How To Answer: why are you changing jobs?
This is part of a series that looks at how to answer common questions that can be difficult to navigate. This week we are going to look at how to answer a very common question that can be asked in many different ways: why are you changing jobs?
About a year ago I was working with a sales professional looking to change jobs. She had not been with her current company very long and her previous position was cut short due to covid. Her concern was that back to back short stints would reflect negatively on her. She implemented my advice pertaining to how to build a resume in a post-covid world. We then started pursuing positions and I introduced her to a role that really caught her attention. While doing an interview prep call she mentioned how confident she was as her background aligned well for the position: similar product, same market verticals, same territory, etc. She had a lot going for her heading into this interview. However, the same concern she had about her resume was now manifesting again because she knew she’d have to answer for it during the interview.
When looking at how to answer the question of why you are changing jobs, start by actually giving it some thought. The job she lost due to covid was easy to explain: they cut 20% of their sales force and she was the newest hire. With this job, is was that her boss drives her nuts. But your next job will also have a boss, so it’s important to nail down what exactly drives you nuts. You can then clearly communicate that without ever talking badly about them. Example: I want to change jobs because my boss is a micromanager and just wants me to be a mini-me version of her. Now, you don’t want to complain during your interview, or at least not to the point of coming across as a potential problem hire. If you were to answer with something along the lines of, “I am looking for a position where my manager is going to help me maximize my strengths. I want an opportunity to be successful, I know that comes with working hard but it also comes with finding my stride as a sales professional while always looking for ways to get better.” You’re going to send a pretty strong message that you are not happy with your current boss, but that you also don’t complain and instead seek out solutions.
This question is unique to all of us. Every job search is different and every individual is changing jobs for a different and personal reason. If you’d like further help with this, please feel free to reach out!
