Time to learn some new tricks? How to explain why you’re leaving your current job
One of the key hurdles you will need to overcome to secure that new role, is the classic interview question: “Why do you want to leave your current job?” Your response can have a significant impact on the interviewer’s impression of you, as it is a strong indicator of your overall approach to work.
Whether it’s as simple as just wanting a new challenge, or as complex as a serious conflict with your current boss, in this article, we’ll look at some of the best (and worst) ways to answer this question.
“I’m looking for a new challenge”
This is one of the most common responses recruiters hear and whilst valid, it can be viewed as a generic and vague ‘safe’ answer. If you are talking to a seasoned recruiter or interviewing for a mid/senior-level position expect that this sentence will invite further questioning. Be prepared to elaborate by considering exactly what a suitable ‘new’ challenge looks like for you. For example, are you looking for an opportunity to step up to lead or manage a bigger team? Does a ’new challenge’ mean exposure to a different or more complex customer base? How does the role you’re applying for to get ‘a new challenge’ fit with your longer-term career goals?
Here's a great example from a recent candidate: “I’ve been working an internal sales desk now for 18 months and this has whetted my appetite for sales. I think I’m good at it and would love the opportunity to spread my wings into a more customer focussed role. I can’t see that happening where I am and when I saw your advert, it sounded exactly like what I’d like to be doing as the next step in my career."
“I don’t get on with my boss”
Conflict happens and employers understand that – some will applaud you for your honesty up front in the interview process. However, your interviewer will want confidence this hasn’t happened because YOU are a difficult employee, and how you handle your next sentence is critical.
The worst example would be: “Because he’s an idiot.” The last candidate who said this to me lost all professional credibility. A better answer would have been: “I have a new manager and we just haven’t been able to connect. I feel I could do a better job and properly utilise my skills and experience in a more supportive environment”.
“My current company is dodgy and I don’t want to risk my professional credentials”
If you decide to be honest and use this question to highlight your own values and integrity, take care to remain professional and not give away specifics that bring your current employer into disrepute.
Good Example: “To be frank with you, I’m not enjoying my current role because my boss and I aren’t aligned on our values. I would prefer to work somewhere that I’m not being asked to do things I don’t agree with.”
Rather than: “My boss doesn’t pay employee entitlements properly and he’s asking me to do dodgy stuff with the figures that help him avoid tax.” Given that her current employer was listed on her resume, this level of detail didn’t reassure the interviewer that she was discreet and understood confidentiality.
“There’s no opportunity for growth here”
Again, this is a common answer and you should be prepared to dazzle when hit with a second line of questioning about what sort of growth you are looking for. Employers want to know if you’re ambitious, seeking a foot in the door for promotion, or are simply looking for a role where you can be content long term, just being the best, you can be. If career or personal development is your reason for moving, it’s a great idea to have an idea of what you’re hoping to get from this particular vacancy – whether that’s exposure to a bigger business, a chance to experience a new industry, or more technical skills.
“I’m not being paid enough”
I’ve interviewed candidates who are upfront that they are just looking for a job that pays more. Some will say it with a laugh, others will be quite deadpan.
The best way to put this on the table is with a statement that invites further discussion. I.e.: “I’m on $30 per hour, which is what I’ve been on since 2019. Since then, I’ve increased my skills and I read salary surveys that say $35 per hour is the average now for my role. I’ve asked my boss for a rise but there’s a pay freeze on so I thought it was time to look at other options”. The interviewer will then let you know whether this role is going to be a fit for you based on what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re an old dog looking to learn new tricks or a young pup with plenty of energy, if you’re job hunting, check out our other resources for great advice and sign up for job alerts at talentpropellerjobs.com.au
Good luck!
Joanna Baker is a Senior Recruitment Partner with Talent Propeller, based in Melbourne.