Boredworkers.com

You’re looking for a new job and a prospective employer asks you to come in for an interview. You cruise through the interview process. Then the interviewer pops you a question:

“Why are you looking to leave your current employment?” or “Why are you looking for employment?”

It is a natural question to ask and it should be expected. You should be prepared to answer the question truthfully but with tact. If it did catch you by surprise, then chances are you’re not prepared for the interview. But regardless of the situation, there are somethings that should never be said in response to this question. While it is a subjective question, there are (despite popular belief) good, bad and worst answers.

Be Positive
Some people write down in their resumes the reasons for leaving their previous jobs. Similarly, some companies require that their prospective hires fill out a form, listing previous employers and reasons for leaving. How you answer reflects your personality and establishes a form of history. Tread lightly.

The most common answers include better offer and career advancement. Short and sweet. While both are acceptable answers, using them because it is the norm may get you no where. Try some variations to add some identity to your answers. If you’re the same as everyone else, then you’re not going to get noticed. Regardless of whether you’re leaving by choice or force, provide your answer in a positive tone.

Some ideas of simple positive answers include:

• To be frank, I wasn’t actively considering a move. However, the company and the position is of interest to me. I’ve had an interest in the company for the longest time and this opening presents the ideal opportunity to explore the possibilities.
• I decided that this was not the career for me. Unfortunately, my current employment does not have any avenues for growth in the direction of my interests.
• I am looking to relocate due to family commitments.
• After years of flying solo, I am looking for a company where I can work and contribute in a team environment.

Or if you want to sound deranged or simply like to break the ice with some humour, you could always say something along the lines of you being “a hired assassin sent there by the dark sith lord to murder the senior management, usurp their power and assimilate the company”. Not advisable but it might work if you think the interviewer has a dark sense of humour.

Practice and work some of your experience, personality, and honesty into the answer. That way, you’ll be providing a unique and more natural sounding response instead of some canned recording.

Never diss your boss
Bad mouthing your employer is probably the worst form of response. Never diss your current or previous employers. No matter how strongly you feel against them, never ever talk bad about them in front of your prospective employer. While you might be tempted to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you god, it is always a better idea to hold your tongue. Never let on that you’re feeling disgruntled or desperate to get out of your work.

It is a small world out there. Chances are the interviewer knows your boss, have some relation with them professionally, or worse, is a close personal friend. Wouldn’t it be fun to walk into work one morning to find your boss seething over what you said in a supposedly private interview. You might wind up jobless and minus one prospective employer. Better to paint a rosy picture and give the impression that you’re a good worker who’s looking for a bigger break.

Secondly, bad mouthing someone gives of negative vibes about your personality. Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. Ask yourself some natural questions that would come to mind. Do I really want someone like this representing my company to my clients? If you’re doing this to your current employer, what’s stopping you from doing the same if I hire you? Think for a moment then consider the impact of your answers.

Lastly, employers are on a constant lookout for bargain hires. If you’re desperate for a job, it is easier for them to bargain down your price tag. By complaining about your work, you’re giving them a strong bargaining chit that they should never have gotten a hold of in the first place.

Remember, the person(s) in front of you is shopping for loyal employees. They are not your friends and you shouldn’t treat them as such. Guard your secrets and remain neutral. Save the sob stories for your therapist or your sessions at the bar. Your answers should always be positive and geared towards the future. Every question that is asked in an interview is in fact a chance to sell yourself. So sell and avoid answers that undermine your chances of employment.