How should I answer "Why do you want to leave your current role?" interview question

[Diamondintherough89]

I've been in my current role for 3.5 months as part of a 12 month secondment which has not been how I expected it to be (low workload, disorganised department) and I'm not entirely happy. I'm not going back to my 'home' role either due to the anxiety and stress I faced whilst in that role, so I've decided to look for another job.

I have an interview on Friday (external company), and they will more than likely ask me why I want to leave my current role, but I'm not quite sure what to say! Do I mention that I'm on secondment? I didn't put the secondment role on my CV as it's the same job title as my 'home' role, but I have a lot of tasks on my CV under the 'home' role so it might seem weird if I say that role wasn't busy (which it was).

Any suggestions?

"It wasn't the fit for me that I'd hoped. I prefer a more <insert appropriate adjective*> work environment."

*eg dynamic, autonomous, team-focused, research-based, competitive, collaborative, creative, customer-facing, back office, structured, adaptable etc

Don't say it wasn't very busy!

Frame it around expanding your skills and knowledge with new challenges or similar.

Rather than say why it's wrong for you I'd say what's right about new role. I wouldn't mention the secondment. Maybe 'I was looking for a change in direction after 5/8/12 years in (current role) and x, y and z about this job really appealed to me, I have experience in a, b and c which i think would be really relevant/useful in this position.'

Thank you for your suggestions. I feel like it will be difficult to say that I'm looking for a new challenge/change in direction, as the role I'm interviewing for is pretty much the same role I'm doing now

It doesn't matter if it is the same role/job title, you'd be learning new things and being challenged by working at a different employer or 'broadening your experience of the sector/industry'.

Absolutely focus on the opportunities afforded in the different organisation / different team. You can indirectly compliment them and earn some brownie points. Just try out a few phrases to ensure you aren’t drawn into saying anything negative about the existing job.

good luck.