Answering this question is all about knowing how to put a positive spin on your honest answer. It helps if you don’t lie, but you can’t tell the truth too bluntly either.
Table of Contents
- Why interviewers ask this question
- General strategy
- Things you should do
- Things you should avoid
- Examples
- Alternative versions of this question
Why Interviewers Ask This Question
The hiring manager wants to know that you’ll be happy working for them and won’t be looking for a new job on day one or even after year one.
General Strategy
Instead of focusing on how your current company failed you, focus on how the company you’re interviewing with fits you. After all, that is what the manager is trying to determine with this question anyway.
There are many common reasons why an employee leaves their company. The most common reasons are:
- Money
- Bad Boss
- Lack of Opportunity
- Crap Job
You can’t directly say any of those things, however.
Instead, you have to add a positive spin and focus on the company you’re interviewing for. We provide an example response for each of these below.
Things You Should Do
Keep your answers positive. Complaining about your most recent career shows that you’ll likely be complaining about your new job as well. Or at least that’s how most interviewers will interpret it. You have nothing to gain by being negative.
Focus on the role you’re interviewing for. The best way to avoid being negative is to focus on the future. The last job was good and served its purpose, but you’re on the hunt for the next great opportunity.
Things You Should Avoid
Avoid complaining.
If you’re keeping your answer positive and focusing on the future, this is generally easy to accomplish. However, if you’re still hurting from fresh battle wounds, it can be difficult not to let a little negative complaining slip through. So be conscious of your headspace and make every attempt to avoid complaining.
Examples
Money Example
My current position has been a great experience. It’s allowed me to grow tremendously over the years, but now I’ve honestly outgrown it. So I’m looking for a company that values where I am today and allows me to utilize my experience and skill level more fully.
Bad Boss Example
Honestly, leadership was moving in a different direction from where I wanted to be. I’m looking for a company that values and promotes teamwork. And also a company that allows me to work to my full capacity. From everything I’ve read and heard, I feel that company is Acme Hiring Company.
Lack of Opportunity Example
CurrentCompany.com has been a great place to work for the last five years. I’ve learned a lot and grown as a result, but I’m ready for the next challenge. I’m looking for a position where I can continue to grow as well as contribute.
Crap Job Example
Honestly, FakeCompany.com has taught me a lot, including the kind of company I don’t want to work for. It’s not that it is a bad company by any means. I’m just looking for a company where that company and I are a better fit. I want to work at a company that promotes teamwork and invests in its employees. I want a company that holds me accountable so that I can grow and improve. But most importantly, I want to care about the work that I’m doing and the company’s mission. FakeCompany.com just hasn’t been that place for me, but I believe Acme Hiring Company would be a much better fit based on what I’ve seen so far.
Alternative Versions of This Question
Why are you leaving your current job?
Why did you leave your last position?
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