Why do you want to leave your current employer?
You may want to drop to your knees and plead please take me on or run down your current company but this isn’t going to impress the interviewee!
It is a balancing game between remaining positive about your previous employer whilst appearing keen on the new role for positive reasons rather than - I could be unemployed. You've got to give the new employer the impression you want to join them because they are better than your current company and this is career progression for you.
You also have to think about what's on offer by the new employer, such as career progression, client diversity, work type, agency creative style, Big team versus small team, hands on responsibility, I liked working for a smaller/larger organisation in the past because.....
There are lots of factor to take into account when in an interview but here are a couple of suggestion that may help you work out your own answers to this difficult question
Here's a fairly neutral answer
"I've been with my current company for ________, although I've enjoyed my time with them, it feels like the right time to move on, I'm ready for a new challenge, in an organisation where I can really make a difference."
Or
"I've been with my current company for _________, although I've enjoyed my time with them, there are rumours of redundancy, due to the recession, so I thought it would be sensible to keep a look out/options open. I am very keen to make the right choice in my next move, so by looking now I can take my time to find the right role for me rather than take the first thing that comes along. I was really impressed with your website, like the variety of clients you have, I enjoyed working for clients similar to your own because....... Having previously worked and enjoyed working for a smaller/larger organisation, you appear to be just the sort of company I'd like to join. I'm feeling ready to take on more responsibility, but there appears to be no chance of that in my current role." Obviously too many words here but just think your circumstances and use your words.
This situation will be unique and individual for your circumstances. This is intended purely as a guide to help you put your own words together. I usually find the more honest you can be the better you will come across and the better you will feel about your answer, but try to positively spin any negatives or you will sound like you are complaining. Try to make negatives appear more positive. “So I'm really worried I'm going to be out of work” - not good! Whereas “I’m using this situation to improve my career” sounds better
Also have a think about.
Some questions to think about and difficult interview questions you may be asked.
What do you know about us?
Why do you want to join us?
Why should we employ you?
What changes would you make, if you were offered the role?
Do you think any of your clients will move with you? Never promise this.
What are your weaknesses? Again a positive spin (I can work a bit too hard) (Or pick something that's not relevant to the job - I used big maths problems (basic math percentages etc I'm good at but big maths problems aren't me I'm more of a people person) negative into a positive.
What are your strengths?
If you were an animal or sweet what would you be and why? Yes over the years, I've been asked both these questions at interview.
I hope this guide helps, don't worry too much about it, be yourself, but it is good to have some idea of how you'd answer more difficult questions.
All the best
Ann
www.greensr.co.uk
