At An Interview: What reason can you give for wanting to leave your current job if it is the same type of work you are doing now?

[Anonymous]

If asked at an interview why I'm. leaving my current job , what reason could I give if it is the same type of work I'm doing now

I work in admin and the interview is for an admin role.

I'm leaving because it's a toxic work culture but don't want to say that

[WindAtMyBack]

I'm not against lying with this type of question. I don't think you should lie about things like work history, education or experience. But this is potentially a trap question. It's not a good idea to say negative stuff about your current or past companies. There are exceptions, but you have to be very careful answering a question like this.

Saying it's a toxic environment can raise immediate red flags. Remember, they do not know you. They'll wonder if the problem is that you don't get along with others. That's one of the biggest red flags there is. So I strongly suggest not saying that.

Try to think of something that's true, even if it's not the main reason for leaving. Think of the new company and new job, and think of something about that company/job that you really do like. Even if it's not actually better than your current job, still think of something you like about the new one. This keeps it positive, it's believable, and it's the truth.

Just for example:

New job has room for advancement.
Old job has no room for advancement.

You can answer the first way (a positive answer).
or
You can answer the second way (a negative answer).
They both mean the same thing.

Even if both jobs have room for advancement, you can still answer by saying the new job has room for advancement. Let them assume what they want about your current job.

So answer with something positive about the new company, rather than something negative about the old company. If it's the truth, great. If you have to lie, then lie.

[steveusna]

People should lie about anything and everything necessary to get a job. Employers lie to their employers each and every day. I feel it would be unfair to not lie.

[Anonymous]

Try to keep it honest, professional and specific.

It's hard to talk about a toxic work environment in an unemotional way. Tell the interviewer about specific experiences. I suspect only some people are terrible. Balance your complaints with something positive you'd miss or like to find in the new position.

Most people leave their job because they're unhappy with management. Interviewers know and expect that. Talking about your experiences in a professional manner will make you a much more attractive hire.

[Explorer91]

Depends.
If you are interviewing at a medium - big company and the other one was smaller its very easy to say stuff like you are moving because you want to be able to stay somewhere for a while and be able to grow and advance over the years etc. You couldn't see that at old job etc.

If you were at the old admin job a while its also easy to say you wanted a new challenge and a new environment. etc

It all depends on the circumstances.

[sheikalana]

Be honest, tell them you're not happy with the environment at your current work place. Additionally you can also say you identify more with the company you're applying for and feel that you have more opportunities for growth, if that's the case.

[BCRanger10]

Smack-talking a current or previous employer is never a good idea. "Toxic work environment" can be interpreted as such. Plus, there's no guarantee that the new place would be any better. It also doesn't say anything good about your ability or willingness to deal with workplace drama or difficult situations.

You can always just tell them that you're looking for new challenges and opportunities, that you're looking for growth, or something else like that.

[AviatorTom]

During an interview, honesty is best. I understand why you don't want to say you want out of a toxic environment. Instead, you can say "I'm looking for a different work environment... more challenges and opportunities for advancement."

[andreasderjuengere]

" The company's goals and mine do not longer match"
Explanation: this is usually a termination slang to say: we not longer want you because you're 'inconvenient' to us.
Why not turn the gun around? :)
Be prepared for a follow up question such as 'what ARE your goals?'
" Harmonic and constructive teamwork" could be one answer.

[Account]

Tell them that you are seeking new challenges, opportunities for growth and that you align more closely with the new company's values, culture and mission

[Account]

I think that is the more polite way to say MY PREVIOUS JOB WAS CRAP AND IT MADE MY LIFE A LIVING HELL without badmouthing it

[KittygosMeoWW]

I’ve always told the person interviewing me there’s not a lot of growth options within the company and the culture isn’t really fitted for me. Which has always been true, I advance so fast sometimes that I get stuck in a supervisor position for a while.

[IslaTheWitch]

what works the best is that every new project brings new challenges and opportunities and at current there is no more space for growth for you

[KrakenAttackin]

@islathewitch. Bingo.

[HelpfulWoman]

"company culture doesn't match what I'm looking for at present"

[exitseven]

Really , the only complaint I have about my current job is that I do not get much time off. I would tell them I want to work for a government agency that has 5 weeks vacation, i4 sick days, 16 paid holidays and 3 personal days.

[David94358]

Say that your last job did not afford the abilities for advancement in the company you are looking for.

[MrDaveAPSI]

You want a better experience

That would be the best answer you could give. Without being too short, too long, and or saying the "wrong" things.

You just say, "you want a better experience"

[OlderAndWiser]

Closer to home, better hours, better pay, no opportunity for advancement

[SnackTime]

You answered your own question. Tell the what you told us.

[JacobJordan]

Say that. You want a healthier work environment and a better work-life balance

[KrakenAttackin]

@jacobjordan. Yup, you can say your boss is an asshole without saying your boss "is an asshole".

[HaveNoName]

Better pay or better company. These days options about working remote also adds punch.

[KrakenAttackin]

"Lack of growth opportunities", "Work culture is isolating".

[laly520]

tell u r looking for better opportunities

[Kristierose]

I was told that I will be asecutary and had to start wearing a dress on Monday

[Anonymous]

I would say money, and possibly travel time if it's from an inconvenient place.

[steveusna]

I am tired of sucking my bosses cock.

[JayBones]

Management incompetence