What could your current employer do for you that would have prevented you from looking for a job?
"My current employer is relocating to another state, and I am not interested in making a move. I could do my job remote; however, my boss is not offering that option at this time."
"I would not say that I am looking solely because of something that my current employer is doing wrong. I have outgrown my role, and there is no opportunity for advancement in sight. I am passively seeking at this time and do want to make a move to a much larger organization, like yours, where opportunities for growth are more readily available."
"I am seeking an opportunity with a company that has a specific Content Marketing department, which my current, smaller agency does not have. My core skills are in content and copywriting so I would like to focus my career on those particular areas."
"The hours in my current position are no longer working for me. Split shifts were recently introduced now, to save on hiring, and my schedule is all over the place. I do wish that my current employer would have more interest in the work/life balance of its associates."
"I travel about 65% of the time in my current role. Also, this travel is primarily overnight travel. My territory is vast. I have asked to split the state of Texas with another territory sales rep, but my request became denied because it meant hiring another person. I am seeking a role with approximately 30% overnight travel."
"Between inflated class sizes and incredibly huge budget cuts, I am not sure what more they could do. It isn't the fault of the Principal or faculty. I truly appreciate all they do for me which is why I want to leave on excellent terms when the time comes."
The interviewer would like to know what you would like to change about your current position. There is a multitude of reasons why an employee would want to leave their current job, and the interviewer wants to know that they will not be the next place of employment that you quit. Can they meet your expectations? Talk to the interviewer about your reasons for moving on and what could have prevented you from starting your employment search. Be sure to avoid speaking negatively about your current employer.
"What prompted my search was a reduction in hours and a pending lay off in the fall due to lack of business. I am satisfied with the majority of aspects when it comes to my current position, but it just isn't providing for me financially."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
They could have shown appreciation for the teams involved in making the company great. With a lot of recent turnovers, we find that people love what they do, but leadership, guidance, encouragement, and the "give a shit" factor were not present. This is primarily why I am looking outside of the organization for a role with a company who shows a level of true core values.
Rachelle's Feedback
You make some highly valid points; however, depending on your interviewer and the overall vibe, this answer could come across as cynical/disdain. There is a way to position this transition in a more positive light, and that is by focusing on what you did to make your former company a better place to be. I have provided an example below.
"I am looking for a new role with a company that shares my core values, such as a commitment to continued leadership and employee encouragement. With my current employer, I feel that most days, I output more for my teams than the company leaders, which can become discouraging. I look forward to joining an organization like yours that encourages growth, development, and collaboration (or list the new company's core values and steer your answer in that direction)."
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