What do you tell a potential employer when they ask you why do you want to leave?

Question

I sent a resume to a potential employer and they want to know why I want to leave my current position. What should I say? I have been on my current job for more than a year. The reasons that I am looking are because of low morale, low pay, and no career advancement.

Answer 1

Tell them thank you for the opportunity to work for this company, but I have found a job that will lead to my goal, which is ____ (fill in the blank). I feel that I have reached the end of the ladder here and cannot go up any higher and therefore had to start looking elsewhere.

Answer 2

You should state to your future employer that, you enjoyed working at your previous place of employ, but there was no room for growth and advancement, and this is what drawed me to your place of employ.

Do not offer negative comments about your previous place of employment! That is a huge mistake in the business world. If you were not satisfied there, then simply state, I felt I could no longer grow in the position I was in and needed to make a decision to seek out a position that requires growth, advancement, and on the job training.

Never use negative terms to describe your past employer. In the business world, it is of very poor taste!

Answer 3

I would focus on the lack of opportunity for advancement at the old job--that's a broad term and it will make it seem like you are ambitious--employers like that. At the same time it's a little vague--you want to avoid getting really specific about why your current job is such a bummer, like how everyone hates the boss.

Answer 4

The three reasons you state are all valid reasons to want to move on from a job. Be honest and tell them what you are saying in your question.

But be ready, they are probably going to come back to you and ask you why the morale is low at your current company.

Answer 5

Tell them that you have dreams and goals that cannot be supported by your current job and it's time to find something more satisfying.

Your needs and desires have advanced beyond the level of that which your current employer is willing to compensate you.

In addition, your assigned duties for the forseeable future are not in alignment with your aspirations over the next five years.
(And you need to be able to tell them where you see yourself in the next five years, even if you make it up.)

Good Luck
.

Answer 6

Try to be honest as much as possible. Make sure you dont bad mouth your current employer, always try something like you are seeking out new opportunities and try to relate it to the company mission statements

Answer 7

Those are definitely good reasons to want to leave. I would just tell the truth.

Answer 8

The truth sounds great to me. No future boss is going to look down at you for trying to better your self.

Answer 9

Tell them that you're looking for a challenge. That will say it all and will leave them speechless and impressed.