How to Answer the Question, "Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job?"

If you've ever changed jobs, you've likely been asked the notorious interview questions, "Why do you want to leave your current job?" or, "Why did you leave your previous employer?" These questions feel like traps, and in a sense, they are. 

Through the interview process, employers want to know more about your career history and what kind of employee you'll be. Asking about previous employers is an easy way to gauge this. After all, if you didn't like your last job or boss, who's to say this one will be different? Check out our best and worst answers for explaining a job change below.

Answers to Avoid

Even if you've left or are leaving your current job for a completely rational and understandable reason, how you describe the situation could significantly impact a new employer's impression of you. Don't go out of your way to shed an unforgiving light on your previous employer – either your boss or the organization itself. This could cause concern for the interviewer that you may have similar words to say about them, and you ultimately want the focus of the interview to be why you’re a strong candidate for their opening.

The meanings of words are often subjective to the listener, so you must be careful with your phrasing. Certain word choices could be heard as excuses or red flags, even if you didn't mean them to. 

Beyond specific word choice, your answer to this tricky question needs to be substantial and believable. Leaving any job is a big decision and could significantly impact the organization. If your interviewer feels you left your previous job on a whim, they may worry you'll do the same to them. Job change answers to avoid include:

• "I'm leaving for better pay."
• "I'm angry with my employer."
• "I want a better job for my resume."
• "I don't like my coworkers."
• "I was fired."
• "The job was too boring."

Best Answers for Explaining Your Job Change in Interviews

There is no one way to answer the question, "Why do you want to leave your current job?" The best answer for a reason for your job change in interviews will depend on your own personal rationale for seeking new employment. However, sharing too many details could hurt your overall impression. Essentially, strike the right balance between being honest and concise and always end on a positive note.

Here are a few job interview answer examples you should consider and may want to use yourself.

"I’m looking for a place where I can grow."

Lack of raises, promotions, or movement within the workplace are among the most common reasons to quit a job. However, you don't want to explicitly tell interviewers your decision is money-driven. Employers want to hire someone loyal rather than someone who will quit the moment they get offered a higher salary.

In your explanation, focus on the time you dedicated to the company instead of where you feel you lacked recognition. Emphasizing a desire to move up within the company will communicate that you're a dedicated employee.

"I feel my employer and I have different goals."

This is an answer you will have to explain more in-depth to fully articulate. Sometimes, a job may end when the employee and employer no longer see eye to eye. This often has to do with particular business practices or workplace ethics. 

Remember not to portray your previous employer in a harsh light. By explaining that you had the organization's best interests in mind, interviewers will see that you're an involved employee who takes their job seriously. The best employers don't want to hire a "yes" person. They understand civil disagreements are natural in a thriving workplace (and if they don't understand that, you may be better off not working for them). 

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"I'm leaving due to industry changes."

It's no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted businesses within every industry. While you shouldn't depict yourself as "abandoning a sinking ship," tying your reason for leaving a job to relevant changes within the industry will make your decision sound logical. This will also demonstrate that you're up to date with your industry's situation and have carefully considered where your transferable skills would be a good fit.

"I feel your organization is a better fit for my career."

If you're interviewing for an organization where you feel your career will truly thrive, don't be afraid to tell them that. Communicating why you're interested in their particular organization may make you more memorable as a candidate and conveys this isn't just another interview on a long list for you.

The position you're interviewing for may be part of a larger organization, have more opportunities for advancement, or be in a better place following industry changes. Whatever the reason, communicate this in a way that sounds sincere without seeming like you're sweet-talking the interviewer. 

Need More Good Interview Question Answers?

Job interviews are tricky and stress-inducing, which is why it's important to prepare ahead of time. An unexpected question could cause you to panic and choose the wrong words. Visit iHire's Job Seeker Resource Center for common interview questions, answers, and strategies.