Why Are You Leaving?
Explain why you are leaving, or why you left, in a way that is honest, brief and points toward the new role.
Overview
'Why are you leaving your current job?' looks like a simple question, but the interviewer is listening for risk. Will you leave this job for the same reason? Do you speak badly of people when they are not in the room? Are you running away from something, or moving toward something?
A strong answer is short, true and forward-looking. It gives one real reason, says it without blame, and connects that reason to what this role offers. A weak answer complains, over-explains, or gives a reason that this job would not fix either.
- Honesty — A real reason, stated plainly — A vague cliché, or a story that does not add up
- Tone — Neutral or grateful about the current job — Blame on a manager, team or company
- Direction — Mostly about what you want next — Mostly about what you dislike now
- Fit — This role actually offers what you want — The same problem exists here too
Every story and sample line on this page is fiction, written as an example.
What you will be able to do
- Give a 20 to 30 second answer that is honest and positive.
- Explain a layoff, a firing or a short stay without defensiveness.
- Turn common real reasons (pay, a bad manager, burnout) into answers that are true and professional.
- Keep one consistent story across your whole resume.
Interview questions
- How do I explain leaving without sounding negative?
- What if I was laid off?
- What if I was fired or the role did not work out?
- What if the real reason is pay, a bad manager or burnout?
- How do I explain several short stays?
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