DEAR ABBY: I got to the dreaded question in my interview… “Why are you looking to leave your current role?” What is the best way to answer?? 🧐 Prospex recruiting is here to share our expert advice to help you answer this tricky question.
Striking the Right Balance in Your Answer
⚖️ This is always a delicate balance because you want to give the hiring manager enough confidence that you are seriously interested in the role, but you don’t want to bash your current or previous company (also a HUGE turnoff!).
The best approach is to keep your reasoning very objective and use those reasons to highlight why this new opportunity is so exciting to you.
Be Prepared with Your “Why”
In order to be prepared for these objective reasons, make sure you are being intentional with your search and that you’ve proactively thought about the WHY behind the reasons for looking, as well as the WHAT in what you want in your next opportunity! This will allow you to give very succinct and thoughtful answers in your interview to give the hiring manager confidence you aren’t just kicking tires and wasting time in exploring the market.
Avoid Counter-Offer Conversations
Side note – If you feel like you can get any of those WHY’s and WHAT’s at your current role, have the conversations with your current manager to try and get that to avoid any sort of counter-offer conversation – I digress…refer to multiple previous posts on counter-offers as EVERYTHING in the search goes hand in hand!
Example Answer
Example: “I’ve really enjoyed my role and everything I’ve learned at my current company! I’m really looking for an opportunity where I can utilize my extensive background in manufacturing and continue to grow my leadership skills. What I’ve learned so far, this company and role would be an awesome opportunity that fits the main things I’m looking for in my next position!” 💥
Key Takeaways
🤠 In short – avoid complaining, avoid trashing on your current employer, and focus on the objective reasons of why you are looking/what you are looking for and how this role can fit!!
What has your experience been in answering this question? Have you noticed a difference when you are prepared to answer this vs. trying to come up with something on the fly?
Let Prospex Recruiting Help You
Reach out to our Prospex Recruiting team to help you talk through and prepare more effectively and in more depth! Head to our website to learn more about Prospex Recruiting and the services we offer.