So, you are ready to leave your current employer’s toxic work environment. You’ve put your resume out there, gotten interest. You’re in your interview and the interviewer inevitably asks, “Why do you want to leave your current employer?”
You know that the number one reason is that the work environment is toxic. It is full of employee back-biting, gossip, unethical behavior by management, and favoritism. Guess what, though? Your potential new employer does not need to know that. Take this advice from James Logan, CEO of HireLevel Coaching.
Also, be mindful that each question that an interviewer asks you has an objective. The objective of this one is to see what type of character you have.
You see, this interviewer could already be aware that the work environment at your current employer is not good. What they will assess from your response is that, if you will speak negatively of your current employer to them, you will likely speak negatively to co-workers, and participate in workplace gossip if you have a bad day while working for them.
Don’t give the interviewer an easy reason to lower your interview performance rating. Show them that, just as former First Lady, Michelle Obama says, “When they go low, we go high.”
I’d like to help you out with four possible answers to that question for you to select from. Each one will earn you brownie points with the interviewer and hopefully, help you land the job.
POSSIBLE ANSWERS:
Ready for Growth – Tell the interviewer that you’ve been with the organization for “six” years, now you’re ready for the next step in your career. No opportunities for career advancement in your functional area of expertise exist right now with your company and you don’t see that changing in the near future. For additional advice on this answer, visit The Balance Careers.
You have achieved an educational milestone – If you have increased your marketability by taking training courses and/or completing a degree program. Share that with the employer and tell them that you’re ready to put that new knowledge and those newly-acquired skills to good use.
The potential employer’s reputation – Let’s face it, we all like to have our egos stroked. So, if the company that you’re interviewing with is well-known and has a reputation for creating a positive workplace culture, tell the interviewer that. Tell them that you are excited for the prospect of contributing to such a reputable company’s continued success.
You’re Changing Careers – Maybe you’ve decided to pursue a career in a field that has always interested you. Share that with the interviewer why the field interests you. Also, share with them how the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you’ve honed so far during your career will serve well in the position that you are interviewing for. What this video from the Harvard Extension School, featured on CLEVERISM. It shares sound advice on how to make a well-thought-out career change.
See, it’s not as difficult as it seems when you learn to how to turn a potential negative into a positive by focusing on the win-win situation that hiring you can create for both the employer and you.
So, the biggest takeaway here is to never speak negatively of your current or former employer. Make your exit on positive terms. You will eventually be rewarded with a chance to prove your worth with a new, welcoming employer. So, hold your head up and be persistent until you find your best match.
As always, Career Search Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!
