The question, “Why are you leaving your current job?” is a standard part of most interviews. While it can feel stressful, it is an opportunity to demonstrate your career ambitions and professionalism. Preparing a thoughtful response allows you to frame your departure positively, turning a potentially awkward moment into a chance to reinforce your suitability for the new role.
Why Interviewers Ask This Question
Interviewers ask about your reasons for leaving to understand your motivations and assess potential risks. They are listening for red flags that might suggest you are difficult, unreliable, or unmotivated. Your answer helps them gauge your professionalism, especially in how you speak about a previous employer, as a negative response can signal future issues.
This question is also a window into your career goals and what you seek in an employer. Your response tells the hiring manager if you are running from a bad situation or moving toward an opportunity that aligns with your ambitions. They are trying to determine if you will be a good long-term fit for their company culture and if the role aligns with your next career step.
General Principles for a Strong Answer
The primary goal is to frame your departure positively. Center your answer on the appeal of the new opportunity rather than any dissatisfaction with your current position. This shows you are forward-thinking and proactive about your career. Your explanation should be about moving toward a role that offers growth or new challenges.
It is also important to be concise. A brief and clear answer is more effective than a lengthy story. Prepare a response that is easy to deliver, avoiding unnecessary details that could complicate the message.
Honesty must be paired with tact. Never lie about your reasons for leaving, but present the situation diplomatically. For instance, instead of complaining about a lack of work-life balance, state that you are seeking a company that values it. The best answers pivot to the future, connecting your reason for leaving to your career aspirations.
What to Avoid Saying
The most significant mistake is speaking negatively about a former employer, manager, or colleagues. Complaining, even if justified, can make you appear unprofessional or difficult, causing the interviewer to wonder if you might speak about their company similarly one day. Avoid casting blame or detailing internal conflicts.
Avoid citing money as the sole reason for your departure. While compensation is a factor, leading with it can suggest you are not genuinely interested in the role or the company’s mission. Similarly, do not complain about the workload, company policies, or feeling unappreciated.
Do not become overly emotional or provide excessive personal details, and keep your answer focused on your career trajectory. Giving a vague or evasive answer can also be detrimental, as it may appear that you are hiding something.
How to Frame Common Scenarios
You Are Seeking Growth or a New Challenge
If you have maximized your potential, frame your departure as the next step in your career. Explain that you are seeking responsibilities or challenges your current position cannot offer. You could say, “I have learned a great deal in my current role, but I have reached a ceiling for growth and am ready for a new challenge.” This positions you as an ambitious person managing their career.
You Were Laid Off or the Company Restructured
When addressing a layoff, be direct and neutral, stating the situation without emotion. An explanation like, “My position was eliminated due to a company-wide restructuring,” is sufficient as it shows the reason was not performance-related. Your focus should then shift back to your skills and interest in the new opportunity.
You Are Making a Career Change
If transitioning to a new field, highlight the thoughtful nature of this decision. Emphasize your passion for the new industry and explain how your transferable skills align with the role. For instance, “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to pivot my career toward a field I am more passionate about, which my current employer does not offer.” This demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to your new path.
You Are Leaving a Difficult Work Environment
When leaving a difficult work environment, avoid negative terms like “toxic” or “bad boss.” Instead, focus on what you are looking for in a new environment. You could say, “I thrive in a collaborative team environment and am seeking a company with a culture that better aligns with that work style.” This reframes a negative experience into a positive statement about your preferences.
You Are Relocating
Relocating is a straightforward reason for leaving a job. State the reason clearly, for example, “I am relocating to this area to be closer to family and am excited to continue my career here.” Then, transition to expressing your interest in the company and the specific role.
Tailoring Your Answer to the New Role
The best answers connect your reason for leaving directly to the specific job you are interviewing for. This requires researching the company and position beforehand. By aligning your departure with the opportunities the new role presents, you transform your answer into a powerful selling point.
For example, “My current role has allowed me to build a strong foundation in project coordination, but it does not offer opportunities to develop client-facing skills. I was excited about this position because it emphasizes direct client interaction, which is the direction I want to take my career.” This response demonstrates a clear and logical progression.