Why did you apply to this position rather than continue in your current role?
"I felt like my career growth had slowed due to lack of opportunity. My current company had some issues with management that resulted in a lot of turnover. I did everything I could to support my management and my teams, and as time went on, I found myself in a position where I volunteered to train, mentor, and onboard many of our newer employees. At first, I enjoyed sharing our philosophy and approach, but these issues remained. Before long, I was repeatedly placed in this position of training, and my own goals were getting sidelined. Those management issues were eventually resolved, but now we are thoroughly overstaffed, and there is less opportunity for growth from within. I've informed my management teams that I intend to move on. I think giving two weeks' notice is the bare minimum. So I gave two months' notice, but if I don't find the right fit, two months might end up being six months. I'm a bridge builder, not a bridge burner."
Consider what Unilever can do for you that your current or previous employer cannot. This question would normally be easier to navigate with a more conversational tone. Therefore, you should prepare for these kinds of questions well in advance of the interview to ensure you effectively communicate your response as desired. The interviewer will want to know committed you are to your current employer and gauge how serious you are about joining another team if you are currently testing the field while considering leaving your current employer. Your motives for leaving your job could be just as revealing. This question aims to assess what your circumstance may reveal about you as a potential employee.
Good reasons for leaving your current job would be career stagnation, company rebranding, downsizing, or growing in a different direction that isn't conducive to your career goals and growth. However, an employee that sees a favorable job market as an opportunity to jump ship and seek higher pay elsewhere because worker demand is high won't set you apart from your competition. Leaving your present employer for reasons other than furthering your career could indicate that you don't get along with your superiors or the others on your team or are solely motivated by pay or benefits. If you quit your job before lining up another, this could speak to a lack of planning or strategizing. Focus on the positives with a mindset for career growth. Steer away from speaking about your current or previous employers negatively.
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