How Do You Answer "Why Do You Want to Change Jobs?" – Share Your Best Responses

What can be the best suitable answer for the question "why do you want to change your current job?" or "reason for job change?"

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What would be the most appropriate response to the question "Why do you want to change your current job?" or "What is your reason for seeking a job change?"

Vertical progression encompassing job enrichment and a defined career path with the best employer are the reasons why someone changes jobs.

Thank you, sir, for writing. I would like to request you to elaborate more in this thread.

It is difficult to give a "one-size-fits-all" answer to this question as there are several genuine reasons for a job change. The most important thing is that you must sound genuine in stating your reasons and avoid coming across as insincere. Be frank and candid in presenting one or more reasons such as a higher salary, a change in role, a larger role, a reputable company, flexible working hours, etc., which are true reasons in your case. The key is to make the interviewer believe in you.

Regards,

Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant

Dear Richa Kumari,

I have not noticed such a pompous answer in the Indian context as suggested by our friend Narasimhan, but they give different answers. Mostly, they mention career growth, less increment, family issues (relocating to a nearby place), and personal problems.

Dear Sir,

I would like to enrich myself with more experience in a different work environment to enhance my skillsets and make myself more competitive as a professionally skilled employee, becoming a valuable asset to the organization I am hired by.

Best Practices for Answering Job Interview Questions

In a job interview, the best policy is to be honest. Never complain about your boss or speak negatively about your company. Have a pre-planned, authentic response.

Examples of Suitable Answers

Answers can range from: "I am looking for a new challenge in my career," "I want to learn a new industry or focus area," or "I need to find a new job because of relocation"—these are easily relatable answers. Stating a new stage in your career or what you want to create through this job, etc., are also good answers.

Relating Skills to Company Needs

If you have studied the new company well and are aware of some specific problems, try to relate your skills to those problems and how you can solve them. Be very careful and diplomatic with this line of answers.

Importance of Realistic and Honest Answers

This kind of question is common about why you want to leave your current job, so having a realistic and honest answer is paramount in your pre-interview preparations.

Dear Richa,

The possible reasons for a job change could be as follows:

- Career Growth
- Change of work profile
- Change of place of working (if the present company transfers you to a location you do not like)
- You want a more challenging assignment
- Salary growth

You should be as honest as possible in answering this question and try to avoid listing salary growth as the primary reason, although in many cases, this could be one of the main reasons for a job change.