People no longer want to spend their whole career working for a single company. 82% of Indian professionals anticipate reconsidering their career paths in 2023. Moreover, as per the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average American has 12.4 jobs between 18 and 54!
However, the reason for a job change might be entirely different. Maybe you've lost interest in the job or feel underpaid and exploited. The direct need for a better work-life balance is one of the most common reasons for a job change, with 27% of people rooting for this.
Nevertheless, confronting job changes and communicating them can be challenging. Therefore, we bring you the top ways to explain the reason for job change - the do's and don'ts and some sample examples to ease it off for you.
How to Answer the Reason for Job Change?
"Why do you wish to quit your present job?" is one of the most typical interview questions that often baffles applicants. While it may seem like a chance to be dismissive about your present employer, this is extremely unlikely to portray you in a favorable light.
On the other hand, planning a compelling, positive answer may go a long way to showing your potential and professionalism for the new work.
Peek into the Interviewer’s Mind: What Do They Want to Know?
No wonder everyone wants to filter out the best candidate for them who would be loyal, efficient, and skilled — in a nutshell, the perfect fit for the role. Brushing up on your skills goes without saying. Taking up relevant training as per your field, for example, a data science course for data scientists or a PMP course and certification for project managers, will go a long way. However, that's not all.
There will undoubtedly be a lot of questions, which can easily muddle you up. Thus, here's some insight into what your interviewer might be looking for:
1. Whether You are a Risk-taker or a Doer
Future employers must understand if you left your job for the right reasons. For example, employers may be hesitant to hire you for a position demanding more maturity and responsibility if you abruptly quit your previous job to pursue a hobby. On the other hand, if you quit your job because you felt underutilized and outgrew your role, you are willing to take on new tasks with more power and responsibility.
2. Whether You Were the Only Driver
An interviewer wants to know if you quit on your own or because your firm asked you to. In addition, they will want to know whether a candidate was compelled to depart due to disciplinary action, poor performance, or other causes such as cost reduction, a merger, a reorganization, etc.
3. Is Your Connection With Your Prior Employer Going Well?
If you maintain a stable working relationship with your former employer, your professionalism shines like gold. Moreover, citing your present company as a reference will likely put you in a favorable light.
Explaining Reason for Job Change: How to Crack the Interview?
When describing your desire to change vocations or jobs, it is good to emphasize its benefits. Though you may have various reasons for applying, keeping your response upbeat and passionate shows your worth.
So, keep the following steps in mind when you prepare your answer to the question, "Why are you looking for a new job?" Be sure to address the Reason for Job Change clearly, which helps convey your motivations and the positive aspects of seeking a new opportunity.
1. Familiarise Yourself With the Job Description.
Examine the company's official job description, usually available on their website. Analyze the job description thoroughly to determine the key phrases and skills required to accomplish the job correctly.
2. Identify Your Skills That Are Favourable for the New Job.
Examine your abilities and choose a few transferable skills that you can use in various circumstances. Next, assess your talents about the job's requirements and select the ones that are most closely aligned with them.
3. Learn More About the Company.
Find out how the company started, who the founders are, and what the brand and workplace philosophy are.
4. Do not Be Cynical.
Instead of explaining why you left your previous job, explain why you picked this new one. Even if you had to quit your previous employment due to unfavorable circumstances, altering your focus may help you keep confidence in your response and a positive approach.
5. Honesty Is a Virtue That You Must Cultivate.
Do not try to disguise your lack of competence in the skills specified in the job description; instead, demonstrate that you are willing to learn them.
6. Take a Deep Breath and a Step Back.
Consider how your response will be perceived. For example, employers often prefer to recruit long-term workers to build a strong team that acts as their investment. Thus, they may not be as interested in your answer if it demonstrates that you just like variety and cannot stay in one spot for too long.
Mentioning your goal for promotion or progress within your industry can indicate your passion and devotion to your new career, as long as the reason for your job change is legal.
7. Don’t Be Evasive When It Comes to Your Objectives.
It's good to keep your answers short, but if the reason requires a valid explanation to provide clarity and justice, do not hesitate. You can frame your answer differently and practice it before D-day.
8. Expect To Be Asked Further Questions.
The interviewer may ask you additional questions based on your reasons for changing jobs. For example, you may be asked whether you applied for the position you are interested in at your present place of employment. So, be prepared.
Example with Sample Answers: Top Reasons for Job Change
Prepare yourself in advance with these samples and give the best answer for a reason for job change in an interview or on a resume.
1. A Job Change for a Better Company
"My present employment has provided me with an opportunity to polish my interpersonal, managerial, and other career-enhancing skills. However, I've realized that my true passion lies elsewhere. I want to make a more significant difference in the world by putting my talents to work. "
2. Job Change for Learning Opportunity
"I believe that three years is sufficient time for me to study and absorb all that the company and my seniors have to give. However, after working for the organization for almost three years, I feel my learning opportunities are restricted. At this stage of my career, I want to learn more about the sector; therefore, I'm on the hunt for a new position that may provide that opportunity."
3. Job Change for Commuting Problem
"My daily commute has taken up a large portion of my day. While I like what I do, I believe that my time and energy would be better used if I did not have to drive so far to work. Working in an atmosphere closer to my home and where I can feel energized will allow me to produce my best job, which is why I'm looking to relocate."
4. Job Change for a Senior Role
"I was lucky enough to get a good position at this company right after graduating, which meant that I was charged with various tasks. I'm now looking forward to using my skills and experience in a more senior role."
5. Job Change for Better Work-life Balance
"I've worked in this profession for many years. I enjoyed assisting a fledgling business in becoming successful, even if the hours were long since we were just getting started. However, I need to spend more time with my growing family and want to be there for my children's milestones. Therefore, I'm looking for a more flexible job with a better work-life balance."
The Do's: Magic Ingredients
Consider your new position as a stepping-stone to greater professional fulfillment rather than a demotion from your previous one. Referencing the components of the new work that seem to entail greater responsibility is one method to achieve this.
1. How low status the new job may seem at first glance, you might add that it may serve as a springboard for future professional growth.
This also helps give the impression that you are not escaping a poor circumstance. You're just trying to make things better in an already great scenario.
2. Whenever possible, include references to good interactions with superiors, coworkers, and clients. For example, you may talk about an incredible encounter with a customer or how the organization provided you with prospects for professional advancement.
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The Don'ts: Evil Potions
It's too easy to go over the board when explaining why you are leaving your job. So, regardless of how well you think the interview is going, stay away from any of the following responses:
1. Avoid venting about your previous company or colleagues. This may create the appearance that you have a negative attitude, which no employer wants to see in a potential employee.
Instead, concentrate on the positive parts of your previous job, such as the opportunities you had and what you learned from it.
2. You should never criticize management, regardless of how difficult it was for you to leave a job.
For example, if your boss had a habit of micromanaging your projects, explain that you always appreciated their interest in your work but were ready to move on to a position that would provide you more power.
3. Even if your reasons for leaving were plain and apparent, it does not mean you should repeat them in every job interview. Instead, you may tailor your answer to a potential employer's corporate culture and policies by researching.
4. Salary is a common reason for leaving a job, but it's better to avoid bringing it up or, at the very least, to wait for the interviewer to bring it up first.
Recruiting managers are well-versed in the hiring process, so they know you are also looking for a wage raise if you want to advance professionally. Once you have accepted a job offer, you will be able to negotiate remuneration.
Top Reasons for Job Change
Changing a job can be challenging for some people, or it can even be exciting for some — everything depends on the reason. So, here are some of the common reasons for job change-
1. To Seek More Challenges
All of your duties and obligations become second nature over a long period at the same place of employment. As a result, you may feel like you are ready for more of a challenge when there isn't much more to learn in your current position. It's a typical element of job advancement, particularly when you are interested in acquiring new abilities and expanding your horizons.
2. In Search of a Better-paying Job
Moving on to a new job is an option if you feel undervalued in your current one. As a result, you may be willing to accept more responsibility and compensation. In addition, if your family expands or your lifestyle changes, you may need to earn more money to keep up with the costs of living.
3. Have a Lack of Motivation
Even though you started excited about a new opportunity, it's possible that you'll get bored with it over time. Finding a new job is a terrific method to rekindle your love for your career. Since your current firm might not provide you with meaningful employment, the values and purpose of your new workplace must match your own.
4. Desire To Be Appreciated
You may look for a new job if you feel that your efforts are not appreciated at your current place of employment. It is gratifying to know that your efforts are making a difference in the company's success. As an entry-level employee, this might be difficult since you are responsible for a smaller number of tasks. If this is the case, you may be well-suited for a position at a higher level.
5. Pursuing a Stronger Working Relationship With Management
Some individuals may be easier to get along with than others as you progress in your job. This is a typical aspect of working in any company, but you may be able to cultivate better connections if you find a new position.
6. Looking for Professional Growth Opportunities
If your present company's advancements and training possibilities are restricted, you may wish to look for a new job. This is the main reason for a job change for experienced employees. Fulfillment comes from having the opportunity to improve professionally.
7. Need More Structure or Input
Some individuals thrive in a more ad hoc work atmosphere, while others prefer a more authoritarian one. Many people leave their jobs because they are always confused about how their bosses assess their advancement and effort.
Getting frequent feedback from your company is essential for enhancing your performance. Do your best to get a position that offers regular performance evaluations.
8. Having a Desire to Work in a New Setting
Every organization has a unique working atmosphere. Closed offices, open floor plans, or individual cubicles might fall under this broad category. If the company's culture is more informal, friendly, or professional, it might be "casual." When looking for a new position, workplace comfort is essential for many people.
9. In Search of a New Place Close to Home
You may desire to relocate for various reasons for a job change, including the cost of living or a lack of things to do. Moreover, many city dwellers who wish to establish a family may hunt for jobs in the suburbs. If you want to relocate, but your current employer does not allow you to work remotely, you may have to hunt for another position.
10. Unworkable Rules and Regulations
Working from home or a flexible schedule is a perk that many workers appreciate. Doing so may be difficult because of your company's policy, which may not meet your specific demands regarding paid time off or sick leave. Many individuals leave their jobs for one of these reasons.
11. Perceiving Their Position as Having Shifted
A new employee's benefits and obligations are laid forth by the company when they hire them. After some time, you can find that you are no longer doing the same thing you were doing before. Some of your benefits may have been cut, or you may be performing work you did not apply for.
12. Desiring a Clearer Vision
Working for a company with a defined mission is essential to a fulfilling career. To discover a firm with more precise values, you may go elsewhere if your current employer's aims and mission statement are not apparent. With this information, you can better comprehend your role in the company's overall success.
13. Looking for Better Work-life Balance
Maintaining a good work-life balance necessitates making time for friends, family, and interests outside of work. However, you may discover that your boss is continuously calling you after hours or that you are required to work excessive hours.
This might negatively influence your time and leave you feeling depleted eventually. Finding a new profession that places a high priority on personal time may assist you in regaining this equilibrium.
14. In Search of a More Stable Position
Budget cutbacks and a lack of resources can make it challenging to get things done. You may feel less secure if your organization is going through financial difficulties.
15. Looking For More Self-reliance
Some bosses use micromanaging to maintain tabs on their employees' every movement. To counteract this feeling, you may consider asking for greater freedom and discretion in your work. A good boss trusts their staff and allows them to figure things out on their own so that they may be more productive.
Should You Leave a Job if You Are Unhappy?
'Do what makes you happy' is a statement we have heard lately. However, do you think it is that simple? What if you are not good at work? Should you give up and go away?
Before jumping to any conclusion, dig deep and understand the reasons for being unhappy at your work, which might be
- You are not on good terms with your boss
- You cannot mix with your coworkers
- The spark of the job is gone
- Feeling stagnant in this job
- Your efforts are underappreciated
- You are underpaid
- Overloaded with work
Once you find out the reason for the job change, you can take the decision accordingly. You can often solve this problem by adjusting or communicating the difficulty with your superiors. But if it affects your mental health and there is no other solution, start looking for a job change.
Conclusion
There could be plenty of reasons to change a job. Maybe you want to leave a bad working environment, or perhaps you want to work for a company with more refined and precise milestones to achieve. Nevertheless, it's crucial to prepare yourself for answering questions related to your career or job change.
The above guide will help you tackle this correctly. Please go through the reason for job change examples given above and modify them as per your requirements. However, do not forget to hone your skills and reasoning to get that new job!
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