How to answer the “why are you leaving your current company?” question
This question can be quite tricky if you don’t prepare an answer in advance. When interviewers ask this question, you may want to blurt out the real reason why you are leaving the company. However, this may not be the best practice based on the answer you want to give.
For example, complaining, condemning, and criticizing past managers or the company is not the best way to make a positive impression on your interviewers. Badmouthing will make you look unprofessional no matter how constructive it may sound to you. Being managers themselves, they are more likely to relate to the difficulties of your past managers than to your complaints and criticisms.
Companies want to hire people who are positive and leave their previous company on good terms. This suggests that you will fit well with them culturally if you were to be hired.
Here are nine positive reasons to let the interviewer know why you are leaving the existing company:
Looking for new challenges and opportunities
Looking for a higher-level role
Looking for a role that aligns with long-term career goals
Seeking to work in a new industry
Need to relocate and find a job in a new city
Looking to take on a leadership role
Layoffs and uncertainty at the current company
Changes in the vision and direction at the current company
Change in management team in the current company
When forming an answer to this question, focus on the positive aspect of the experiences you had in the past role first. Start with letting them know you learned a lot in the past company but have your reasons to leave the company.
Next, inform them of the reasons why you are leaving the company. I recommend sticking to two reasons maximum and don't dwell and over-explain yourself in the question.
Here is a script to form your answer:
“Tell us a little bit about why you are thinking of leaving your current company?”
“I have learned a lot from company A, however, I am looking to take on a new challenge to perform tasks such as [talk about some of the responsibilities you are looking to take on in your new role].
“Also, I am looking for a role that aligns with long-term career goals [talk about developing mastery of specific skills instead of attaining specific titles].
“These are my primary reasons for deciding to look for another role.”
That’s it for today!
Much love!
