During interviews for a new role, the hiring manager will probably inquire about your reasons for seeking employment elsewhere. This query might come up framed differently, like “What made you decide to leave your present job?” or “Could you share what’s prompting your search for a different opportunity now?” Thus, being prepared with a solid response to “Why are you searching for another job?” during an interview is essential.
The answers you provide during interviews help shape your professional story. By offering deeper insights, you increase the chances of presenting your strongest self throughout the conversation. Hence, it’s advisable to deliver more reflective and considered responses when interacting with interviewers, recruiters, or hiring managers.
What makes employers inquire about why you're seeking a different position?
The recruiters or hiring managers pose this query aiming for an answer that goes beyond mere simplicity. 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 the decision-making process
- To grasp your perspective on your present and upcoming responsibilities
- To determine whether you intend to stay after being given the chance
What should you say when asked "Why do you want a new position?"
During an interview, the interviewer or hiring manager may inquire, “What motivates your search for a new position?” This question helps them grasp your prior professional background as well as uncover your goals within their company.
Hence, mastering the ideal response to "Why are you seeking a career move?" can assist you in presenting yourself as the most fitting candidate for the role. Below is all you should consider when formulating your reply:
What prompts your search for a new employment opportunity?
Your response might be as straightforward as seeking a fresh challenge or as intricate as not having left voluntarily. Regardless, provide just the essential information. Below is a four-part guide, complete with illustrations, designed to assist you in answering the query flawlessly.
Start with your skills
To provide the most effective answer, try seeing things from the interviewer’s viewpoint. As they want to assess your capabilities, make sure to convey that you are looking for an opportunity where you can apply and utilize your skills.
Sample response :
Over the last several years, I've sharpened my (skills and abilities), and currently, I'm seeking an environment where I can keep developing them.
Explain your motivation
Many employers looking for new hires desire candidates who are driven by factors beyond just money. Hence, 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. It consistently motivates me to observe the positive effect of my efforts on others.
Stay connected to your long-term objectives
When companies bring on new staff members, they see it as an investment, and they wouldn’t want their efforts to go into something temporary. Hence, unless you’re going after a brief role, the hiring managers should grasp that you intend to commit 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. Thus, I aspire to assume management roles and responsibilities down the line.
Conclude with details about the recruiting organization.
Conclude your message by shifting the attention back to the hiring organization. Share your enthusiasm about joining their team, explaining both the reasons for your excitement and the ways this opportunity aligns with your career goals. You might close like so:
In conclusion, 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 on 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 in another way, like “What prompted you to seek out a new role?” or “Why are you considering changing roles within the organization?”
The Balance offers some advice for formulating an optimal 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 prompts your search for a new position?"
Understanding what to say is one aspect, yet grasping what not to say presents a different challenge. Consequently, when responding to the query, “Why are you seeking new career prospects now?” here are several points you ought to steer clear of:
Badmouthing your former organization
Negatively commenting on a past employer demonstrates unprofessional behavior. This 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 with the hiring manager might lead them to believe that you aren't genuinely interested in the position or the organization, and that you may depart as soon as you receive a more appealing proposal.
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 growth and other professional factors.
Sharing sensitive information
You must not reveal sensitive details about your previous employer.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Respond When Asked “Why Are You Seeking New Employment?”
- 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 specific area.
- When asked about what drives you during an interview, you could convey your motivation through the desire to acquire new knowledge and embrace fresh challenges.
- To conclude an interview, express your continued enthusiasm for the role without appearing overly eager or desperate.
- During a job interview, which qualities could you highlight as your strong points? Examples might encompass flexibility, selling abilities, effective timekeeping, collaboration with others, and precision in work.
- To start an interview, you ought to commence with a friendly welcome and then introduce yourself.
- When greeting the hiring manager at an interview, extend your hand for a confident and firm handshake to demonstrate assurance and assertiveness. Additionally, make sure to smile and keep consistent eye contact.
Final word
Prior to attending the interview for your highly anticipated job position, you should be well-prepared to address the question of why you're seeking a new role. The ideal answer provides an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the job. This can effectively highlight your compatibility with the company’s objectives.
INSPIRATIONS DIGITAL.co.ke featured an intriguing piece on whether a follow-up interview indicates positive progress. This subsequent meeting typically occurs after the candidate has successfully completed their primary interview. Generally held face-to-face and at short notice, these secondary sessions tend to be more extensive, often lasting from multiple hours up to a full day.
A follow-up interview suggests that you're under serious consideration for the role, which is promising. This is another opportunity to shine and showcase your value. Therefore, you must come thoroughly prepared as the queries will likely be more probing and specific.
0 Comments