Careers advice, Interview

Why do you want to change jobs? 5 clever responses to use in an interview

A job interview is always a time when you feel nervous and a bit anxious. There are so many questions your future employer might ask and it’s best to prepare for every eventuality.

There are some questions that require a subtle response. One of these is: “Why do you want to change jobs?” You’ll probably think of all your real reasons for wanting to move to this new company.

It could be for the pay, or because you don’t get on with your colleagues or your boss, or because you think the people in your present company are very unreliable. But whatever your real motives, it’s not a good idea to disclose them to your interviewer. So here’s how to answer this question and make a good impression.

How to answer the question: “Why do you want to change jobs?”

Let’s see how to answer the question: “Why do you want to change jobs?” in a way that’s intelligent and designed to further your career!

  1. To continue improving: this is a clever way to suggest that you developed and learned in your previous job, but are hungry for new knowledge and new stimuli. It will show you’re keen.
  2. To fulfil myself: this answer is good if you then go on to explain that you’ve always had an unfulfilled ambition, and that you think you’ll be able to achieve it in this company because they offer the means for self-development.
  3. For a change: be honest, if the reason you want to leave your old job is because you’re tired of it, there’s really no point in lying. You can say you’ve realised what you need to make you happy.
  4. To make a qualitative leap: an answer that subtly veils your desire to improve your professional standing (including your pay grade).
  5. To learn: if the company you’re applying to operates in a different sector to your previous one, be direct and explain that you want to learn some new things.