Tough Interview Question: Why Are You Looking?
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Too often, people answer this question with immature answers. By this, I mean an answer that allows a new employer to interpret the answer as being, “I hate my boss,” or “I wanted to make more money.” It is extremely important to:
Tell Me About a Mistake You Made
Keep Your Answer Concise.
“Our firm was acquired and management brought in a team that they were familiar with. That’s understandable to me but the result was that I was offered assignments that were at a level below where I was with little opportunity to return to my previous level. Rather than remain for the inevitable layoff, I’ve decided to look for a new position.”
Speak positively Do not criticize management for decisions they’ve made. Do not appear angry. A matter-of-fact attitude will dispel doubt far better than rage ever will. By looking at the interviewer square in the eyes and preparing your concise answer, most people are persuaded that you are being sincere . . . even though we all know the best liars can look someone square in the eye and lie to us.
Speak about what you learned from this experience. Although this is a tough interview question in itself, anticipate this question and be prepared to speak of the growth opportunity you derived from the experience or from the firm. If you make mistakes and can speak to those with sincerity (and without shooting yourself in the foot), firms will see that you are someone who can learn and grow.
And sometimes the right answer is to say, “I’ve thought about my experience with XYZ quite a lot and, the fact is, my performance was always strong . . . as a matter of fact my performance reviews are glowing and managers always found me to be an important contributor. No, I can’t say I made mistakes and I am happy to help my firm transition to the new parent company.”
REMEMBER: When they ask qualifying follow-up questions, just stay with your original answer and state the facts!
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those things can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2700 episodes.
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You will find great info to help with your job search at my new site, JobSearch.Community Besides the video courses, books and guides, I answer questions from members daily about their job search. Leave job search questions and I will respond daily. Become an Insider+ member and you get everything you’d get as an Insider PLUS you can get me on Zoom calls to get questions answered. Become an Insider Premium member and we do individual and group coaching.
Also, subscribe to JobSearchTV.com on YouTube and No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 podcast for job search with more than 2700 episodes over 12+ years.in Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music and almost anywhere you listen or watch podcasts.
You can also have your #jobsearchquestions answered Tuesdays at noon Eastern. Search for Career Coach Office Hours on LinkedIn and mark that you’re attending. You’ll have access to the recording if you miss it live.
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