Day: August 20, 2025

“Why do you want to leave your current employer to work for us?”  That question was the topic of a recent coaching session. My client, let’s call him Dave, scheduled a call to discuss an upcoming interview.  He wanted to validate his interview strategy and thought my feedback would be helpful.  He was particularly interested in my counsel on this one question: “Why do you want to leave your current employer to work for us?”   I told Dave that it is a good question and commended him for seeking my advice.  I went on to say that this question is typically one of the first asked in an interview.  It is an important question that requires a thoughtful answer.  It is an excellent opportunity for the candidate to answer strategically and set the tone for the complete interview.

Dave’s inquiry pertained to the second question an interviewer is likely to ask a candidate.  The first being, “tell me a little about yourself.”  This question is often used as an ice breaker to establish rapport.  However, both questions are opportunities that the experienced job seeker uses to capture the interviewer’s interest and guide the direction of follow-up questions.  To achieve this, compelling answers are crucial.

I explained that when an interviewer asks, “Why do you want to leave your current employer to work for us?” he is asking you two questions.   The interviewer is listening to determine if your motivation to change jobs is sound and realistic.  Your answer will reveal much about your ethics and your conscientiousness for job responsibilities.  On a more subjective level, he is listening for clues that you may be disingenuous, which could be a potentially poor fit for their needs. The interviewer is looking for red flags that would disqualify your candidacy.  They don’t want to hire a problem employee or a poor performer.    In this regard, I told Dave that above all, his answer should be upbeat and positive. He must not disparage his current employer. Otherwise, he could be viewed as a troublesome employee, a negative influence if hired.  This would likely eliminate him as a viable candidate.

 

Reasons to look for a new job.

• • • Professional growth- Greater responsibility, challenge
    • Leadership
    • Compensation-Benefits
    • Better working environment/culture
    • More stable company
    • Pursuing a new industry/career
    • Facilitate relocation
    • Better work-life balance

 

Employers want to hear a clear, concise answer to the question. They want to understand your intentions for a job search. They want to know if your interest is genuine.  They want to know that your motivation aligns with their needs.  You must memorize a good, well-rehearsed answer to the question.  The interviewer will notice any hesitation in your voice, so practice your delivery until it is second nature.  That will alert them to red flags for further exploration.

 

To answer the question most effectively, one must know the target employer. The candidate must be familiar with the employer’s culture, strategy, and key initiatives, and understand how their skills, experience, and interests align with the company’s objectives. The most effective response will demonstrate that you have researched the company’s situation to learn about its employment needs.  Furthermore, you can explain how you plan to use your skills and experience to support the target company’s culture, key initiatives, and competitive strategy.

 

This is an opportunity to speak about your career interests with enthusiasm and excitement.  You can talk about job skills and personal strengths that have contributed to your success.  You can point out accomplishments that align with your career goals and those of your potential employer.  Concentrate on the plan for your career; career growth and new challenges, to be a part of a broader vision of your ultimate career goal.

 

The question, “Why do you want to leave your current employer to work for us?” presents the job seeker with an excellent opportunity to make a positive impression and influence the direction of the interview.  It provides an opportunity to showcase how your experience, skills, and interests align with their requirements.  However, the most effective answer requires the job seeker to complete due diligence on the target employer.  They must have a clear understanding of the company’s strategy and key initiatives.  The job seeker must understand the company’s culture and their value system.  Armed with this information, the job seeker can craft answers that demonstrate how their skills, accomplishments, and career goals align with the employer’s needs.

Jim Weber – Managing Partner,  ITB Partners

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Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com