Help me word a reply to why you want to leave your current job?

[boringlyboring]

I have a couple of interviews lined up, for jobs which are similar to what I do now ( if it helps, my actual title is admin, but my role is varied, so I deal with the supply chain, scheduling, purchasing, estimating amongst general admin and am looking for jobs that are in one of these directions)

Various reasons why I want to leave, they’re all negative (it’s a small company with 5 employees with a very high turnover, longest standing employee is currently 1.5 years) so I’m trying to prepare a good answer.

Because I’m looking at similar levels, I’m not sure that the stock answer ‘progression’ will do. I’ve also been here less than a year, so I don’t want it to look like if I don’t get a promotion within 6 months I’ll be out the door. That’s not the case, I just want to work for a good and fair company.

I’m awful at ‘lying’, so I am thinking of ‘lack of structure/direction’ in my current role, which is kind of true but can’t word it in a way that a) isn’t negative and b) doesn’t make me seem against chipping in with extra duties if I’m required.

I’m also known to talk myself into a hole at times, so I could really do with some advice on a nice, concise way to word it.

Any advice on this (and any other interview tips while we’re here ) is much appreciated.

There is no need to worry about any detailed justification for leaving your current role. If you aren't happy there, and you are not getting the interest and career advancement you want, go ahead and attend interviews, then when you are offered a new job (make sure you get the job offer in writing), you can just tender your resignation giving your notice period and last day in your current post.

Your current employer has no right to expect an explanation - think of it as a business transaction, it isn't a personal relationship breakup. To be honest they probably won't care. Sounds harsh, but true.

I want a new challenge in a new environment.

I'd see it as a chance to talk about what you're looking for in the culture. After a year challenge and progression might not ring true. So say honestly that you don't feel it's a cultural fit with you in your current company. Say you're looking for somewhere with more of a 'can do' culture. That you prefer to see things as challenges to solve not just issues. Say you're naturally a positive person and are trying to find somewhere that fits.
All of those are true, paint you in a good light but don't go too far In slagging off your current place.

You could turn the question into something along the lines of “saw this job and it looked exactly what I wanted to do/really want to work for this company”?

Thanks for the replies all.

forty that’s great, it avoids the risk of me rambling about my current company completely. Genius

That you were not actively looking for a job. One of your friends who is looking showed you the advert and suggested you apply as the job description is a good match.

It’s often a good idea to answer that question in terms of the positives you see in the new job/new company, rather than negatives about where you are now.

This role is an opportunity to expand on my experience of x y z which are the aspects of my current role I enjoy the most.

Absolutely tell them about the positives for working in the new company, research what they do and offer, then direct your answer. How exciting, best of luck.

@boringlyboring that’s what I done when I was job hunting rather than listing all the reasons why I hated my old job, felt it was better to look like I just really wanted that job rather than applying for everything to get me out of the hell hole I worked in!!

You always explain the positive reasons why you are moving forward rather than the negative reasons of moving away