Why you want to change jobs

Emphasize the positive reasons why you want to work for their company. Talk about how this new job can be a step on the path of your career, rather than focusing on any bad points of your current (or past) job.

Sample answers:

1. If you are leaving (left) voluntarily:

I’ve enjoyed working with a great group of people at my current employer and I’ve learned a lot in my current role, but now I’m looking for an opportunity that provides more challenges and more opportunities to grow my professional skills. The opportunities to grow my expertise are limited in my current position and this position matches my desires and values perfectly.

2.  If you were let go (fired):

Looking back, I can understand that my former employer and I had different expectations about my role and the direction I needed to take. I’m also aware that there are some things that I could have done differently. On the whole, however, I gained valuable experience and I think this has made me a more mature professional. I’m excited about bringing these to my next job. This position aligns perfectly with my skills and professional objectives, and with the direction I’d like my career to take.

3. If you were laid off:

Unfortunately, I was impacted by company restructuring. This meant that around 20% of existing staff lost their jobs. Of course, it was a blow to me, but on the other hand, I’m very proud of what I accomplished at my previous company and my former manager gave me excellent performance reviews. In the meantime, I’ve had the opportunity to carefully consider my next career move, and I’m very excited about this position because it aligns perfectly with my skills and professional objectives, and with the direction I’d like my career to take.