Job interviews sometimes resemble a diplomatic gauntlet with questions and answers, the meaning of which can largely be found between the lines. People who are so honest it almost hurts are clearly at a disadvantage when it comes to job interviews. Because there are only two kinds of answers: acceptable and completely catastrophic, which destroy the prospect of the new job. When answering the question of why you would like to change your job, you should by no means take the following 6 answers as an example.
“I’m changing jobs because I need more money.”
More wages – Statistically, this is one of the main reasons workers switch jobs. HR managers know that too. The problem with this is that you shouldn’t appear too opportunistic, otherwise the HR manager will think that if you get a better-paid opportunity, you’ll be looking for the distance again. Companies prefer loyal applicants. Make sure that your answer is passionate enough for the position you are applying for.
«I want more time for my […].»
It doesn’t matter if you want to spend more time with your family, hobbies, or other projects, this shot backfires. The HR manager only hears: This person doesn’t want to work for us and everything else is more important to her than work. This way of thinking is no longer up-to-date because burnout is out – but be careful: You may not know how “traditional” the views of your counterpart are. You should therefore justify the change with the fact that you want a different work environment that the new employer has to offer.
«I want to change because your company is very prestigious.»
Do you understand what the interview questions are supposed to mean exactly? Probably not if you answer like that. This answer also has a bad taste for HR managers. On the one hand, they want employees who are self-confident enough not to have to peddle the company’s prestige. On the other hand, HR managers prefer when the job change is justified with enthusiasm for the new position. It is better to mention the extent to which you want to develop professionally and why the new job is ideally suited to this. In this way, you can convince even extremely critical HR managers.
“I’m trying to change jobs because my old job was [negative statement].”
If you answer this, your loyalty may be in doubt. Under no circumstances should you be carried away into making negative statements about your old job, your former work colleagues, or your former superiors. For every negative statement, it is assumed that you will someday also drag on about the job you are currently applying for. Do it better: Your justification for the job change should state where you want to go, not what you are fleeing from.
“I want to change jobs because I want less stress.”
This is also an understandable, thoroughly human reason. In the end, it even proves that you are a resilient worker and know your own limits and resources. Unfortunately, this reasoning still causes raised eyebrows. So let it be. Giving up responsibility or shifting down a gear does not fit into the career logic of most HR professionals. At best, you have to put up with the follow-up question of whether you are resilient enough at all. In the worst case, you will give the impression in the interview that your motivation leaves a lot to be desired.
«I just have to change jobs for personal reasons»
Do not wake sleeping dogs. In general, the more specific the reasons you give, the less untrue horror scenarios the HR manager can come up with. If the reasoning is too vague, the HR manager can assume all sorts of negatives. Don’t be too elaborate either. Short, precise, and well-considered answers are ideal. You can – to gain time – also take the initiative: HR managers are not the only ones who are allowed to ask questions in job interviews.
If you prepare well for the interview and avoid these mistakes, then your chances for the new job are excellent.
You still haven’t got an interview in your pocket? Then apply for one of the numerous advertised positions.