Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job? – Best Answers

Job hunting is one hell of a task. Nobody should lie to you that they just woke up one day and landed that career job. It is stressful, and if you are faint-hearted, you could end up giving up on the chase after all. There is another aspect of job searching, which many of us do not know. 

And for those who are aware of it, they just don’t know how to navigate through it. 

Have you ever tried looking for a job while being employed at the same time? I mean trying to ink a deal somewhere else while you continue with your current work. How did it end? Was it as smooth as you first expected? Did your resume land in the hands of a potential employer in the evening and got a call the next morning?

Many people do not know how to handle this transition. When a person lands a job, and they’re leaving another job, it is always a tricky affair during an interview.

One of the questions many people hardly ever prepare for is why they want to move from their current workplace?’ It comes to them as a shocker that they end up ruining the whole interview. When an interviewer inquires why you left, they aren’t inviting to you to speak about the negatives about your previous job. No, they simply want to know the reason why you want to join them.

During an interview, don’t do this

It is typical for any question that starts with why to set you on a self-justifying edge. You always want to give justification for your actions. It is true you might have had issues in your current job, and you’re looking for a way out. 

However, you should never fall into the trap of the interviewer and start disparaging your former employer. You shall have lost it if you do that. Instead of focusing on the negatives, be more candid with what you need to improve on and change. 

The kind of answer the Interviewer expects of you

Before you close that interview room door behind you, make sure you have a comprehensive explanation on why you left your job and why they should consider you. One thing that must be stressed here is that an employer is not interested in your past.

They are somewhat more interested in what you are bringing to the table. The company has other employees just as good as you are. It is, therefore, a plus for you if you can convince them you’re bringing something unique to their company.

However, be careful with that part of adding something unique to their menu. The interviewers might ask you why you never did it at your former workplace. Be tactful. Tell the interviewers you had done many of those, and it was now time to try something new.

How best to give an explanation to this question

The reason for quitting your current job may be a disagreement, search for better pay, or even a new environment. If you are resigning because there are disagreements between you and your boss, never give that as a reason. While you may want to paint a bad picture of your former manager, that could also say much about you and your character. 

Focus on the positives and outline your achievements in your previous work. Sometimes you may end up appearing before a friend of your former boss. Imagine what would happen if they realized you badmouthed them. Don’t you think they could go ahead and influence the outcome of the whole interview? Even if they were terrible, leave them out of your conversation.

Ensure you don’t lose focus and start mentioning the negative aspects. Be alert and bold, highlighting the reasons why you think the company should hire you. Do not sound sympathetic and too cynical. Look at some explanations you could give.

• Clarify for them you have the urge to learn and explore.
• You don’t have any problem adding more responsibilities on your shoulder.
• Maybe you just want to transfer. Make it clear your new residence is near the workplace.
• Who doesn’t wish for a change of career in their life? Make the interviewer know your reasons behind it.
• Technology and other trends in the job market are making different roles obsolete. If that is the case with you, be candid about it.
• The long hours on a train or bus to and from work may have had a toll on you. Seeking for a shorter route to work is understandable.
• Is work taking off most of your family time? Can the new job offer you that space to have more time with kids and spouse? Well, explain to them.

The kind of answers you could give for resigning

The ultimate aim of an interview should be to convince the panel that you have all it takes to fill the void. Always remember that how you deliver your answers is just as important as the content of your message. 

Be confident, but above all, practice if you can. Here are some selected sample answers.

Sample Answer #1:

Need for career growth: Different companies operate in different ways. You get some that readily appreciate their employees, while others don’t bother about it at all. Some companies have numerous opportunities for growth, while others have few or may lack totally. 

Sometimes, there are just enough opportunities to grab, but unfortunately, it might not be in your desired field. Or still, there could be those opportunities, but they are limited to a specific group of people or gender. 

You see, we all want to move up the ladder in our respective careers. It is, therefore, understandable if someone leaves their job to find a favourable environment where they can grow. Below is an example of how you might explain yourself if you find yourself in such a situation.

Sample:

“I enjoyed every bit of my job.

Most importantly, I had a fantastic rapport with my coworkers. However, I have to quit because my chances of upward mobility are limited. There are no frameworks and policies in place to ensure employees grow in their careers. Does your company give preference to employees’ career development and opportunities?”

Sample Answer #2

I am not comfortable with my working hours: Every worker needs to be satisfied with the working hours at work. Maybe you are working for longer than required, or the reporting hours to work are odd night hours. If you are uneasy about working during the night, then that might be a valid reason for seeking a new workplace. 

One thing you, however, need to keep in mind is the mode of presentation. Don’t appear like somebody who doesn’t like spending time in the workplace. Don’t make the panel view you as somebody who is a pathetic time manager. Make them know you are quite keen on time and understand its essence.

Sample:

“I honestly give my best to the company and my workmates. Every time I make sure that I keep a strong relationship with my family while not affecting my job. I try as much to plan my days around those obligations every day, but the management rarely notices my efforts. I feel I should offer my services in a place where my schedules and flexibility will be valued.”

Sample Answer #3

Family Issues: Some issues arise every day within each family. We may not just talk about them, but trust me; they all happen every day. Think about moving to a newly bought house in that far-flung countryside city. 

Maybe it is couples opting to separate and deciding to leave far from one another. Or still, your child could be moving to a new school, and it is not anywhere near your workplace or residence.

It is, therefore, upon you to let the interviewer know what these family issues could be. Don’t just assume they know, make them understand. However, do not also divulge so much into your personal life. It would not be necessary. 

Sample:

“Recently, my younger son contracted diabetes. He is in a stable condition, though. However, I feel I should move near to where the diabetes hospital and doctors are so that he can get maximum care. It is also very tedious and inconveniencing travelling long distances as I take him to the hospital. A case of an emergency could arise, and there isn’t much I would do.”

Sample Answer #4

My boss won’t allow me to supervise works and projects: Human beings are naturally envious. It can get to a point in your workplace that even your boss feels threatened by your meteoric rise. We typically hate other people’s progress. 

It is normal, and more so if it is a positive competition. However, to cut your legs and slow your pace, some bosses do go to the extreme. One morning you wake up that you have been demoted or dismissed. Another evening you are summoned in the office and directed to keep off all the company’s projects. 

However, be keen not to paint your boss in a bad picture. Remember, it is you, not him/her, who wants the job. Here is how you can argue your case.

Sample:

“Over the past three years, I have greatly enjoyed working as a project manager and program overseer. I, however, feel like it is time to hit the road and find a new challenge. One thing I would particularly love to do is to manage projects. I am happy it is part of the job description. I tried talking to my boss, and he kindly told me there are no rooms for promotion right now.”

Sample Answer #5

The small company inhibits my career growth: The ultimate dream of any employee is one day rise to the highest level there can ever be. That is why we all work hard in our workplaces, keep work ethics, and give extra effort to increase our chances of getting promoted. 

However, what do you do if your company comprises just ten people? Do you keep staying hoping that one day the number will go up and find a chance to be a manager? No, you seek an alternative. Do have in mind that you are racing against time.

Sample:

“My job has been a great experience. However, there is restricted growth because the size of the company is comparatively small. I feel I need to keep growing, and my current job is not offering that opportunity. Working with you, however, looks exciting because your company is huge and renowned. It also has those numerous job positions I have so longed to get to.”

Sample Answer #6

The company released me: It happens to many people, and in different organizations. It gets to the point that a company feels your services are no longer needed, and you have to create space. It could be because your skills are not the appropriate ones for a particular job. Or maybe, you could become too expensive for the company.

In other instances, you are released because you may have performed below the expectations. However, you can use this to your advantage. Convince the interviewers that though you underperformed, you are now bringing more experience into the new job. Make them know you can perform better than you did in your previous job. 

Sample:

“The anticipations I had for the company were different from what the company wanted me to do. As a result, I ended performing below what he expected. However, I don’t see it as a setback. It is an opportunity I used to mirror the skills gained. I realized there are times I could have acted better and things I ought to have done differently. It is that experience and maturity that I am now bringing into this whole new challenge.”

Sample Answer #7

I am changing my career: The world is full of opportunities. At one point, you feel like you should quit your banking job and indulge in farming. Or you just want to exit the demanding employment world and focus on business. Some people still go back to school to learn new skills and professions. So if you just want to take another new path that would be an excellent reason for looking for a new job.

Sample:

“I have worked for my company for ten consecutive years. I feel I have given my best, and it is time I sought a new adventure. However, my company is not offering that opportunity. I have worked for long as a mechanic and feel like I should try something new. I am confident that this opportunity is here in your company. I want to further my career in the accounting field, and the job vacancy you have may just be the ideal position to spur that growth.”

Conclusion

Searching for a job when you already have one is not only fun but also a fulfilling experience. When you walk into the interview room, you are more relaxed and confident. You understand what is expected of you and therefore answer questions without much struggle. However, you can still use our sample answers to boost your confidence and improve on the kind of answers you give.