In my last column, I discussed the question every interviewer begins with, “Walk me through your resume.” Essentially, you’re being asked, “What’s your career story?” If you’re employed at the time you’re being interviewed, the second question you’ll be asked is fraught with the potential of sending the wrong message to your interviewer.
Second Question: “Why are you looking to leave your current employer?”
There are infinite reasons someone looks to leave their current job. I’d hazard a guess that wanting more money is the number one reason. Not getting along with your boss or the leadership team would be a close second.
I’m going to tell you a secret I learned a long time ago. To have a successful interview, you need to tell your interviewer to want they want to hear and see—remember, image is everything! Therefore, you must understand why your interviewer is asking you a particular question.
I can’t speak for all hiring managers, but when I interview a candidate, I’m trying to gauge the following:
- Ability to articulate. (With me having above-average communication skills is paramount.)
- Problem-solving skills.
- Confidence and having a clear sense of purpose.
- Likeability.
- Are they a flight risk?
The reason I, along with every hiring manager, ask, “Why are you looking to leave your current employer?” is to gauge whether the candidate is a flight risk. Although I don’t expect an employee to stick around until they cut their retirement cake in the lunchroom, I’d like to feel there’s a good chance they’ll stick around for a while.
I mentioned in my previous column that you want to be prepared with your career story to be able to tell it succinctly and without rambling. The same “be prepared in advance” advice applies to answering why you’re looking to leave your current employer. You want to answer without hesitation. The key is to make your interviewer feel comfortable that you won’t jump ship after 1 or 2 years just because the mood strikes you.
Before crafting your “why you’re looking to leave” answer, consider these two factors:
- Length of time at your current job. A short stint (less than 2 years) is a red flag to most employers. My suggestion: Use the “tame answer” you’ll read later in this column.
- Your employer’s size, brand, and reputation. An interviewer may raise an eyebrow if you wish to leave a well-known financial institution or international pharmaceutical company. Therefore, your reason for wanting to leave needs to be convincing. Possible answer: “Acme Corporation has given me invaluable experience; however, it made me realize that I would prefer to work at a smaller company, such as Stark Industries, where I can have a greater impact.”
You don’t want to seem like you’re only looking out for yourself. Employers and employees both have self-interests—it’s a given that you’ll look out for yours. During your first interview, focus on the employer’s self-interests. Avoid mentioning you’re looking for more money, better benefits, work-life balance, more challenge, or furthering your career. Employers aren’t in the business of growing careers. Their success depends on having the right people doing the right things. You want to come across as the right person for the job and company, who’ll do the right things.
The standard advice is to never bad-mouth your employer. Again, I can’t speak for all hiring managers. I encourage those I interview to be completely candid with me. I’ve hired several candidates who said something along the lines of, “My manager and I no longer see eye-to-eye.” My follow-up question, to determine whether the candidate will be a fit with my management style: “What are you looking for from your next manager?”
Yes, I’ve hired candidates who’ve admitted they were fired. (I’m drawn to candidates who are honest and transparent.) My follow-up question: “What did you learn from being fired?”
Good reasons to want to leave your job:
- Hours
- Commute
- Recently received a degree or certification
The tamest answer you can give: “I wasn’t considering a move, but I saw your job posting and was intrigued. It seems like an exciting opportunity, and I believe it would be a match for my qualifications.” (Works well if you have been at your job for less than five years.)
However, being more specific, “I got my project management certification last month. Now I’m seeking my first project management position,” will show you’re career-focused, which is a positive.
______________________________________________________________
Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send Nick your questions at artoffindingwork@gmail.com.
