Advice please

[newjobhelp]

NC as you just never know who is reading MN

I'm applying for new jobs because I can't stand my boss any longer.

The (potential) new work will be similar to my current role and I'm not looking for more money or promotion. The new roles which I'm applying for will be with similar sized companies/firms.

Should I get an interview I'll be asked why I'm leaving my current company.

What do I say without criticising my current boss/employment, which I don't want to do.

Help please!

I’m looking for a new challenge/new experiences, but really enjoy current role so want to do similar things

Have you been in your current job for long? If so you could just say you felt you a need a change

Is there any aspect of the role at the new company that could be seen as a change from your old role?
e.g. I wanted to broaden my experience and cover xyz which wouldn’t be possible at old firm

Or is the location better?
Does the new firm have a better reputation?
Is it growing or developing?

Why won't you apply for something more senior, more interesting or with more money? You might as well at the point where you're moving anyway. Then it's "new challenge" / "interested in spending more time in X that is only 20% of my role at the moment" / "want more management responsibility".

If you are just side-stepping then the positives are "I've heard good things about your company including X staff benefits and the excellent company culture", "I enjoy my current role but feel your company is more customer focused so I would prefer the working environment" etc.

I don't know what you're worried is outing about your post, you could be anyone.

Thanks all. I'm late 50s and I don't really want to change jobs at all - certainly not for something more challenging. But after 6 years with my current boss and no hope of her moving on as she owns the company, I need to get out.

You're right - this probably isn't an outing post but if she found out she'd make my life hell. Fear I suppose has made me be ultra careful

I am really struggling to think what to say to any future employers which doesn't sound pathetic but also doesn't criticise my current company

If you can craft a strong response about areas you want to learn/grow/be challenged that aren’t being met by your current place that’s ideal. If not, just tell the truth in a non-emotional way.

I used to have an arsehole boss and when I was asked at current job I just said that “values at my current company aren’t aligned to mine. I’m excited by the opportunity to work at X Company because I can see you value your employees by doing Y and Z”

If they’d asked you to elaborate I just would have said that there are cultural issues I.e. bullying/misogyny/whatever the issue is and isn’t being addressed and you want to be somewhere where you can contribute to a positive environment.

I doubt they’ll see huge red flags around you wanting to move around 6 years later. I felt I needed to explain as I was only at my last place a year. Now blissfully happy where I am.