When changing jobs, interviewers often ask, 'Why do you want to change jobs?' One common explanation is the pursuit of career advancement and higher pay. Providing concise, clear answers will help employers understand your future goals.
This article on 'Why Change Jobs' will help you give effective answers during job interviews. At the end, you'll find a free course online where you can learn more about how to do well in a job interview. Let's understand the best way to answer the question about why you changed jobs in an interview.
Top 10 Reasons to Change Jobs
- Career growth and advancement opportunities: I am looking for a role that offers clearer career progression or the opportunity to move up within the company.
- desire for higher salary: You are looking for a position that offers better compensation to meet your personal financial goals or reflects the value of your skills and experience.
- work life balance: Finding a job that better suits your personal life, family needs, or health, including flexible work hours, work-from-home options, or a short commute.
- Pursuing a passion or taking on a new challenge: Moving toward a role that more closely aligns with an individual's interests and passions or provides new challenges to keep them engaged and fulfilled at work.
- Organizational culture suitability: Find a company whose values, environment, and culture better match your personal beliefs and work style.
- job security: Looking for a job in a more stable company or industry, especially if your current job is at risk due to factors such as company performance, mergers, or industry downturns.
- professional development: Seek opportunities for roles that provide continuous learning, skills development, or training and development programs.
- relocation: Moving to a different geographical location due to personal reasons, family commitments, or simply a change in environment.
- better benefits: Search for jobs that offer better benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, parental leave, and other employee perks.
- Work environment and colleagues: I would like to work in a more positive and supportive environment or be part of a team with better dynamics and collaboration.
Other reasons for changing jobs include:
One. When you don't like the company
Every company has both positive and negative sides. If you are considering leaving your job due to personal preferences, it is important to write your response in a way that reflects this.
It shows both strengths and weaknesses without appearing overly negative. A balanced response not only demonstrates your ability to objectively assess the situation, but also increases your chances of successfully securing a new job.
for example:
I'm looking for new opportunities that connect with my values and professional ambitions. While I like the experiences I've had at my current position, I believe a shift will provide a more supportive and growth-oriented environment. I am eager to apply my abilities to a job where I can grow and have a significant influence.
2. When you want to move for a higher salary
Most people change companies to get a higher salary. There is nothing wrong with getting money based on your abilities. But when applying to a new company, it's important to keep in mind that your answers shouldn't just indicate your financial desire to change jobs. You can cite these desires in a way that presents them as rewards and motivation for your work rather than as your primary goal.
for example:
I am passionate about taking on challenges. Taking challenges and getting awards motivates me to work each day with new energy. For me, financial support works as a reward for my hard work. In your organization, I can achieve my financial goal while working in my skilled field.
three. When you want to change your position
You may not like your current position or area at work. For a satisfying work experience, it is important to have an interest in your field. Employers understand the importance of employee satisfaction and interest in contributing to company growth and see this as a valid reason for a job change. When solving this problem, briefly describe the situation and emphasize your strong skills and comfort level.
for example:
I worked in a software testing group in my current company, but I realized that my immense skills are in software development. In your company, I have seen the job for the position of a software developer with great work culture and work-life balance which attract me to work according to my skills.
4. When you're looking for more opportunities
Employers will appreciate your proactive approach to new opportunities. You should discuss your long-term goals with them and show them that you are a highly motivated person who values every new opportunity.
for example:
Although my current job is giving me the opportunity, I want to push myself with new, more difficult challenges. I enjoy taking on difficulties and learning from them in order to establish myself as a responsible person of a reputable organisation. By gaining more opportunities in your organisation, I hope to advance my career and discover new limitations.
If you'd like additional opportunities, explore career paths in popular positions.
5. When there are personal reasons
Many people change jobs for family or personal reasons. In such a situation, you can tell your employer the exact reason you are changing jobs. There is no need to explain too much..
for example:
Due to familial concerns, I had to move closer to my family. So, I'm seeking for a reputable organisation in my current location that can meet both of my requirements.
6. When you want flexibility in your work
Maybe you have certain family commitments, or you're bored with the typical 9 to 5 work schedule and now want flexible work hours. When applying for a new job, you should portray yourself as a responsible individual who wants a flexible work schedule. You don't want flexible working hours to enjoy your daily life. Rather, we need them.
for example:
I want flexible work hours to take care of my family. My previous company didn’t allow flexible work hours. I need flexibility in timing because work-life balance is very important in my life to take care of my family.
If you're struggling with time management to maintain work-life balance, check out our free time management course.
7. If your current job requires you to travel too much
If your job is far from home, it may be a reason to change jobs. Employers can understand the importance of time and work-life balance. You need to show that you want to save time for more growth.
In the former casexamplE:
My current company is very far from my living destination. I want a good work-life balance, and I can’t change my home because my family wants to live there. So, I want a good organization in my current location so that I could make a better work-life balance.
8. When corporate culture/ethics are not appropriate
A positive and welcoming work environment is essential for employees to work towards and be productive. A toxic work culture exists when there are no fundamental principles, employees compete unfriendly with each other, no work-life balance, and no appreciation and rewards policies. Instead, employees are publicly criticized. If you can connect to one of these, you may be in a toxic work environment and it may be time to leave.
for example:
I value working in a well-organized environment with a friendly work environment. I've heard a lot about your company and would like to work with people who respect my abilities and efforts.
9. If you need to move to another city/state/country
Unforeseen circumstances may force you to return to or leave your hometown. Either way, if you're changing jobs for this reason, explaining this to your new employer is fairly simple.
for example:
I want to move to ABC City since I need to be close to my family. Hence, I am looking for a job opportunity in your company.
10. Failure to receive timely training and development
While many organizations are starting to focus on upskilling and reskilling their employees, others have not yet built this into their systems. If you feel that your organization is not providing adequate learning materials, it may be time to change careers.
for example:
I believe in continuous learning and development and since I have heard so much about your company’s policy to keep upskilling, I am very much interested in this role.
How do you answer why you changed jobs?
Answer to reason for change of job
Emphasize the positive reasons why you want to work for that company. Mention specific features of the job, company culture, and employer that match your interests and skills.
Focusing on your potential employer shifts the conversation away from your previous work experiences and towards your strong potential as their next employee. This is also a great way to show that you researched the company before the interview.
Check out the good and bad reasons for changing jobs
Here are some good reasons to donate:
- Looking for better career prospects, professional growth.
- Looking for a new challenge at work.
- The company's current growth prospects are not good.
- My current position has been reduced.
- Having to travel too often
Here are some bad reasons not to talk:
- Swearing at boss and company
- boring job
- work overtime
- office politics
- you are fired
- The only reason to change is money
Recommended books: Common interview questions and answers
Have you decided to quit your job? What are your future plans?
So, if you've decided to change careers, why not take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade your skills? Explore free courses that will help you improve your skills, achieve your career goals, and expand your professional toolkit! Upon completing this course, you will also receive a certificate of completion that you can use on your resume.
You can learn how to write a successful resume by enrolling in this resume writing course.
FAQ on reasons for change of job
I am looking for opportunities that more closely align with my career goals and personal skills. I believe in continuous growth and that change allows me to explore new challenges and contribute more effectively.
I am looking for a role that will allow me to further develop my skills and take on new challenges. I have learned a lot in my current role, but I feel ready for a change that better aligns with my professional aspirations.
I am looking for a role that offers more opportunities for career advancement. I believe I have reached my potential to grow in my current role and am looking for a new environment where I can continue to develop professionally.”
“I am looking for a position that offers a better work-life balance while remaining dedicated and productive at work while also meeting my personal commitments.
I left my last job to pursue new challenges and opportunities to grow in different directions. I want to apply my skills and experience to new situations and learn from new experiences.
You should hire me because I bring a unique combination of skills and experience that matches the requirements of this role. I am dedicated, adaptable and always eager to learn. My performance demonstrates a consistent pattern of success and contribution in similar roles.
conclusion
When applying for a new job, you need to be clear about your intentions. Employers will ask about your reasons for leaving to ensure that you are a responsible team member. They want to know that you consider your options before acting. Describing a favorable response can show the interviewer that you are a strong candidate.
Each question during the interview (including the reason for it) is a great way to demonstrate your abilities and qualifications. Be sure to emphasize that your answer demonstrates your optimistic attitude and briefly explains why. Understanding the job description will help you identify the keywords and skills needed to successfully complete the job. Additionally, researching the company will help you better explain your reasoning and learn more about the organization.
Be truthful! Structure each answer with a positive, learning mindset. Stay focused and do your best.