Why are you currently seeking employment?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Answer Example
Community Answers

This question seeks to reveal how forthright you are about the conditions through which you left your previous employer (whether you were fired, quit, laid off, etc.). They are also curious on what terms your employment was severed, amicably or acrimoniously.

Focus on the positives. Don't reveal anything that would paint you in a negative light. If there were reasons which might sound defamatory towards yourself or others, try to keep those details to yourself. For example, when someone has outgrown a position and it isn't advancing their career, looking for career growth elsewhere reveals a dedication to one's well-formulated career plans. Not burning bridges, and revealing professional appreciation for what you gained from your previous employers can go a long way toward exhibiting emotional maturity.

"When I interviewed for my last job, it was a temp assignment. After they saw my work ethic firsthand, they offered me a permanent role in their company. I explained to them I had clear goals, and it seemed the position they offered me only took me so far down my career path. We recently reached a crossroads, and I ultimately decided it was time to continue down that path elsewhere. I gave them two months' notice and have fully trained my successor. I am grateful for what I learned and the relationships I've built."

Anonymous Answer

"Due to the market downturn in cryptocurrency, _________ announced there were going to be redundancies across the board. Post my redundancy my manager has contacted me, reassuring me that he wishes it didn’t have to be this way and that I was a very good worker and very dedicated. I enjoyed my time within that team but now, I just want to get straight back into doing what I am good at and that is providing great support in my next position hopefully with GM."