Job interviews are stressful, but the key to succeeding gets a lot easier when you understand why interviewers ask certain questions. They're looking to get a sense of who you are as a person, how you think under pressure, and whether you would be a good fit for the company. By taking the time to understand why interviewers ask certain questions, you can help ease your nerves and give yourself the best chance of success.
Job seeking is a difficult process, and one of the most common questions job seekers are asked during interviews is “Why are you looking for a new job?” It can be tough to know how to answer this question, but if you want to land your dream job, you need to give a great answer.
In this article, we'll go over a few things to keep in mind when hiring managers ask about your reasons for looking for work and other follow-up questions.
When you're interviewing for a new job, it's natural to be asked why you want to change jobs. The question can be a bit tricky because it comes down to how much information you want to share.
Whether you have an interview with a recruitment agency or the hiring manager of a potential employer, interviewers ask this question for a variety of reasons, so you should have a well-thought-out response ready before the job interview begins.
This is a fundamental interview question because:
The best way to respond to the question of “why are you looking for a new job?” is with honesty, but also showing that you have been thinking about the role you’re applying for and how you can add value. You can use this opportunity to show off your skills and experience by highlighting what you have done in a previous job that would help this company achieve its goals.
Be honest when answering this question. You must present yourself as someone who can be trusted. Tell them what you're looking for in a new position, and try to weave in your longer term aspirations, such as, "I'm looking for a new opportunity where I can use my skills and face new challenges in a way that will help my growth and professional development."
Talk about how you can use your skills and capabilities to help your future employer succeed. When describing your abilities, focus on what the job description mentions plus what makes you unique as an employee—you can even throw in some personal anecdotes if they are relevant.
Sample answer would be: "I am very organized, which has helped me become an excellent project manager in my old job."
In your response, stay on track by keeping things positive and focused on what makes you a great candidate. Don't dwell on the negative aspects of your current position or a previous employer; instead, focus on what makes you such an attractive candidate for this job.
Explain that it is not that you don't like your current job, but rather that this new opportunity is one that you feel will be a better fit for your skills and interests. If you have been at your current job for a long time and are looking to make a career change, mention that you are looking for something more challenging or exciting than what you have now.
At Permasearch, our job search approach is partnership-based, which means we work together to find the right match for you. We're committed to providing you with the best possible experience and results, and that starts with a positive working relationship. We operate with integrity, so you can trust us to find you the best fit.
If you are actively job searching, we invite you to contact us today to learn about exciting job opportunities!
