How to Honestly Answer "Why Are You Looking for a Change?" in Job Interviews

What is the best answer to the question "why are you looking for a change?" What the employer is looking for?

---
The best way to approach this question is to focus on your career goals and how they align with the opportunity presented by the employer. Be honest about your reasons for seeking a change, whether it's for career growth, new challenges, or a better work-life balance. It's important to convey your enthusiasm for the position while also demonstrating a clear understanding of how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the role.

Hey common Alok, this is like asking someone just getting married - why do you like this person? Everyone has his/her own reason for getting married and choosing THAT particular person.

Rgds,
TS

It depends on whether you are able to impress the employer or not. You can talk about anything or simply smile, but the key is to make a good impression on the employer.

TRAPS: Never badmouth your previous industry, company, board, boss, staff, employees, or customers. This rule is inviolable: never be negative. Any mud you hurl will only soil your suit.

Especially avoid words like "personality clash", "didn't get along", or others which cast a shadow on your competence, integrity, or temperament.

BEST ANSWER: (If you have a job presently)

If you're not yet 100% committed to leaving your present post, don't be afraid to say so. Since you have a job, you are in a stronger position than someone who does not. But don't be coy either. State honestly what you'd be hoping to find in a new spot. Of course, as stated often before, your answer will be all the stronger if you have already uncovered what this position is all about and you match your desires to it.

(If you do not presently have a job.)

Never lie about having been fired. It's unethical – and too easily checked. But do try to deflect the reason from you personally. If your firing was the result of a takeover, merger, division-wide layoff, etc., so much the better.

But you should also do something totally unnatural that will demonstrate consummate professionalism. Even if it hurts, describe your own firing – candidly, succinctly, and without a trace of bitterness – from the company's point of view, indicating that you could understand why it happened and you might have made the same decision yourself.

Your stature will rise immensely and, most importantly, you will show you are healed from the wounds inflicted by the firing. You will enhance your image as first-class management material and stand head and shoulders above the legions of firing victims who, at the slightest provocation, zip open their shirts to expose their battle scars and decry the unfairness of it all.

For all prior positions:

Make sure you've prepared a brief reason for leaving. Best reasons: more money, opportunity, responsibility, or growth.

Jayaanandh

[Login to view]

Hi,
Whatever you answer, it should shows your positive attitude. Your answer should not reflect any negative thoughts about your former employer.
You can answer in following way:
“I have learned many things from my last job. However now I am looking for new challenges. So that I can utilize full of my potential and also can widen up my skill set.”
Regards,
Sanjay

There have been scenarios where the following has been chosen as the best answer (but make sure it suits your need :-), and you don't get trapped with questions later).

Top Talent needs a Company that has the right resources and strategies to identify, coach, and retain the best people. I would be more than happy to know that I was identified as a good player - if I am selected, and even happier to discover that I have a greater scope of growth, and opportunities to perform and rediscover self-talent.

Well... my answer to this current company was: (during the interview)

I really did not look for a change immediately, but since the recruitment activities have been frozen due to the recent economic scenario, I am forced to see what better options lie ahead to make sure my talent is retained.

The possible reply to the question of "why do you look for a change" would be: "I want to grow in the ladder of learning and achieving greater heights which will benefit both me and the employer as well." "I want to grow with the organization where I have mostly been given freedom to excel my energy to a great extent for the achievement and goals of the organization." "The reply should vividly indicate individual and organizational objectives when answering these types of questions."

There have been scenarios where the following has been chosen as the best answer (but make sure it suits your need :-), and you don't get trapped with questions later): Top Talent needs a Company that has the right resources and strategies to identify, coach, and retain the best people. I would be more than happy to know that I was identified as a good player - if I am selected, and even happier to discover that I have a greater scope of growth, and opportunities to perform and rediscover self-talent.

Well... my answer to this current company was: (during the interview) I really did not look for a change immediately, but since the recruitment activities have been frozen due to the recent economic scenario, I am forced to see what better option lies ahead to make sure my talent is retained.

Well...

You need to LIE in such a way that your reply pleases the interviewer without badmouthing your previous company or staff. Try to gain trust in their eyes. Remember, TRUST IS LIKE VIRGINITY; YOU LOSE IT ONCE.

Regards,
Shiv

Those answers are all correct, but I generally use this reply: "We agree to disagree on certain issues" when pitching for a job. In case the employer asks what issues, then I do portray my differences but again with carefully selected words to sound positive.

Thanks,
SJ

My answer to my current and last employer was: "To be honest, I am not looking for a change. It is really on you to give me an opportunity that compels me to change from my current job, which I really enjoy, and join you."

Mind you, it was a statement made when it was still considered an employee's market :)

Dear Alok,

You can say, "I have been working for this company for the past 2 years now. I am willing to learn more things and gain new experiences. There are limited opportunities for me where I am currently, so I am looking elsewhere."

Regards,
Meenakshi
HR Generalist

Hi Alok,

Most of the good people have already replied to your question here, just adding a little more: The new company always wants to recruit people with the best qualities that can match the culture of their organization. So you can start with, "I have heard much about the culture of this company from my friends, others, and I always aim to work in such a congenial environment that can hone my 'XYZ' skills. My aim in life is continuous learning, proving my best, which has somehow been misplaced in my current situation. I am assured that your organization will provide me with a good platform that will help me exploit my passion and competencies and prove myself as a valuable asset."

Regards,
Arti

Hey Alok,

Whatever my HR friends have posted is absolutely right. If I am asked this question, I would say "For Better Prospects." Just a single line and not stretching it longer. Then allow the interviewer to re-question on it, so that you will get sufficient time to think.

Regards,

Sachin Subhedar

9930056530

Hi, Alok,

"Why are you looking for change?" As learned from the book "Essential Manager Manual," change affects every aspect of life. Taking a proactive approach to change is the only way to take charge of the future, either as an individual or as an organization. Change is the single most important element of successful business management today. To remain competitive in an increasingly aggressive market, organizations (and individuals in them) have to adopt a positive attitude towards change.

For organizations, change is the way to stay competitive and to grow. For individuals, the opportunities created by change enrich careers and personal lives.

Warm regards,
John

Well, answering this question, I feel that change does happen. It's the most permanent thing in life. It is left to be decided how we need to adapt to that change. This calls for changing our very own thinking patterns and behavior. So, according to me, it's not that we are looking for change; change looks for us to adapt to it.

Hi, Alok.

To my view, I would answer that if water is stagnant, it could decompose. However, in the case of running water, it doesn't. Change could help me acquire more new knowledge, explore my own talent in various fields, and prevent me from being stagnant.

The best way to approach the question 'why are you looking for a change?' is to focus on how your career goals align with the opportunity presented by the employer. Be honest about your reasons, whether it's for career growth, new challenges, or a better work-life balance. Convey enthusiasm for the position while showing how your skills make you a strong fit. When it comes to SAP courses for HR, the two most popular options are SAP HCM (Human Capital Management) and SAP SuccessFactors. SAP HCM is the classic on-premise module widely used in large enterprises, while SuccessFactors is the cloud-based modern alternative gaining traction. If just starting out or your company uses legacy systems, go for SAP HCM. For future-proofing, consider cloud-based HR roles like SuccessFactors. Having both on your resume is even better. If looking to learn SAP courses for HR, SkillDeck in Bangalore offers practical, hands-on courses tailored for HR professionals. SAP skills are in demand, and being certified in these systems can elevate your HR career significantly.