Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

Whenever I'm asked this question, I feel like the interviewer doesn't "believe" the answer I give. I usually say something to the effect of: "I truly see no career path here or room for advancement. The department I work in is small and as a result there isn't much room for growth. I've been in my position for 4 years and my responsibilities haven't changed or expanded."

(I don't say this part (below) in the interview - I'm just saying this here for your understanding of the situation)

I hate, absolutely HATE where I work. It is a creatively stifling, dead-end job with no career path or room for advancement. I've been in my position for 4 years and the girl I replaced did it for 10 with NO promotion.

Yet, when I give the answer I said above I feel like the inteviewers don't really buy it.

I think part of the problem is that I work in the health care industry so it's somewhat recession-proof and as a result people think I'm nuts for wanting out.

What they don't understand is that the politics of this place have gotten so bad for me that it's literally making me sick and that's truly why I want out - but I don't want to say that for fear of looking bad or like someone who doesn't get along well with others which couldn't be further from the truth since, I get along very well with everyone OUTSIDE my small department.

So what do I do??? HELP!!!

Message edited 4/14/2009 6:21:44 PM.

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

WHY don't you think they are buying it? The answer you are giving is not only an appropriate interview answer, it's an HONEST, appropriate interview answer. If someone told that to me, I would absolutely believe them. What is happening that makes you think they don't buy it?

(PS - Obviously you're leaving out the part about hating your job, right?)

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

Yeah, I don't mention hating this place, though some days I'd love to shout that from the rooftops!!

I get the feeling they don't buy it b/c I was on two particular interviews, one with a law firm and the other a manufacturer.

Both times they asked that question more than once, really pressing me on why I wanted to leave a recession-proof job. I just kept saying "I'm looking for advancement, I'm looking for growth, I'm looking to be able to use my creative talents" and it was like they were looking for more. I just didn't know what else to say.

Needless to say, I didn't get either job.

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

Posted by Jennie0898

Yeah, I don't mention hating this place, though some days I'd love to shout that from the rooftops!!

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

I agree, I thought it was alittle strange myself. I thought my response was sufficient too but apparently not!

I like what you added about having the luxury of having a job but still being able to look for something that's a better fit. I think I'm going to use that next time...

Hopefully there's another interview soon!!!

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

Posted by Jennie0898



Hopefully there's another interview soon!!!

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

I was told by a recruiter, to not say this reason, bc it makes the person interviewing think that once you reach your level with the new job, youll want ANOTHER new job...which i thought was weird, but okay.

the recruiter advised me to just say-i didnt feel safe in my current position, and there was layoffs.

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

what about finding a specific about the new company that would make you want to leave your company.

you can say, when I happened upon your ad, I was excited about the prospect to do XYZ at this company.

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

Could you say what you said and whjat the PP suggested and also add in that you are looking for a challenge and that your work is no longer challenging? It sounds like that is definitely IS true.

I think what you say is perfect! I had a boss once who told me that if you are not gaing new responsibilities or not moving up after 2 years in the same job, you should look for a new job. Not sure if I agree with that 100% - I mean, what if you really LIKE your job? But I understand what she was saying and it definitely seems to fit your situation.

Good luck!

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

I run interviews for my company quite often- and its usually not what you say that I pick up on- its how you say it- as long the answer sounds sincere (and your body language points to honest)- your fine

Saying that there are limited possibilities is a perfect answer- shows that you are ambitious

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

I was in this situation when I was looking for my current job. And I'm in HR. My boss asked and I said I want to be honest - I accepted the job very excited to be a part of the team and to make valuable contributions to the company. However, that has not been the experience and I truly feel that I am being underutilized for my experience. I am looking for a company that I can join long term and be a part of team, etc etc..

I was really up front and honest and I think she liked that! It wasn't a "canned answer" - know what I mean?

Re: Interview Question: How do you answer the question - "Why are you looking to move on from your current job?"

Your giving a very honest answer..they should take it seriously! Usually I say thinkgs like "to advance my career, challenge myself further, to further my knowledge in my career"