Are you in a hurry to change jobs? Are you feeling stuck in your current job? Is your current work environment draining your energy? Find another job.
But finding a new job is not so easy. However, even if you do get a job, it can be difficult to figure out how to tell the interviewer the right reason for changing jobs. After all, you can’t tell them you hated your previous job. Complaining to a former colleague or boss doesn’t look right either.
It is very important to answer positively the question of why you are leaving your current job. This has a lot to do with whether or not you are selected for a new job. It also gives employers a clear picture of your personality.
So this article will help you find out everything you need to know to give the right reasons for this career change, as well as some tips and tricks that will help you find a new job quickly. We have also described some excellent examples to help you understand and deliver.
What do recruiters want to hear?
The interviewer will show you who you are as a person, so you should give your best reasons for changing jobs. Failure to provide a positive response may affect your chances of getting hired.
This is a common interview question asked by candidates who are already working in the industry. No matter how simple this question may seem, you should be thoroughly prepared.
The interviewer wants to know that you left your previous job for a good reason. Commonly accepted reasons include more opportunities for career progression and more job challenges that propel you forward. They want to make sure you didn’t quit your job because of a bad relationship with a colleague or poor grades at work with a college student.
Top 5 reasons to change jobs with examples
There are many reasons to change jobs, such as work-life balance, career advancement, or better opportunities. Changing jobs can be important to your professional and personal growth.
However, in front of potential employers, you should definitely provide the most direct and compelling reasons for changing jobs. The trick to getting a new job is to keep your answers short, clear, and positive.
Here we have listed the top 5 reasons to change jobs.
1. When you didn’t enjoy your previous job
This is one good reason to change jobs. I can’t do a job that I’m not interested in. However, communicating this to a new employer can be difficult. Don’t risk using the words “stop” or “get out”. Because this puts them in a state of confusion and anxiety.
If you left your previous job because of monotonous work, you can explain the following reasons.
sample:
- I revisited my career goals and realized that my previous job didn’t give me much exposure to reach my goals. Therefore, I am looking for new employment opportunities.
- I want to find new opportunities in my field and find and improve my best skills.
- I am currently looking for new opportunities to help me grow professionally.
2. Career goals have changed
This reason for changing careers is best when you recently completed a higher degree or took time off from work. If you’re changing jobs for new career goals, you can tell your new employer why.
sample:
- I look forward to changing my career path for future growth potential and new challenges. I want to learn and develop my skills and use my knowledge to help organizations grow.
3. I wasn’t appreciated at work
Let’s say you worked for a company for three years. After giving all your effort and hard work, you ask them for a promotion.
If this is your reason for changing jobs, you can smartly present this reason to your new employer in a positive way.
sample:
- I’m looking for a job where I can challenge myself to improve my skills. I realized that I wasn’t getting enough assignments to help me grow. So, I decided to change jobs to a company that offers more challenging work. I am looking for opportunities to grow professionally and personally. I started looking for a company that offered the same thing. At that time, I applied for a job here.
4. I had a personal problem
Life sometimes puts you in situations where you have to give up your professional life for personal reasons. This can range from family issues to health issues and is definitely a valid reason to seek a career change.
If you changed jobs for personal reasons, you need to prepare a valid reason for changing jobs. you can answer:
sample:
- I couldn’t leave town for a new job because I wanted to be closer to home for my parents and accepted an offer that didn’t match my skill level. I am looking for a new role where I can learn new things.
5. I was offered a better position
This is the most common reason for changing jobs. In this case, there is no need to make up stories or lie. Besides, quitting your old job and getting a new one that not only pays better but helps you grow professionally is the best thing you can do for your career. You don’t have to list it to your employer. Just be firm and tell them the truth directly.
sample:
- I was looking for a better position in the company that matched my skills and future career goals, so I accepted it. I’m looking for new challenges. Challenge and be rewarded to work with new energy every day. For me, financial aid acts as a reward for my hard work. Your organization can work in your area of expertise while meeting your financial goals.
It’s better not to add extra reasons and make the answer longer. The shorter, the more realistic and professional it looks.
Tips for effectively communicating your reasons for changing jobs
The question of why you changed jobs can be intimidating. In a situation like this, the worst thing you can do while answering is to fiddle with your words and act like you’re insecure. And it will greatly affect the outcome of the interview.
Therefore, it is important to clearly state why you want to change jobs. Here are his five tips to keep in mind when telling your new employer why you’re leaving.
Work on long-term goals
Whatever your reason for changing jobs, it’s always safe to let your employer know that this new job will help you achieve your long-term goals. You should list all the reasons why you are there. After this, you should be able to express all these reasons confidently and confidently. Communicate your long-term goals to the interviewer. This will give the interviewer more confidence in you.
Candidly
When stating your reasons for changing jobs in an interview, be careful not to sound like you’re making things up. Employers don’t want to hear about your life story, such as how you were abused at a previous job or how desperate you want to quit that job. Get to the point and answer honestly and openly.
Prepare
Before you go to the interview, make a list of all the reasons why you want to change jobs. Be honest and respectful about your previous job. Explaining why you want to leave your previous job will impress the interviewer. This increases your chances of being selected in the end.
Also, read the job description and job requirements before the interview. This will give you an idea about the company and allow you to include relevant skills in your answers.
Respect one’s previous job
Just because you quit your job doesn’t mean you can say bad things about your boss or your job. It doesn’t matter why you quit. After all, you worked for it and still had a lot to learn. So never show contempt for your old work. In fact, you should be able to evaluate what you learned at your previous job in front of your new employer. Also, expressing sincere gratitude looks positive.
Talk positively about your current job
It’s better to say good things about the job you’re applying for than to say bad things about your previous job. The answer is that this new job adds value to your career, rather than trying to replace your old job. Tell your employer all the reasons why you chose the company over others. This will help you build better relationships with your boss and colleagues if you are chosen.
Dos and don’ts in an interview
Your new job is the first step in your career development. This is why how you present yourself in an interview is of utmost importance. This is to tell prospective employers about your personality, motivations, career goals, etc.
Here are some interview dos and don’ts to follow when explaining your reasons for changing jobs.
what I have to do | Something you can not do |
Prepare for your interview | Avoid mentioning previous employers |
Talk positively about your previous job | Avoid criticizing former employers |
Respect one’s previous job | Do not answer negatively about reasons for changing jobs |
Keep the answer short and clear | Never mention your salary as a motivation to leave your previous job |
Talk about long-term goals | Don’t look overconfident or underconfident |
What is the top reason for changing jobs?
When asked in an interview, the number one reason for changing jobs is self-improvement. Similarly, self-improvement and career growth go hand in hand. You can say you want to work on a specific skill that you need to master in your career. Or maybe you want to take on more challenging tasks to learn and grow better.
It also includes taking on more responsibility or changing career paths to something new and different. But reasons that revolve around self-improvement are certainly the best reasons to change careers.
Provide a valid reason for changing jobs
The way you respond is far more important than the actual reason you changed jobs. Your chances of being hired for a new job are largely determined by how you answer the question, “Why do you want to change jobs?”
Your choice of words can greatly affect the outcome of an interview. Returning to reasons for changing jobs, we have tried to incorporate some of the most valid reasons into sample answers that not only sound genuine, but are also very direct and professionally usable.
Plus, the tips and tricks above will save you from unnecessary embarrassment during an interview. I wish you the best!