Here's what hiring managers really want to know when they ask, 'Why are you leaving your current job?'
This may seem like an easy question. You probably have 100 reasons for wanting to pursue a new role - and can easily defend each one. But career expert Lynn Taylor says your response to this query can be an absolute deal breaker.
"This question, or any variation of it, is extremely challenging because it naturally puts you on the defensive," says Taylor, author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job." "It's one of the most difficult and critical queries you can possibly be asked during the interview process because it reveals so much about you."
It's also a tricky question because a terse or canned response will likely leave the interviewer waiting for some elaboration. "If you refuse to explain further, that in itself will be a red flag," Taylor explains.
She says this query may open up a can of worms. "It can easily take you down a slippery path of describing a difficult work environment or boss, demanding workload, dull assignments, or other, similar frustrations." And while any of those reasons may be a factor for you, they won't help your cause. "You'll need to take a diplomatic, professional, and forward looking approach," she says.
Here's what hiring managers want to hear when they ask this question: