👋Criticalmedium15-20 minutes
Why are you looking for new opportunities? Why leave your current role?
screeningmotivationcareer-goalsmust-preparecritical
🎯 What Interviewers Are Looking For
- ✓Are you running away from problems or running toward growth?
- ✓How do you talk about previous employers (red flag if negative)
- ✓Whether your reasons align with what they offer
- ✓Your professionalism and maturity
📋 STAR Framework Guide
Structure your answer using this framework:
S - Situation
Your current situation without being negative
T - Task
Explain your motivation for change positively
A - Action
Connect your reasons to what this new role offers
R - Result
Show this move is strategic, not reactive
💬 Example Answer
⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid
- ✗Badmouthing your current/previous employer (huge red flag)
- ✗Only talking about what you want, not what you'll contribute
- ✗Being vague: "I want a change" without explaining why
- ✗Saying you're leaving because of money (even if true, frame it better)
- ✗Contradicting your resume or past statements
- ✗Making it sound like you're desperate or being forced out
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Frame it as "running toward" opportunities, not "running away from" problems
- ✓Be honest but diplomatic about current role limitations
- ✓Connect your reasons to what THIS company offers specifically
- ✓Show you've thought strategically about your career path
- ✓If you were laid off or fired: be honest, brief, and forward-looking
- ✓If leaving for money: frame as "seeking fair market compensation for my growing skills"
- ✓Practice this answer—it's asked in almost every interview
🔄 Common Follow-up Questions
- →What did you like about your current role?
- →Have you talked to your current manager about these concerns?
- →When would you be able to start?
- →Are you willing to relocate?
🎤 Practice Your Answer
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Target: 2-3 minutes
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