never (ever) disparage a current employer for any reason (even if it's a good one). It's a bad look that never (ever) lands well for the candidate.

    So, if they ask 'your current employer doesn't allow working from home?') you can just explain that it's not an option they're at a stage to implement - or so on. And leave it at that.

    That reinforces the importance of this for you and does not add anything negative to the conversation.

16. AnonymousAugust 20,2022 at 3:24PM UTC

    Hello everyone,

    The truth is many of us want (and sometimes need) the convenience of remote work. However, although they offer it, the business world doesn’t look upon this work concept as ‘wholeheartedly’ as we’d like to believe. It’s best to do your research on the comp. and exactly (or close to it) what they expect from you, FIRST AND FOREMOST! Offering some office time (on your terms) may be an additional incentive for being hired. Good Luck to you!

17. Rosa GoesAugust 20,2022 at 4:06PM UTC

    Working remotely doesn't always lead to more balance. I would dig a little deeper on that question. All great advice given by others here. I would add to have a conversation with your boss about possible work/life balance options. If you like your current job, then it's worth a try.

18. AnonymousAugust 20,2022 at 6:32PM UTC

    It depends on where you are interviewing and the workplace culture. Some companies would view this response negatively, and might see you as not dedicated to the work/mission. Some would view it as a positive, as there are some companies trying to foster a better balance, believing it leads to more productive employees. And many are somewhere in the middle. Make sure you thoroughly research the company before you bring this up in an interview.

    Also, for yourself, ask if are you willing to settle on a job where you hate the work/are indifferent but get to work remotely. Would this actually improve your quality of life? If you would be fine with this, then great, go for that remote position. But be certain. Don't get so caught up in the remote work option that you ignore the actual job.

19. Megan PikaardAugust 20,2022 at 6:38PM UTC

    I usually just say "I'm looking for a new set of challenges and I believe your company can provide this." It is generic but I never give my real reason for leaving. A new set of challenges can encompass productivity while working from home - they don't know. If they want me to elaborate on what I mean, I just say I had learned everything I could at my old company and am ready to grow. I kind of leave it there.

20. KileyAugust 21,2022 at 7:59PM UTC

    Agree. This is a simple and honest response.

21. Liz MilneAugust 20,2022 at 10:06PM UTC

    I would be honest, especially if the position you're applying is advertised as wfh - that way, should management change, you can refuse as you would have been hired with wfh embedded in your contract?

22. Lynda BoothAugust 21,2022 at 1:22AM UTC

    I think this is fine as long as the company you are interviewing with values a work/life balance. Be sure you tie this to the company's values. Look at their website for their mission and values.

23. Ashley M. MagesAugust 22,2022 at 2:50PM UTC

    You have the added bonus of, if they don't like your answer, that it may not be a good fit!

24. Joanna PoeAugust 21,2022 at 3:31AM UTC

    It's not inappropriate, but it's certainly less compelling to interviewers than reasons why the specific JOB interests you, NOT just the perks/modality. Make them think you like the work, not the particulars of HOW you'll do the work.

25. Crystal HowellAugust 21,2022 at 11:33AM UTC

    I wouldn't do that, bc with maybe taken away,unless your contract has a permanent wfh clause.

    Talk about the new challenges they can give you.

26. Maria Paula CalvoAugust 21,2022 at 11:43AM UTC

    I strongly feel that being honest in the process of recruitment for a new position is crucial. Nonetheless, I am positive that wfh is not the only important aspect you would consider for taking a new challenge. So I believe that you should first emphasize that you are seeking for new / more challenging opportunities or with clearer paths for your professional continued development. Once you trasmitted your interest on the role you certainly will have a space where to mention that wfh is of your interest

27. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CPAugust 21,2022 at 11:08PM UTC

    To answer your question, yes - you can be honest. When responding, focus on aspects of the new role and possibly their values that do align with yours, both professionally and personally. This is a positive way to answer the question truthfully while still sharing why you believe you would be a good fit in the new organization.

    Really, these questions are not meant to be 'tricks' but a way for them to understand what you are looking for in a company and/or position. There is no advantage in hiding your true intentions other than landing the job. But if there is a 'gap' between your wants and the company's wants, then you won't be happy and therefore not inclined to stay. Many employers do try their best to find a good fit for the organization; which is why the hiring practice can be a lengthy process. But in the end, if each party has been open and honest about what they're looking for and there is a 'connection', then it's a win for both parties.

28. Margrit PatelAugust 23,2022 at 3:08PM UTC

    Absolutely - being up front about your priorities is important.

29. KaleyAugust 26,2022 at 2:51PM UTC

    I think there are a couple of things to consider here.

    First- is the job your applying for a remote/WFH position?

    Second- is the job your applying for a lateral move?

    If yes to both then saying the appeal of remote work is fine, as someone who does hiring I think thats a great answer.