How you answer the question “Why are you leaving your job?” impacts your interview success. Sharing your reasons helps the hiring manager learn what matters to you in a job and how you handle undesirable circumstances.
Interviewers often ask why you are leaving your job to gain insight into your career goals, preferred work environment, and the type of work you find fulfilling. Interviewers also want to uncover whether you are leaving your job on good terms and whether you would fit with their organization and role.
As a result, you should practice sharing your reason for leaving your job. These guidelines can help.
Provide a Professional Reason for Leaving Your Job
Sharing a tactful response to the question “Why are you leaving your job?” helps the interviewer determine what you are looking for in your next role and whether you would be a good match. Professional answers include:
- I am looking for a new challenge.
- I would like a job with additional career advancement opportunities.
- I am relocating to a new city.
- I desire a career change.
Clarify Your Reasons for Leaving Your Job
Consider the following issues to determine your reasons for leaving your job:
- Your values
- Your career goals
- What you like and dislike about your job
- Your relationships with your colleagues, coworkers, and manager
- Your desired work environment
- Your preferred job duties and responsibilities
- Your desired industry
Choose the reason for leaving your job that you want to share during an interview. Ensure they are professional rather than personal to increase the odds of advancement in the hiring process.
Positively State Your Reason for Leaving Your Job
Positively share why you are leaving your job. Employers want positive employees who work through difficult situations, solve problems, and increase morale. For instance, if you witnessed unethical behavior, you could say your values no longer align with the company’s values.
Provide a Concise Reason for Leaving Your Job
Share one or two sentences about why you are leaving your job. Then, turn the conversation to why you are the best candidate for the role. Include specific examples of your skills, experience, and accomplishments that align with the job description.
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