Why Do You Want to Change Jobs?

Let’s face it, “Why do you want to change jobs?” can be a tricky question. Saying you don’t like your boss, your team, or just want more money might not be the best thing to tell your interviewer. So, how should you answer this question?

Interviewers ask this to understand your reasons for seeking a new job. They want to know if it’s because of the work you’ll be doing, the company’s environment, or some other personal reason that draws you to this opportunity. They’re looking for someone whose career goals and values fit well with the job.

Interviewers also want to see if you’ve thought carefully about your career path. They prefer candidates who value more than just the salary—those who are interested in staying with the company and contributing positively. By discovering what motivates you, they can better determine how well you’ll integrate into the company and whether this role suits your long-term career plans.

When preparing your answer, consider how this job change is a logical step for you and how it helps you progress toward your bigger career goals.

What interviewers really want to know when they ask why you’re job hunting

When interviewers ask why you’re looking for a new job, they’re not just interested in what’s on your resume. They really want to understand your reasons and future plans, but they’re also watching for any warning signs. They need to know if you’re searching for a job because you were let go from your last one or maybe you didn’t get along well with your previous team. These details could really influence their decision on whether to consider you further.

Your answer is very important. It shows them if there are any issues they should know about, and it gives them a glimpse into how you talk about tough topics. Employers are looking for someone who can talk about not-so-great experiences in a positive way, showing that you are mature and always thinking about the future.

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

When asked why you’re looking to switch jobs, this is your moment to shift the focus to something exciting—your future. Here’s how to frame your answer in a way that leaves a positive impression and highlights your readiness for this new challenge:

Focus on the positives

Instead of talking about the downsides of your current job, discuss what excites you about a new opportunity. For instance, rather than mentioning you’re leaving a boring job, explain how you’re eager to tackle more engaging and challenging projects. Emphasize the positive aspects you’re looking for, such as a team-oriented workplace or chances to innovate. This shows you’re aiming for something better, not just fleeing a bad situation.

Cite your desire for career growth

If you feel you’re not progressing in your current role, use that as a positive driver for change. Say something like, “I’m looking to expand my skill set and take on new responsibilities, which I see as a key part of the growth offered by this role.” This demonstrates your ambition to advance and that you’re actively managing your career path.

Convey excitement for this particular position

Make it clear that you are thoughtful and selective in your job search. You might say, “I’ve always admired this company’s innovation in the industry, and the chance to contribute to such creative solutions is incredibly appealing to me.” Mentioning specific elements of the company or role, like their dedication to environmental sustainability or their innovative use of technology, shows real interest and that your values align with the company’s mission.

Emphasize your potential

Connect your skills and past achievements directly to what the job requires. Use phrases like, “With my background in digital marketing and a proven track record of increasing online engagement, I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to your team.” Incorporating keywords from the job description not only aligns your background with the position but also shows you’ve done your homework and understand what the job demands.

How not to answer

Handling this question can be complex, particularly if there are challenging aspects of your current job that are prompting you to look elsewhere. Here’s what you should avoid and how to maintain a professional and positive tone in your response:

Avoid bad-mouthing your current employer

It’s important to keep the conversation professional during an interview, even if you’re tempted to express frustrations about your current job. Rather than focusing on the negatives, you can say something like, “I’ve learned a great deal at my current job and feel ready to expand on those skills in a new environment.” This approach shows that you appreciate what you’ve learned and that you’re seeking to grow further, not just escaping a bad situation.

Don’t overemphasize personal reasons

While it’s perfectly reasonable to change jobs for personal reasons, such as moving for a partner’s career or to be closer to family, these shouldn’t dominate your interview answers. Concentrate on how the job fits with your professional ambitions. If personal reasons come up, acknowledge them briefly and then shift the focus back to your career. For example, you could say, “While relocating does play a part in my decision, I am primarily excited about this position because it offers the opportunity to work with a team that is renowned for innovation in our field.”

Sample answers to “Why do you want to change jobs?”

This answer shows how the candidate used the skills from their part-time jobs when applying for a full-time corporate job. It tells us how they moved from simpler jobs to a career where they can use what they learned at work and in school. This shows they are thinking ahead about how to grow in their career. This response points out that the candidate is ready to work in a professional setting, where they can grow and use their skills in new ways.

In this example, the candidate talks about how they started working right after college and how this has prepared them for a job that fits what they studied. They see this job as a step toward a career that matches their studies and dreams. This answer shows they have thought carefully about their career path, using their first jobs to help them get ready for bigger jobs with more responsibility that fit their long-term goals.

Here, the candidate shares about their first professional job and how it gave them a strong start in understanding and analyzing information. They are excited to use what they learned in a new job that will challenge them more and let them work with different teams. This shows they are proactive in wanting to grow in their career, ready to bring their skills to a more demanding job where they can learn and do more.

Be prepared for follow-up questions where you’re asked to talk more about your specific skills or experience in the areas you’ve described.