Why you’re leaving

What the interviewer is checking

This question checks whether your reason for moving is likely to come up again in their job, and how you talk about an employer when things are not perfect.

A short, honest reason followed by what attracts you to this role answers both concerns.

Reason, then direction

1. Give the reason in a sentence.

   Choose the true reason you are comfortable discussing: limited progression, wanting different work, relocation, a contract ending, a restructure or a change in your circumstances.

2. Stay neutral.

   Describe the situation, not the people. “The team’s focus has moved towards maintenance work” is more professional than criticising a manager.

3. Move to what you want.

   Spend most of the answer on what this role offers that fits what you are looking for, with evidence that you are ready for it.

Wording for common reasons

• Limited progression: “I’ve learned a lot, and I’m ready for more responsibility than my current team structure can offer.”
• A change of focus: “I’ve found I enjoy the analytical part of my job most, and I want a role where it’s the main focus.”
• Redundancy or restructuring: “My role was made redundant in a restructure.” Say it plainly. It is common and is not a judgement of your work.
• Relocation or circumstances: “I’m moving to Leeds” or “I need more predictable hours” is enough. You do not need to share personal details.
• A role that did not work out: keep it brief and focus on what you learned about the work and environment that suit you.

Progression and redundancy, answered

These are original illustrations. Use your real reason, worded in a way you are comfortable saying.

I’ve been at my current company for three years and I’ve enjoyed it, but the team is small and there isn’t a route into project management at the moment. Over the last year I’ve been running our smaller client projects informally, and I want to make that my main job. This role would let me do that with proper training and a wider range of projects.

A positive view of the current employer, a structural reason and evidence that the speaker is ready for the next step.

Same question. Your story.Free, no account neededUp to two minutesRecord my answer

My role was made redundant in a restructure in the spring. It gave me a chance to think about what I want next, and I realised the part of my job I valued most was working directly with customers. That’s why this account management role stands out. I’d bring five years in the industry and the client relationships work I’ve been doing most recently.

States the fact once, without apology, and moves quickly on to what the speaker wants and offers.

Same question. Your story.Free, no account neededUp to two minutesRecord my answer

What makes it sound worse

• Criticising your manager, colleagues or company, even if the criticism is fair.
• A long explanation that makes the reason sound bigger than it is.
• Saying pay is the only reason. It can be part of it, but connect it to the role’s responsibilities.
• A reason that will obviously apply to this job too.

Listen to how it lands

Practise this answer aloud, especially if the real reason is frustrating. When you listen back, notice sighs, long pauses or extra detail that make the reason sound more serious than you intend. Aim for a matter-of-fact first sentence and an early move to the positive part.