You need to be careful when answering this interview question. Your response can make the difference between getting the job or not. This question can be asked in several different ways including, "Why do you want to leave your present job?" or, "Why aren't you content with your present position?" An interviewer may also ask you this same question with respect to past positions. However they phrase this question, keep your responses positive and focus more on the open position.
More Challenging Assignments
One reason you can state that you are looking for a new job is more challenging assignments. Start by saying something positive about your present job. You must know about the new position to make such a comment, so always obtain a full copy of the job description before your interview. Another option is to tell the interviewer how excited you are about the position and challenges that await you.
More Security
Greater job security is another acceptable response to any question about leaving your current job. Explain why you feel security would be greater with the open position. You may work for a small upstart company and want more security with a bigger firm. Tell the interviewer how you liked the experience you gained on your job. Larger companies usually offer better benefits, including college tuition reimbursement, so this is a acceptable response.
More Money
More money can be an appropriate reason for leaving a job. However, you must already know the salary range of the new position before using this response. Salaries are sometimes listed in job descriptions or online job ads. Whatever the case, explain how you enjoyed your previous job but felt somewhat underpaid. This may be obvious to the interviewer if you volunteer your salary. Most human resources managers know average salaries for jobs because they research salary data.
Location
Companies relocate employees around all the time. Consequently, you may not like where you live. You may also have too far to commute to work. This is common in larger cities that are widespread, where homes in outlying areas are cheaper and located in more desirable suburbs.