Oftentimes, the interview committee or a new boss will ask you the reasons for leaving a job in your past. Telling the truth is recommended, but some reasons work much better than others.
To help you leave a lasting impression in a job interview, we’ve assembled a list of 20 best reasons for leaving a job.
01New experiences
No matter how lucrative a job is, sometimes we need a change of scenery to improve ourselves in our career. Seeking opportunities for growth is one of the reasons for moving companies that current and prospective employers fully understand.
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02A promotion at another company
Working is not just about earning money, it’s about finding the best environment to grow and take on more responsibility as a professional. The interview committee will understand your reasoning and think of you as an ambitious candidate who cares about his future.
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03A healthier work-life balance
Health is amongst the most common and most respected reasons for leaving a job. Telling this to an interview committee is also a good way of telling them that health is a priority. It depicts you as a responsible individual.
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04A pay increase
Everyone wants to be appropriately compensated for the work they do. Stating this expectation during an interview will show both your confidence and send a clear message about your salary expectations. Employers appreciate candidates who can communicate clearly.
One of the best reasons for leaving a job will to advance or improve your skill set. Some jobs don’t offer the technologies or have departments dedicated to an advanced interest. Expressing a desire for continual growth and advancement helps an interviewer view you as an ambitious person.
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06I wanted to work on a project I am passionate about
Passion is important in your career, and it can be amongst the top reasons for leaving a job. Working on a project that thrills you helps increase work-place satisfaction.
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07An Invitation to relocate
A boss you had a great relationship with is starting a company? This is a perfectly valid reason for leaving a job and relocating. Such a statement shows interviewers that you value a positive atmosphere.
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08A change of management
Sometimes, we don’t transition well to a new manager’s method of work. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t hesitate to use this during an interview. It’s one of the most logical reasons for leaving a job.
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09My role has changed
Lots of employees cite role change as one of the most common reasons for leaving a job. Not working on what you want shows an interviewer you are willing to take risks to work for a company you think ideal for you.
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10I was looking for challenging mentorship programs
Every young professional wants to learn. By citing this reason, you are telling the interview committee that you want to be trained. Mentioning your urge to improve will make the company more likely to mentor you and hone your skills.
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11Goals have changed
Times change and so do professional goals. Once you’ve realized you want to do something different, it’s important to act on it. Self-accomplishment is one of the qualities every employer looks for.
Education is important and can make you more knowledgeable in your field. Pursuing a degree is one of the most reasonable reasons for leaving a job. Every interviewer will respect this reason.
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13I wanted to have more responsibilities
There is nothing wrong with mentioning a badly organized work environment. Every professional wants a proper disposition of tasks and responsibilities. Also, every interview loves a candidate willing to tackle various challenges, in an organized manner.
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14A lack of challenge
Some people dream of having an easy, mindless job. People who are high achievers require more, and constant, stimulation. You need a position and an environment that will challenge you. Be honest about the level of work you require to be stimulated with your job.
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15Family issues
Family is a priority, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for caring about your loved ones. It’s one of the most realistic reasons for leaving a job and a good way to announce you have a family.
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16I wanted a position closer to home
Driving 3+ hours every day can be excruciating and hard on your family and finances. Your new boss will appreciate the fact there are lower chances of you being late or burnt out from your morning commute.
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17I wanted to start a family
Planning children, getting married or moving to a new house with your family are all legitimate reasons for leaving a job.
Today, many companies offer flexible work hours to increase their employees’ productivity. Emphasizing this will help you keep a healthy professional relationship with your future superiors.
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19A toxic environment
Coworkers are people you spend 8+ hours of your day with. If they don’t suit you, it’s logical to look for an environment that will motivate you.
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20A lack of organization
Some companies lack clear regulations and a hierarchy. Wanting to abandon your position is a very logical move in this case and can be one of the best reasons to leave a job.
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Dos and don’ts when giving your reasons for leaving a job
Do:
• Emphasize you care about your future and say how the past job limited your growth options.
• Be honest, your employers and colleagues will think higher of you.
• Speak highly of the experiences you gained in your previous role.
• Provide a letter of recommendation. This shows the new employer that you didn’t leave under bad circumstances.
Don’t:
• Avoid thinking of reasons that are too complex.
• Don’t make it seem like you only care about money
• Badmouth anyone in your former workplace it shows bad character
• Even if you have something bad to say, shape it to sound positive.
• Revealing any information to your new employer is highly unprofessional. It does
• not show you can be trusted to take on the added responsibility you are seeking.
20 best reasons for leaving a job: The bottom line
Finding the right reasons for leaving a job is difficult, but you can always think to impress your interviewers. Bosses understand legitimate reasons for leaving a job, so don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind. Don’t be afraid and believe in yourself, no matter what.