HR Professionals: How Honest Should You Be About Job Changes in Interviews?

Dear All,

Generally, this question is asked by Human Resource professionals when interviewing candidates: what is the reason for changing jobs? In the case of HR professionals attending an interview where such a question is asked, what would your answer be? Would you speak the truth? If yes, in most cases, reasons could include seeking higher salary, dissatisfaction with the job profile, being fed up with recruitment, or finding the boss's behavior weird. Alternatively, would you provide false information to secure the job?

Please reflect on this and I kindly request all who come across this post to provide at least a two-line reply with your answer. Thank you.

Dear Ramya,

It seems you are treating the reason as an answer. The question is, why do you want to change jobs? I don't think "to change a job" sounds good.

Thank you.

Hi Deepak,

If I were to go for an interview, I would simply say that I am looking for a change so that I can explore more in HR. In my present company, I report to the VP of HR (although I am a Senior Executive in HR). The current scenario in my company does not offer any growth opportunities in the near future as my VP is the decision-maker, and I am more like a secretary to her.

If the interviewer were to probe further, I could provide more details. Otherwise, this is the reason I would like to present.

Thank you.

In general (if we don't want to give too specific/actual reason), we can say "for better growth and opportunity with better learning." Or we can say "professional growth as well as personal growth." If the interviewer asks about professional growth, we can mention new work environment with new challenges and opportunities for learning.

For personal growth, we can discuss growth in monetary terms (tangible growth) and learning through new responsibilities (intangible growth). I hope I have clarified my points properly, and please correct me if I am wrong on any point.

If you tell the truth, you will never get selected. So just give any one of the answers: Better job prospects, better pay, good company to establish a career. And the harsh truth is, once you get the job, no one will bother to ask you why you changed your job.

In recent days, job changes are common among young people. So, I will not go with any answer like that. I will go with "career growth" because wherever we go for a job, there should be career growth so that one can learn a lot in their job.

With regards,
Rajesh

"Always I adore sharing my views with everyone"

Hi,

If I were asked why I want to change my present job, my answer would be that I have learned many things in that organization, like blah blah blah. I aim to share my knowledge and experience with others and continue learning more in the HR field, which is why I want to change my job. In short, it is for career growth.

Take care,
Meenakshi

Dear All,

As you have given good answers, which seem to be fitting with the situation. Don't you think a recruiter may ask something related to the answers such as:

1. You want to change for better growth, knowledge never stops a person from being trained, nowadays do you think a person needs school training. It's all up to you. For example, if you are conducting training on Six Sigma, you should go through the material to at least have a view of the same. What I feel is that's the only way where we all can learn a lot, putting in our personal efforts and by utilizing the resources lying around us.

2. You want to change as you have been consumed by a particular function like recruitment & selection, Performance Appraisal, Training & Development, Employee Welfare, etc., and that's the reason you are looking for a change. The question can be: why don't you try to develop another function in your company and believe that if you succeed in starting this, you will be the master of that function. Don't you?

By the way, I really do appreciate all of your views. Have a great time, but if you are attending an interview with a panel of interviewers, your answer should be comprehensive, leaving no space for them to ask related questions.

Keep posting your answers and views; it will really help us a lot.

Friends,

The discussion is really very interesting. But I would like to ask a few questions after you have given reasons for your change.

1) For career growth: Do you want growth in monetary terms or non-monetary terms? If in monetary terms, which shows that you are changing the job for money, which is true, but it also shows your instability. The HR thinks that you'll leave the job as soon as you get an opportunity with a better salary.

With regards,
Kumar Ashutosh.

If you answer like you have learned many things in that organization and you want to share it with people, why don't you do this in the same company?

Never try to blame your last boss or the policies of the company as the reason for switching jobs. It really leaves a bad impression on you in front of the HR.

If I go for a change, in such a case, I'll say I am changing the job because of some personal reason or I want to switch over because I always wanted to work with an organization like this, or I am switching over for better growth prospects.

HR should be more mature and not always find fault with candidates. They need to understand that sometimes even because of employer employee leaves jobs.

If the reason of "better salary" is given, the candidate is always rejected as the interviewer thinks that this person will quit if he gets a better offer. I think "better profile", "more exposure" or "more learning" would be a good option.

Let me know your views on this.

Hi,

If somebody asked me this question, I usually replied:

In my present job profile, I can't explore myself. I want challenges and recognition in my profile through which I can prove my competencies.

Secondly, I said, I am looking for one mentor who can nurture my skills and enhance my knowledge. If you could suggest a better answer, please reply.

Dear All,

Generally, this question is asked by Human Resource professionals while interviewing candidates: what is the reason for changing the job? In the case of HR professionals, if you attend an interview and such a question is asked, what would be your answer? Would you speak the truth? If yes, in most cases, reasons include hikes in salary, dissatisfaction with the job profile, being fed up with recruitment, or the boss's behavior being weird. Or will you provide fake information as the reason in order to get the job?

Please think it over and I request all of you, whoever comes across this post, to give at least a two-line reply with the answer.

Dear Friends,

There is no hard and fast rule for what could be the best suitable answer. Actually, it depends on the situation you are facing during the interview.

One more thing I would like to share is what I have observed throughout my career. The traditional interview process is typically applicable when the candidate is new in the market. Nowadays, however, headhunting plays a significant role.

Thank you.

Hi Deepak,

I would say that I am changing jobs for personal growth, money, position, new tasks, job environment, for more PR, and last but not least, self-satisfaction.

Sadhana

Hi,

I would say answers like better job prospects and growth are the most commonly feasible.

Regards,
Shivani

Hi Deepak,

I've already faced this question, and I replied that in my company there isn't any growth like stage-wise. In my company, one is an HR Coordinator, and the second is an HR Manager. So, I want to go for an MNC.

Thanks & Regards,
Dipali Lakhani

Dear All,

Generally, this question is asked by Human Resource professionals when interviewing candidates: what is the reason for changing jobs? In the case of HR professionals attending an interview and being asked this question, what would your response be? Would you speak the truth? If so, in most cases, reasons could include salary hikes, dissatisfaction with the job profile, being fed up with recruitment, or finding the boss's behavior strange. Alternatively, would you provide fake information to secure the job?

Please consider this and I request all who come across this post to reply with at least two lines with their answer.

Hi,

Nice question... but in reality, you can tell the truth. If you mention the reasons above, the HR/Interviewer might respond as follows:

1. Change due to a salary hike: If you emphasize money, why would I recruit you if you might leave for a better package elsewhere?

2. Dissatisfaction with the job profile: If you desire a new job profile where you lack experience and claim interest to learn, the response could be why should I hire you for something you have no experience in?

3. Fed up with recruitment: If you are from a consultancy or have only recruitment experience, why should I hire you if you lack experience in other HR functions?

4. Boss's behavior is weird: If the interviewer is dissatisfied with your explanation, it could imply you have an attitude problem or cannot adapt to the environment, potentially making you a bad team player.

Please correct me if I am mistaken in the statements above.

I believe that telling the complete truth or completely faking it can be detrimental. It's better to provide a mix of truths and carefully consider possible follow-up questions from the interviewer based on your response.

Seniors, please suggest any other responses for reasons behind changing jobs.

Regards,
HR Madam

Hi All,

I think the best answer is to thoroughly study about the organization we are going to interview for and then communicate that every person desires growth in their personal and professional life, just like me. I find your organization provides me with a challenging and rewarding career where I can optimally utilize my skills, knowledge, and experience. That's why I'm here.

Sirs, kindly give your valuable feedback for the same.

Regards,
Darshna Sihag

"In Times Of Trouble...
Don't Say, "Oh God! I've a Problem"...
Say, "Hey You Problem, I've God!"

Hi,

You can state the truth. The following are the reasons for the change of job:
1. Better salary
2. New work environment
3. Better career growth

You have to justify the points mentioned above based on your experience and situation.

Hi Deepak,

Though I am late in replying, I would like to add one more point: to handle more responsibilities and have a strong learning curve.

Regards,
Dixita

Dear Deepak,

The reason for change is career growth, job enrichment, along with a hike in salary is the main reason for change. No doubt, company brand is also as important as other factors.

Thanks & Regards,
Manoj Verma
09415221556

I think every company has its saturation point as every employee also has the same. By staying in one company for a long duration, an employee gets habituated to doing the same work and having the same responsibilities, and learning diminishes over time. When everything is good and perfect, where is the challenge? A good package is just one reason, but behind that, every employee always wants to explore his or her talent and work in a good environment. So, I think learning is vital in an organization. Even as you grow older, there are always many things to learn.

Hi,

If I were asked why I want to change my answer, it would be: I had joined this company during its establishment phase. I was the 3rd recruit in HR in my region. I had designed process notes & Policy for other regions to follow under my boss's supervision. Now I am confident that I can initiate processes & make decisions myself. It's the right time for me to change my job now. 😎

Regards,
Harshali Mukherjee

I would like to mention the need for a better scope, as the present company is a small-scale industry and cannot support all functions. With only 200 employees, training and development are rarely considered. I am eager to join a company with a larger capacity where I can also focus on enhancing this aspect of the business.

Hi Deepak,

This is one common question that you will get whenever you attend an interview. There are several reasons for a change - some are genuine, and some are just for the sake of it. But one thing that everyone is interested in is the CTC. If I am looking for a change, then I should know why I am looking for a change. If HR wants to, they can grill you on this itself.

Regards,
Yuvaraju

Dear Deepak,

My answer would be something like this: I am looking for an organization where I can stabilize myself as well as grow within it. Folks, let me know your views on my answer. Is it convincing?

Regards,
Rana Shekhar
Pune

Hi Deepak,

Contrary to what everybody is suggesting, I feel you should come out with the actual reason. If you give fake answers, you may get into trouble, which will ultimately have a worse effect. Every recruiter understands that there is no vice in changing for money (provided your track record does not reflect that you are hopping for money).

Quote the actual reason but put it nicely. Don't say, "I did not get a good appraisal." Instead, say you would like to work in a more responsible position with a matching designation.

This is my opinion. If somebody disagrees, your views are invited for discussion.

Regards,
Yogita

In case we have been associated with one company for a long time, we can say that stagnation is setting in and you are feeling monotonous, seeing no growth as far as the job profile is concerned.

In all possibility, we should avoid talking negatively about our present or previous employers. Various reasons given could include - marriage, commute, salary, stagnation, wanting to work for an MNC or CMM level company, better job profile, etc.

If I were asked why I want to change my current job, my answer would be: for more challenges, stability, and most importantly, for a salary hike (due to the current inflation rate of 8.75%).

Girish V. Jagtap

Thank you, Deepak, for posing such a true, difficult, important question that individuals will face in their lives. It is better to familiarize yourself with the company and job profile before attending any interview. Since this question is likely to be asked, it's advisable to compare your current job with the new one and also consider the company. Additionally, think about the possible follow-up questions that may be asked after your response. This preparation will enable you to provide a spontaneous answer during the interview.

Here are some suggested answers:

If someone is working as a recruiter in consulting, they could give reasons like:
- Wanting to transition from consultancy to being a part of a company to learn other aspects of HR.

If you are currently with a company:
- Express a desire to learn HR generalist functions. If the job description is similar to that of a recruiter, you could mention that the work has become monotonous with no new opportunities for learning.

For HR Generalists, reasons could include seeking a better position or job profile. You could also highlight specific strengths that you possess but are not utilizing in your current role, such as conducting or preparing psychometric tests, which the new job description includes.

Other potential reasons for a job change could include relocation, distance from home, company relocation or restructuring, personal circumstances like marriage or health issues, or other personal reasons, especially for women.

Avoid speaking negatively about a current or previous company or its employees as it may lead to more questions and make it harder to convince the interviewer of your suitability.

Ensure proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation are used throughout the text. Make sure there is a single line break between paragraphs for improved readability.

Hi Deepak,

This question is a standard one in HR interviews. Many individuals react to it by discussing negative aspects about their employer, boss, or work environment. The simplest way to answer the question is to be realistic. For example, if someone has 1 or 2 years of experience, they can safely say, "As I started my career, I had to learn and develop myself. Now that I am professionally proficient, I need to focus on the financial aspect which has been compromised for a long time." It is very natural for every professional, and HR will perceive it as realistic.

Some important "don'ts" to consider are:

- Avoid abusing the employer, work environment, or boss. Always convey that you are content in your current job and mention specific priorities that lead to your desire for change.
- Refrain from mentioning things that display rigidity or an uncompromising nature.
- Avoid appearing solely focused on money. Even if money is the main reason for wanting to switch, stating so outright will likely decrease your chances.
- Simply mentioning a brand name is not reason enough to switch jobs. There is usually a standard raise involved based on different industries and markets when considering a job switch.
- Avoid mentioning factors that could be used against you in negotiations, such as if the company plans for downsizing or if your employer no longer operates in your area of expertise.

Lastly, consider this question as a formality, as employers nowadays seek dynamic individuals. Even the current employer may lose interest in an employee who appears too stable or unambitious.

Thanks,
Manish

Well, I believe the universal answer to this question on first hand is "Looking for a better prospect and career growth." I have come through situations when I am the interviewer and the candidate starts telling me, "Oh, that company is growing from bad to worse every day. I can't agree to their decisions; new implementations are unacceptable," and so on.

But I would advise that the person interviewing you is not your friend or a well-wisher but just a person who is doing the job, and these kinds of answers won't help you get the job. I have had to ignore even qualified candidates just because of the way they presented their current employer. I am aware that this is more or less the same way this candidate would describe things to the next interviewer after me. Getting skilled people is not a big task in this present world, but it is a hard task to hire skilled people with the right attitude. Because attitude can change everything around you.

Regards,
Jain

Hi,

In such a case, my answer would be a change in profile: I would like to become a trainer, recruiter, or counselor. Currently, I am working as an assistant manager (HR) and I am looking after all the HR functions. I have almost 2 years of experience, so during this period, I have analyzed myself and my field of interest. HR is a very vast field.

Thanks,
Meghana

My answer will depend on the context of what led to the question. But generally, it is best to say that it is for career enhancement and drive for all-round HR experience. Remember, there are several sections in HR, such as recruitment, training, employee relations, etc.

There is no point in fudging a reply to this question. If you honestly know the answer yourself, just think of how to package it. If it is for higher compensation, convince the interviewer why you deserve higher compensation. If it is for career growth, frankly tell your plans and how you would like to benefit from the future organization and what your contributions to the organization would be. You need to market yourself. If you want to get unstuck from your present position, say it openly. I guess the interviewer will always respect honesty and truth. And finally, if you don't know the answer yourself as to why you are changing the job, don't ever change it. :-P

Hi, Deepak.

I feel it's okay to share the genuine reason provided it's closer to the comfy zone! For example, none can share stuff like "my ex-boss was drooling at me... since it's getting too much... I wanna quit" lol. Most of the time, it's perfectly fine to stick with the regular phrases than to risk too much because, as well said, reality bites! And trust me, the interviewer sitting there will know for sure that none speaks the truth when it comes to the 'Reason for Change'! So... play it safe... Cheers.

Priyankha:icon1:

Dear HR,

I have 6 years of experience in customer support and sales, which I started before my graduation. I have recently completed my MBA in HR/IT and am keen to transition into a career in HR. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to make this transition and how to address the question of why I want to change career paths.

During my time as a customer relationship manager at Citigroup, I was involved in recruiting tel callers and executives.

I kindly request HR professionals to share HR-related interview questions and answers.

I am eagerly waiting for your suggestions.

Please contact me via email at kalyani.pbel@gmail.com.

Thanks & Regards,
Kalyani
09848182035

Hi,

I think nobody is working for charity, or if they are not learning anything out of their present job. So if one has served their previous job well, then everyone has a right to go for growth and a hike in salary. Knowledge is essential in the current scenario, so for that, change is a must.

Regards,
Shikha

Hi,

If I am asked, the answer would be "The roles and responsibilities assigned in the present organization are not satisfactory, and I aim to have better career growth."

Regards,
Kirubakaran.

Dear All,

This is my first post, and it's great to see many queries and many more helping hands. I have worked with a recruitment firm, then with a white goods giant, and later with a beverage giant in the HR and IR streams.

What I observed was that the satisfaction of the interviewer with our answers also depends on the urgency to fill the position. If I am in a hurry to fill a vacancy, I will be under pressure and, therefore, will choose the best candidate quickly, sometimes compromising on the accuracy of the answer to "why change."

Furthermore, if as a recruiter, I am unwilling to accept any response to "why change," how will I attract experienced candidates for the role?

Additionally, to determine if a company is in a hurry, one can also consider the notice period the company is insisting on.

I wanted to shed light on a different way of thinking rather than providing a straightforward answer.

Regards,
Rajesh

Thank you for providing various insights into this sensitive question. My response to this particular question would be:

"That post-joining, I had proven my functional capabilities to the company. However, I now feel a lack of new challenges due to the routine and monotonous environment. Therefore, I am seeking a change where I can once again have the opportunity to prove myself, putting forth all my efforts and utilizing my functional innovation abilities in a new environment."

Thanks,
Seema.

Dear All,

Generally, this question is asked by Human Resource professionals when interviewing candidates: what is the reason for changing jobs? In the case of HR professionals attending interviews and facing such a question, what would be your answer? Would you speak the truth? In most cases, reasons could include seeking higher salary, dissatisfaction with the job profile, frustration with recruitment, or dealing with a difficult boss. Or would you provide false information to secure the job?

Please take a moment to consider this and I request all of you who come across this post to provide at least a two-line reply with your answer.

Hi Deepak, it could be a change of environment, seeking more responsibilities, exploring different companies for varied experiences and exposure, even if one doesn't have any issues at their current workplace.

Thank you.

Hi Deepak,

As an HR professional, a need for a shift could only arise when one loses interest in the current profile and the company to which he/she belongs. The reasons for this shift could be infinite and manifold, as mentioned by other colleagues. However, the main reason could be the feeling that you want to do more but are limited in some way, or that you need to learn more and require a better platform for that. Therefore, in both cases, the reason definitely lies with the individual, albeit the surrounding circumstances may also play a role.

Hi Deepak,

That's a really good question for our HR friends. Please identify why a person is looking for a change, and the reason should be genuine before facing the interview. The reasons may vary, but the way it is expressed and the cause behind it will have an impact.

It's important to mention the genuine reason effectively to increase your chances of getting the job. Remember, asking questions is easy, but providing answers may be challenging.

Suresh

Hi, your question is true. What I find is to say the truth, even if we don't say the truth, it will open in the near future. Of course, it might lose a good chance, but it is well known by everyone that why a person looks for a change. The following are normal reasons:

1) Fed up with a particular process (recruitment).
2) Looking for a hike.
3) Looking for growth in a career.
4) Looking for something to learn in a job, which might not be available in the previous job. For example, a consultancy recruiter cannot learn core HR functions such as appointment, induction, and different laws related to employee appointment and welfare.

I think we should state facts and no other polishing is required.

Thanks,
Dhanashree

I think people don't leave organizations, they leave bosses. What do you think?

To succeed in life, love your work, not the organization.

Hi, my answer would be "career growth." I feel it is not advisable to work in the same company when there is no growth and improvements. I am interested in working for a company that provides opportunities for an employee's career growth and personal development.

Regards,
Kavitha

First, you must check the JD of your new opportunity before you go for the interview. If the JD given matches with the JD you are in now and provides a better designation than your present one, you may use this as the reason for change.

"Since I have around 4 years of experience in this field and expertise in most areas of your job description, I hope I will be able to perfectly match your requirements. This will help me in my career growth position-wise and financially. Hence, I am planning for a change."

Alternatively, if you have streamlined the process in your current position and there is no room for innovation with your current employer, you may truthfully explain the improvements you made and how they benefited your employer financially and in terms of time. You can express your desire to join their company, contribute to process improvement, and bridge any existing gaps that could benefit the company financially and in terms of time.

If you have any additional suggestions or critiques regarding my answers, please feel free to share them here. I am open to feedback as it can help me think differently.

Regards.

This is exactly what you need to practice. Your answer should be comprehensive and leave no room for further questions. Recruiters are always ready to probe further based on your responses. If you are already in recruitment and seeking career growth within HR, that's what everyone desires. Questions arise mainly when you are considering a change from a different industry. So, use your intellect and not your emotions.

Regards,

Surprised that after a gap of a couple of years, this thread is active again... Not that anything has changed with respect to the question...

What Should Your Answer Be?

Simple! If you were the person asking this question, which answer would satisfy you? Would any answer satisfy you in the first place?

A really good interviewer (that negates more than 70% of current recruiters in the market) is not looking for an answer. He is looking at the passion/intent behind the answer because that gives him/her an idea of who you are. If you observe, this is one of the few questions where the interviewer (at least the good ones) is looking at you consistently. They are simply observing, trying to understand you...

It is very easy to put on a mask and play a role but very difficult to do it when you are uncomfortable from the inside... This is one such question because even you know you can't give a satisfactory answer, but that's fine. Answer what you believe is convincing, but remember it's not the answer but the intent behind the answer that matters!!!

Cheers

Navneet

Reason for Job Change from Private to Government

Answer: The person should say that they don't want to waste their talent in a private job where there is no job security or leave for emergencies. They want to use their talent for the government, where there is job security. I currently earn 40,000 per month as a software engineer, but I would be content with 35,000 per month as an officer in a government job.