"How to Nail the 'Why New Job?' Question in Interviews" (International Edition)
During interviews for a new role, the hiring manager typically wants insight into why you're seeking employment elsewhere. They might ask this in various forms like, “What’s prompting your search for a different job?” or “Could you explain why you wish to leave your present position?” Thus, being prepared with an effective response to “Why are you searching for another job?” during an interview is crucial.
The answers you provide during interviews help shape your professional story. The deeper insights you share, the better chance you have of presenting your finest self through these conversations. Hence, it’s advisable to deliver more reflective and considered replies when speaking with interviewers, recruiters, or hiring managers.
What reasons do interviewers typically seek when they inquire about why you're searching for a different position?
The recruiters or hiring managers pose this query with an expectation beyond mere brevity. This question holds significance due to several factors highlighted by Top Interview.
- To assess your motivation
- To grasp the progression of your career
- To learn more about your career-related principles
- To spot any potential issues or warning signs
- To assess whether you're suitable for the open job role
- To collect additional data to assist with making decisions
- To grasp your perspective on your present and upcoming responsibilities
- To determine whether you intend to stay after being given the chance
What should one say when asked, "Why do you seek new employment?"
During an interview, the interviewer or hiring manager may inquire, “What motivates you to seek a new position?” This question helps them grasp your prior professional background as well as uncover your goals within their company.
Hence, mastering the optimal response to "Why are you seeking a new job opportunity" can assist you in presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for the role. Below is all the information required to craft an effective reply to this question:
What motivates your search for a new position?
Your response might be as straightforward as seeking a fresh challenge or as intricate as not leaving voluntarily. Regardless, provide just the essential information. Below is a step-by-step guide complete with examples to assist you in answering this query effectively.
Start with your skills
To provide the most effective answer, see things from the interviewer’s viewpoint. As they want to assess your capabilities, make sure they understand that you are looking for an opportunity to apply and utilize your skills.
Sample response :
Over the last several years, I have sharpened my (abilities and expertise), and currently, I am seeking an opportunity where I can further utilize these skills.
Explain your motivation
Many employers looking for new hires desire candidates who have motivations beyond just the pay. Thus, you ought to tackle this issue directly by explaining your sources of motivation. Here’s an example response:
Moreover, this position should allow me to share my insights and recommendations directly with clients, which is quite invigorating for me. It consistently motivates me to witness the positive effect of my efforts on others.
Link up with your future objectives
When companies bring on new staff members, they view it as an investment, and such investments typically aren’t made with short-term goals in mind. Hence, unless you’re going after a temporary role, it’s crucial that the hiring managers grasp your commitment to staying with the organization over the long term.
You can achieve this by discussing how you envision developing and advancing within the company. Below is an example of such a response:
I'm looking for a position where I can advance in my career because personal growth is very important to me. As such, I aspire to assume management roles and responsibilities down the line.
Conclude with details about the recruiting organization.
Conclude your message by refocusing on the hiring organization. Share your enthusiasm about joining their team and explain what specifically excites you about contributing to their goals. You might mention aspects like their innovative projects, strong industry reputation, collaborative culture, or potential for growth within the company. This will leave them with a lasting positive impression. Remember to highlight how eager you are to be part of their organization.
To conclude, I aspire to make a positive influence as I advance in my career. Furthermore, the organization’s objectives and mission resonate with me, and I am enthusiastic about this employment prospect.
Advice for Responding to “Why Are You Seeking New Opportunities?”
When you apply for a position, the recruiter will be interested in understanding your motivation. Occasionally, they might ask this question in different ways like, “What prompted your interest in finding a new role?” or “Could you explain why you wish to switch roles internally at the company?”
Balance Money offers some advice for formulating the most effective response irrespective of how you phrase it:
- Be honest
- Keep it simple
- Keep it positive
- Concentrate on your previous achievements
- Emphasize your ambitions for professional development
- Conduct comprehensive research on the organization and its core principles.
- Align yourself with the objectives and mission of the hiring organization.
Elements to steer clear of when responding to “What’s prompting your search for a new position?”
Understanding what to say is one aspect, yet grasping what not to share is quite different. Hence, when responding to the query, “Why are you seeking new professional avenues currently?” here are several points you should steer clear of mentioning:
Badmouthing your former organization
Negatively commenting on a previous employer demonstrates unprofessional behavior. It could also suggest difficulties in managing work-related disagreements.
Setting unrealistic expectations
Even though setting objectives and maintaining motivation is important, it's crucial to only share realistic expectations with others.
Focusing on the salary
Discussing finances can lead the hiring manager to believe that you aren't fully committed to the role or organization, suggesting that you might jump ship at the first sign of a more attractive proposition.
Complaining about co-workers
During an interview, you shouldn't blame others; instead, concentrate on your goals and development.
Discussing personal issues
You shouldn't attribute your openness to making changes primarily to personal challenges. Rather, emphasize potential for development and other career-related factors.
Sharing sensitive information
You must refrain from revealing sensitive details about your previous employer.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Respond When Asked "Why Are You Seeking New Opportunities?"
- When asked about your reasons for seeking a new position, you might respond with the desire for fresh challenges or growth opportunities.
- To demonstrate that you're well-suited for a role, provide a comprehensive overview of your relevant skills and knowledge in that area.
- When asked about what drives you during an interview, you could convey your motivation through the desire for personal growth and embracing fresh challenges.
- To conclude an interview, express your continued interest in the role without appearing overly eager or desperate.
- During an interview, what might you highlight as your strong points? Examples could encompass flexibility, selling abilities, effective timekeeping, collaborative spirit, and precision in work.
- To start an interview, you should initiate with a friendly welcome and then introduce yourself.
- When greeting the hiring manager at an interview, extend your hand for a confident and strong handshake to demonstrate assurance and assertiveness. Additionally, make sure to smile and keep steady eye contact.
Final word
Prior to attending an interview for your highly anticipated job position, it’s crucial to be well-prepared to address the question “Why are you seeking a new job?” The ideal reply offers an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role. This can effectively highlight your compatibility with the company's objectives.
.co.ke published an interesting article about whether a second interview is a good sign. A second interview is done when a potential applicant completes the initial interview. It is usually conducted in person and on the spot. Furthermore, second interviews take longer than the first ones, usually spanning several hours to a whole day.
A follow-up interview suggests that you are under serious consideration for the role, which is promising. This is another opportunity to shine and showcase your value. Therefore, it’s important to come thoroughly prepared as the queries will likely be more probing and specific.
