In an interview what is an eloquent way to say you are leaving because the company is not doing well and you dont think is heading in the right strategic direction for growth?

Anonymous

January 12,2023 at 6:09PM UTC

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In an interview what is an eloquent way to say you are leaving because the company is not doing well and you dont think is heading in the right strategic direction for growth? Don’t want to sound like I m bailing on the company but after 4 years it’s clear that is a sinking ship.

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AnonymousJanuary 12,2023 at 7:46PM UTC
You don't need to do something like that.
Just say you are leaving for a new opportunity.
No one needs to hear your opinion on the health and direction of the company. TMI
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterJanuary 12,2023 at 8:12PM UTC
Here's what my clients are telling me about the "I'm leaving for a new opportunity" response - the interviewer is digging in with follow-up questions because the response is so vague. Better to tell the truth - just not the whole truth. Keep it factual without emotion.
I recommend something like: "Based on my four years with the company, I don't see the opportunity for growth there. I am looking for an organization that will recognize and reward my initiative and contributions."
AnonymousJanuary 12,2023 at 9:31PM UTC
When asked why you are leaving your current position in an interview, the best option is to say you are looking for a job that aligns with your career goals of [and then state what those goals are]. There is no reason to air dirty laundry about yourself, your coworkers, or your company. (I hope I read your question right). That will redirect any follow-up questions to understanding your career goals.
AnonymousJanuary 13,2023 at 6:49PM UTC
Say that you are looking for a new opportunity to grow in your career and expand your knowledge.
Glenport LifeJanuary 14,2023 at 4:36PM UTC
You are leaving for new growth opportunities
AnonymousJanuary 14,2023 at 5:08PM UTC
The comments around just be super vague are way easier said than done in practice in 2023. I’ve tried this many times now, as I also just left a sinking ship a few months ago and am actively interviewing. Why did you leave what was a growth company after 1.5yrs is hard to explain and they always dig in if I answer so vaguely. Every single time. Everyone they interview is “looking for growth” in this market so why else would you leave? They want to know more about why there is there no growth for you at this specific company at this specific point in time. There of course has to be a balance between TMI and giving enough info that the Interviewer is satisfied and will move on. But it’s harder in practice than it sounds as advice. How do you explain leaving a toxic environment that is crumbling? A company the market saw as growing a year ago but is now barely getting any new business and is losing customers daily, on top of leadership dropping like flies? You can’t say that it’s a toxic environment but vague “looking for growth” doesn’t cut it at all. I’m still working on finding it and would love to hear more about how to word why you’d specifically leave a toxic environment without hinting that the company is a sinking ship and making it clear you’re not just job hopping or giving up on them. I’m still navigating this and will update when I find the perfect response but while I figure it out the one thing I can say that helps is I do just keep it light and keep my tone positive as I tip toe around answering the questions when they dig. At least sounding positive helps a little even if they don’t buy my vague answers. Good luck navigating this!
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 9:44PM UTC
I agree. It's an unfair Catch-22. You can't badmouth but can't be honest either.
AnonymousJanuary 14,2023 at 6:27PM UTC
You’re looking for a more challenging opportunity and you love xxx about the company and think you’d be a great fit. Keep it simple.
AnonymousJanuary 14,2023 at 6:32PM UTC
Tone and content matter and being upbeat about the why.
A good response would be:
I'm looking for a company whose direction aligns more with my passion for XYZ and my current company is moving away from that thinking. Never bash a former employer, that will get you a rejection note.
IntentionGirl299847January 20,2023 at 11:18PM UTC
Good grief don't say your bailing! Just simply state you are looking for a chance to keep growing in the industry. Be positive not negative!
Beth Whight MoralesJanuary 21,2023 at 1:58PM UTC
Just say you’re looking for a position that aligns with your skill set and then use it to elaborate on how your skill set will support the position. “My skill set has outgrown my current position and I’m looking for one that aligns with my abilities and challenges me to grow.”