April 2006
The dreaded question
The average person will have many jobs during their lifetime and it is not unreasonable to assume that each job change will include an interview; interviewees are commonly asked why they want a new job. Whilst for most this innocuous question simply represents another opportunity to sell themselves to their potential new employer, for some, answering this question, is not so simple; after all what do you say if you are looking for a new job because of problems at your current workplace?
“Although this can be a tricky question for interviewees to answer, especially if they have experienced problems with their current employer, the important thing to remember is that you can be prepared for it. It is not a trick question and is one that anyone attending an interview should expect to be asked so there really is no excuse for not being prepared,” comments Claire Hedley who heads up the HR Division at Thorpe Molloy Recruitment.
Claire continues, “As with any question it is important that you respond truthfully however it is best not to dwell on the negative aspects of your current situation and to highlight the positive aspects. Elements that you should consider are your strengths, your ability and willingness to learn, examples of how you have contributed to your current company, your problem solving and interpersonal skills as well as a desire to achieve your personal goals and advance your career.”
When responding to questions at interview, it is best to be positive and look for ways to present things in the best light, where possible examples should be used to illustrate your skills and achievements. Claire has these examples of possible responses to the dreaded question:
- Instead of saying “I can’t stand my boss/colleagues and can’t wait to get a new job” Claire suggests “I think that I have achieved as much as I can in my current role and I am looking for a new challenge which will make optimum use of my skills, experience and knowledge.”
- Claire advises saying “Whilst I have learnt a lot working for Company X I am keen to develop my career further and I think that working for your company would offer me the opportunity to achieve my goals,” is better than “I hate my current job and would rather work anywhere else.”
- If the role that you are being interviewed for is very similar to the one you are leaving Claire recommends carrying out research to determine how the company you are being interviewed by differs from your current employer.
“Interviewees should be carrying out research about a potential employer anyway but in this instance they should focus on determining what differentiates one from the other and use this information in their response; it could be that they could cite wanting to specialise in a certain product area or market as a reason for wanting to change positions.”
- For those who have found that working for a small firm is not to their liking Claire suggests responding “I want to experience the challenge of working for a larger organisation; in addition I think that working for your company would allow me to develop my career further.”
- The reverse scenario is that you work for a large organisation but perhaps find that it is too anonymous, Claire advises saying “Having experienced working for a large company I think that I can make more of a difference by working for a company such as yours where I can take on more responsibility.”
- Instead of just saying “I am unhappy with my current post” and not providing any reasons Claire recommends focussing on what you can offer a new employer. “You should show that you have given a move thought and should be able to discuss your career goals.”
Claire summarises “When attending an interview candidates need to present themselves as proactive individuals and accentuate the positives about who they are and what they can bring to the role. It is important not to dwell on any negatives after all the aim of the interview is for the interviewee to convince the interviewer that they are the best person for the job.
In addition anyone moving jobs should do what they can in order to ensure that they leave on good terms. Claire adds “This can be as simple as preparing a handover document and tying up any loose ends by completing outstanding work. This kind of professional attitude will be remembered by your boss and could stand you in good stead in the future.”
< back to news archive
