Can you remember a time you felt truly caught out by a job interview question? Few questions elicit that sinking feeling like being asked why you’re leaving your current job.
It can feel like a trick intended to cause a slip-up, but interviewers have several good reasons for asking.
Our recruiters share why this question pops up in interview scenarios, what not to do, common reasons given, and how to turn the question into an opportunity.
Why do interviewers ask: “Why did you leave your last job?”
The first reason an interviewer might ask a question like “Why do you want to leave your current job?” is to learn more about the circumstances in which you’re leaving your current employer (redundancy, resignation, etc.). Intel like this can help them understand your current employment situation and how it might impact their hiring timelines or process.
An interviewer might also ask why you’re leaving a role to determine whether you’re a good fit for their organisation, team, and role. In this case, a diplomatic, positively framed, and honest answer could help you get one step closer to securing the role. Especially if it aligns with what they’re looking for!
Read more: How to resign from your job
Things to avoid in your answer
Needless to say, this interview question is not an invitation to air your grievances about your current or ex-employer.
The interviewer isn't looking for a salacious gossip session, and a passionate or bitter outburst may cast you in a poor light, so it's best to resist the temptation (and have an answer prepared and rehearsed).
It's also unnecessary to go into detail unless the interviewer asks a follow-up question about anything you've mentioned — keep your answers brief, topline, professional, and positively framed.
Best answer for reason for leaving a job
The best answers to this question include a mix of truth and diplomacy and are always positively framed.
We recommend thoroughly assessing why your current role isn't working for you before you hand in your resignation. Not only does this allow you to discuss these reasons with a manager and potentially resolve them, but it also gives you an excellent foundation for your job search.
Understanding what you do and don't want from a role makes it easier to identify a good opportunity during your job search. It also allows you to answer truthfully in an interview scenario—complete with specific examples—why you think the role you're interviewing for is a better fit and aligns with your career aspirations.
Read more: How to write a good CV in the age of AI screening
How to frame your answer positively
The best way to frame a positive answer is to focus on yourself rather than the company you're leaving. For example, if the reason for your resignation is a misalignment in values, try not to focus on what the company has or hasn't done but instead on what you look for in a good employer.
Another great way to give your answer a more positive (and highly favourable) tone is to follow it up with the reason you’re drawn to the employer you’re interviewing with. You’ll find examples of this included in the answers given below.
Read more: How to write a resignation letter
Reasons for leaving a job: examples of good answers
You were made redundant, or the business restructured
Unfortunately, my position was made redundant during a company-wide restructuring. Although it was a disappointing situation, I used it as an opportunity to reassess my career goals, which is what led me to apply with you.
You left due to management or lack of support
I'm looking for an employer with more structured mentorship and professional development opportunities. I'm impressed by your company's commitment to regular training and clear advancement pathways.
You left due to pay or benefits
I'm looking for a position that offers compensation more aligned with my experience and the industry standard benchmark for my role. After researching your company, I appreciate your competitive packages and clear performance-based advancement opportunities.
You left due to a toxic or high-stress environment
I'm looking for a workplace with a more balanced approach to deadlines and project management. I appreciate the way you blend collaborative problem-solving with reasonable expectations — in my experience, this approach leads to much better outcomes.
