A Tough Interview Question Why do you want to leave your job

A Tough Interview Question Why do you want to leave your job TweetHow should you answer this question in a job interview? Getting it wrong can ruin your chances. One common reason for leaving is that the company is experiencing problems and you want to jump ship before it crashes on the rocks. Or maybe your boss is difficult to work with, and you go home with a headache every day. Of course, referring to either of these things in the interview is likely to be seen as indiscreet, and it may brand you as a troublemaker. How can you give an answer thats true while also being smart in other words, both authentic and strategic? The key is to focus on what youre moving towards with this job transition, rather than what you want to get away from. That sounds easy, but when I want out! has become such a familiar thought its nearly a mantra, it can be hard to mentally shift gears. So plan your answer carefully. Usually theres more than one reason you want to leave. Sit down by yourself and list them. For example, lets say you want to leave Walnut Creek Wireless (WCW) and youve got an interview at San Francisco Solutions (SFS). Heres your list: 1. WCW has just reorganized in way that you think is going to kill the business. 2. They overwork their employees and rarely give any recognition for a job well done. 3. Its a tough commute from your home in San Rafael. 4. Youd rather work on mobile apps for consumers at SFS instead of doing data security for banks at WCW. Even though reasons #1-3 may be the ones that keep you up at night and have the most emotional juice for you, theyre not likely to help you get the job. Theres no reason the interviewer needs to know about #1 2, the negatives about your current job. And the interviewer has probably already noticed #3 the commute from looking at the address on your application. Reason #4 is the real winner. So your good answer might sound like this: Ive learned a lot from working with WCW, like (name something relevant to the new job, if possible) and accomplished some good work, like (example). But my real passion is mobile technology (describe your strengths in this area). So thats really where I see myself. I love what Ive seen and heard about SFS, such as (show youve done your homework). So when I found out about this opening, I just had to apply. Now, what if WCWs troubles are well known? That means the employer may be quite aware of what youre not saying and respect you all the more for your discretion. So, youve given a good answer. Youre not quite out of the woods yet. Lets say the employer responds with a knowing look and a sympathetic comment. I understand. And Ive heard about all the changes at WCW. Thats probably made things tough for you. Uh-oh! Empathy is so powerful. We all crave it. So get some empathy later, from a close friend or family member! Right now, just smile and bring the subject back to your skills. Change can be stressful, no doubt about that. But the real point is, the work youre doing here is very exciting, and its a great match for my abilities. True and smart! A Tough Interview Question Why do you want to leave your job TweetHow should you answer this question in a job interview? Getting it wrong can ruin your chances. One common reason for leaving is that the company is experiencing problems and you want to jump ship before it crashes on the rocks. Or maybe your boss is difficult to work with, and you go home with a headache every day. Of course, referring to either of these things in the interview is likely to be seen as indiscreet, and it may brand you as a troublemaker. How can you give an answer thats true while also being smart in other words, both authentic and strategic? The key is to focus on what youre moving towards with this job transition, rather than what you want to get away from. That sounds easy, but when I want out! has become such a familiar thought its nearly a mantra, it can be hard to mentally shift gears. So plan your answer carefully. Usually theres more than one reason you want to leave. Sit down by yourself and list them. For example, lets say you want to leave Walnut Creek Wireless (WCW) and youve got an interview at San Francisco Solutions (SFS). Heres your list: 1. WCW has just reorganized in way that you think is going to kill the business. 2. They overwork their employees and rarely give any recognition for a job well done. 3. Its a tough commute from your home in San Rafael. 4. Youd rather work on mobile apps for consumers at SFS instead of doing data security for banks at WCW. Even though reasons #1-3 may be the ones that keep you up at night and have the most emotional juice for you, theyre not likely to help you get the job. Theres no reason the interviewer needs to know about #1 2, the negatives about your current job. And the interviewer has probably already noticed #3 the commute from looking at the address on your application. Reason #4 is the real winner. So your good answer might sound like this: Ive learned a lot from working with WCW, like (name something relevant to the new job, if possible) and accomplished some good work, like (example). But my real passion is mobile technology (describe your strengths in this area). So thats really where I see myself. I love what Ive seen and heard about SFS, such as (show youve done your homework). So when I found out about this opening, I just had to apply. Now, what if WCWs troubles are well known? That means the employer may be quite aware of what youre not saying and respect you all the more for your discretion. So, youve given a good answer. Youre not quite out of the woods yet. Lets say the employer responds with a knowing look and a sympathetic comment. I understand. And Ive heard about all the changes at WCW. Thats probably made things tough for you. Uh-oh! Empathy is so powerful. We all crave it. So get some empathy later, from a close friend or family member! Right now, just smile and bring the subject back to your skills. Change can be stressful, no doubt about that. But the real point is, the work youre doing here is very exciting, and its a great match for my abilities. True and smart!