How to Answer “Why Do You Leave Your Last or Current Job?” (With Answers & Examples)

Do you know how to answer one of the most common and tricky job interview question, “Why do you want to leave your current job?” Everyone has good reasons for leaving a job and it is normal.

In this question, you need to give you hiring manager have good reasons to ask “why”, don’t need to be too creative, keep it simple and relatable will do.

Good Reason for Leaving Your Current Job with Sample Answers

There are many common reasons for leaving your current position, it can be the work environment, the people, or even personal reasons which you may not want to share.

Let’s take a look at the best sample answer for different reasons to the question.

1. “I will like to have an opportunity to advance my career.”

Maybe you see a path where you can advance your career in another company. Or you see an opportunity to build a new skill that will be important to you.

It is totally alright to change jobs if you feel that it will help you to into a better career opportunity.

The key is to back it up with why they should hire you.

Here is an example of how you should answer:

2. “There is a management change in my previous job, thus it is time for me to explore better opportunities to advance my career.”

Maybe you see a change in your current company that doesn’t suit your work style. Maybe the change in management has led to an end in career advancement.

It is OK to change jobs if you feel that the current change management has led to a halt in your career. But tell them why you want to join their company.

Here is an example of how you should answer:

3. “I was laid off.”

Layoffs happen once in a while, and it is most likely not your fault. Some small companies can have problems with their cash flow, which can result in a takeover by their competitors or the closing down of the company.

Here we have been clear that you are laid off due to what kind of reasons. Were you laid off due to the financial struggles of the company? Did your position get replaced and outsourced to companies overseas? Did the company go out of business?

Here is an example of how you should answer:

4. “I was fired.”

Getting fired from your job can be hard to get over. It can be due to many reasons that you are being fired from your previous job, but you should never put the blame on others.

For example, if your job expectation has changed after you are hired then you need to state that. It can be due to a budget cut, new management, or even a change in the strategy of how the company is run.

If you are fired for any reason, don’t go into the details of how that makes you feel or try to lay blame on others.

Instead, you should focus on the lesson learned from the experience.

“How can you do better in the future.”

What differentiates you from others is your Mindset. The goal here is not to lie but to reassure your interviewer that you admit your mistakes and it is a one-off incident. You will not be a risky hire.

Here is an example of how you should answer:

5. “I left my last job to take time to take care of my family.”

This is a reasonable answer that some of the interviewers will probably understand and not drill any further. Everyone knows family is almost always the most important in our life. Everyone has different personal issues that require them to take time off from their job.

The way we want to answer is to be as short as possible and to share just enough details to answer the question. Keep it simple.

Here is an example of how you should answer:

6. “I went back to studies to pursue a Master’s Degree (Etc.)”

Studies are always one of the best reasons why people left their job. People who are passionate about what they do study the topic they loved.

These are people who focus on improving themselves, they will always take up courses and educational qualifications to keep themselves ahead of the game and competition.

This is a desirable trait that interviewers are looking for, we love to have people with passion on our team.

Answer specifically why you want to go and get your higher education and how it will help you in this role you are applying for. 

Here is an example of how you should answer:

7. “I will like to take a position with a company that is closer to my home.”

Traveling day in and day out is really tiring. The average traveling time to and back from work in the United States is approx. 50 Minutes. Around 25.4 Minutes per trip according to Inc.com. And here is some interesting fact about traveling time to work.

Researchers in England have found that every additional 20 minutes of travelling you need to make per day to work have the same negative effect on job satisfaction as receiving a 19% pay cut.

This is as reported by Harvard Business Review. The more traveling time you need to get to work, the less happy you are with your work and the more likely you will leave.

Your interviewer understands that no one love to take a long time just to get to work. Thus, this is one of the best reasons for you to give. Just keep it simple and short.

Here is an example of how you should answer:

How to Explain Your Reasons for Leaving Your Job

While there are many good reasons for leaving a job for a new job, one good tip is that:

1. You want to keep your answer focused on the positive aspect.
2. Show that you are leaving your job on good terms.

Here are some steps to take create your perfect answer to the question “why do you want to leave your current job”. 

Step 1: Reflect on Your Motivation

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your reasons for leaving. Identify the positive motivations for looking for a new job such as;

• Career growth
• Skill development
• Desire for new challenges.

Step 2: Be Honest, but Tactful

While honesty is crucial, choose your words wisely.

• Avoid negative language about your current employer or colleagues.
• Avoid talking negative about your current or previous employer.
• Focus on your personal and professional growth as your reason for wanting to leave.

Emphasize Career Advancement

Express a desire for career advancement as a primary motivator for your job search.

Highlight specific achievements in your current role and explain how the new opportunity aligns with your career goals.

Link to Skills and Experience

Connect your decision to leave with the opportunity to acquire new skills or experiences.

Discuss how the new role complements your existing skill set and presents a chance for further development.

Address Changes in the Current Job

If there were significant changes in your current job, such as management shifts or alterations in company direction, briefly mention them.

Focus on how these changes influenced your decision to seek new opportunities.

Step 3: Mention Positive Experiences

Share positive experiences from your current job, acknowledging your appreciation for the learning and growth it provided.

This demonstrates gratitude and a positive attitude.

Step 4: Discuss Company Fit

Express how the values and goals of the prospective company align with your professional aspirations.

Emphasize how your skills can contribute to their success, creating a sense of mutual benefit.

Step 5: Be Concise

Keep your response concise and to the point.

Avoid unnecessary details and focus on the key reasons that will resonate positively with the interviewer.

Step 6: Practice Your Response

Practice your answer with a friend or in front of a mirror.

This will help you deliver your response confidently and ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Step 7: Stay Positive

Maintain a positive tone throughout your response. Even if your current job has challenges, frame your decision as a proactive step toward personal and professional growth.

Why Do Job Interviewers Ask This Question?

Your reasons for leaving the job are almost the most important question that your interviewer will ask.

Here are some of the items that your interviewer is looking for when asking this question.

Q: Did you leave on your own accord?

If you’re asked to leave, your interviewer will probably want to know if it is due to your performance or any undesired issue that you have.

Q: Is the reason for you to leave your company good?

If you left because you went into a fight with your boss or for some weird reason such as “I just feel like it”.

The interviewer will probably want to reconsider your being with their company.

Q: Have you left on good terms with your colleagues?

If you left on good terms with your colleagues or even with your previous manager as one of your references.

It will show that you are an easy-going person that may fit in their team too.

Q: What kind of employee are they expecting from you? 

Your reasons for leaving show what kind of employee you are if you are hired.

Did you leave because you feel that you are not given enough opportunity to grow as a professional? Or simply because of the money.

Your reason for leaving and how you express and answer the question make a big difference in your chance of being hired.