How to Answer: What are your Reasons for Leaving your Job? (In an Interview)

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Reasons for Leaving your Job - Interviewers frequently ask candidates, "Why do you wish to quit your current job?" Hiring managers are interested in your reasons for leaving so they may learn more about your priorities in a position and your approach to challenging circumstances.

Dr.Job is here to help you how to answer "What are the reasons for leaving your job?" in an interview.

Reasons for Leaving your Job - Why do employers ask this question during interviews?

Unlike the more typical ones you'll probably encounter, this interview question is not intended to make you look terrible. A recruiting manager will inquire about your motivations for changing jobs to understand your career objectives and whether you are amicably leaving your current employer.

Interviewers might learn more about your definition of contentment and engagement at work by understanding why you left a previous position. It can also reveal your long-term career goals and what you hope to gain from a new job.

Reasons for Leaving your Job - How Should You State Your Explanation for Quitting a Job?

Now that you know the question's intent and why you should respond, let's delve deeper into the proper technique.

1- Clarify your reasons

It would help if you first justified your decision to leave a job to yourself before you can do so for the interviewer.

There are a few things you may ask yourself to help you with this. To help you understand things better, be sure to write down all your responses:

  • What values do you hold?
  • What are your objectives?
  • What do you look for in a job and a work environment?
  • What sector do you hope to grow in?
Once you've finished, carefully review all of your responses. Focus on a few that can be used as the strongest justifications for quitting a job, and consider mentioning them in the interview.

Whatever you decide, be sure it's done professionally. Throughout the interview, you shouldn't bring up any private matters.

2- Keep it brief

While you must be comprehensive, you don't have to focus on that question for the entire interview. Make sure that your response is only one to two sentences long.

Clarifying your response is essential, but you should bring up your qualifications for the position once more.

3- Be upbeat

Stay upbeat, regardless of how you left your former position. No employer wants to hear bad things about another company or another employer.

Additionally, it always leaves a wrong impression and, in most circumstances, can ruin your chances of landing the job. Employers are constantly searching for people who can demonstrate their aptitude for handling challenging cases and problem-solving.

Maintaining a positive attitude can help you stand out with only those abilities. Emphasize the abilities you acquired and honed in previous employment, the positive experiences with clients you have had, and the relationships you have built.

4- Be sincere

You should always respond honestly, regardless of the circumstances. You can still keep it brief, but be careful not to lie in any way.

Remember that your future employer may occasionally contact your old one. They can quickly determine if you made any false statements in your answers if you do this.

Be careful not to contradict possible past employers with your replies. If it happens, you might not have any chance of landing the job. Just be honest and concise, and then briefly discuss your qualifications and why you would be the best person for the job.

Reasons for Leaving your Job - What to state in your Interview

1. "I want to advance my career."

One typical cause for leaving a job is the desire to advance in your career. Different businesses may offer more significant potential for growth than others, depending on how they are set up. It may be challenging to change teams or departments if you want to progress in a new direction. As an example of how someone in this situation might provide their reason for leaving:

"I adore my job and teammates, but I've reached a stage where my team no longer offers prospects for professional advancement. Could you briefly describe this position's room for improvement and your organization's steps to help employees advance their careers?

2. "I wish to switch careers."

Nowadays, many people think of having many jobs and vocations. Career transitions are a great excuse to look for a new job, whether you wish to return to school, move industries, or shift the focus of what you're working on:

"What I'm looking for is a new chance that doesn't exist at my current employer to improve and broaden my account management skills."

3. "I'm looking for a better opportunity."

Since you now have more opportunities, you might leave your current work. It's acceptable to hunt for a new job that suits your needs, whether in terms of working conditions, salary, or alignment with your values.

While I have learned much from my current employer, this position aligns with my career goals because it will allow me to collaborate with different departments to develop innovative products for your customers.

4. "I went away to get a graduate degree."

Employers in the future are aware that not everyone can balance a full-time job with academic objectives. It's typical to leave a position to pursue a degree, significantly if you're changing industries, and it demonstrates your commitment to your professional aspirations.

"Although I liked my job as a legal assistant, I thought that if I earned my paralegal degree, I would be able to pursue more demanding employment. I was able to finish my coursework more quickly and stay on pace with my long-term professional aspirations by returning to school full-time."

5. "I was laid off or let go."

That is an everyday reality for many people, which might make you anxious when discussing your employment search. Spend some time considering your response and adhere to these rules:

  • Tell the truth without going into excessive detail.
  • Whenever possible, avoid using the word "fired."
  • Describe what you took away from experience.
  • Explain to the interviewer why you would be a good match for the job.

Reasons for Leaving your Job - Here are two illustrations:

If you were fired: "In hindsight, I realize that my former employer and I had various notions of what success meant in my position. I see things I could have done as I reflect on that event. Knowledgeable now, I can't wait to put my newfound wisdom to use in my next role. This role is ideally suited to my skill set and professional goals.

If you lost your job: "Unfortunately, a firm restructuring affected me, and as a result, 15% of our staff lost their jobs. In the interim, I've been carefully pondering my next step, getting back in touch with my network, and looking into options. I'm enthusiastic about this job since it epitomizes the aspects of my previous employment that I liked the best and will move my career in the direction I've always wanted.

These are only a few good reasons you should look into new possibilities. Try to acquire input on your justifications from dependable friends or mentors if you're unclear about what your response might convey to interviewers.