Q2: Why do you want to switch your job?

The following article was published in One Up Your Career - the daily info-vitamin capsule by Unnati to help you growth hack your career.

To read this issue online and leave your comments, click 

Hey,

‘Honesty is the best policy’- Did we not learn this in school? Unlike things that we study and never apply, the honesty bit was never more pertinent! 

Why do I bring it up, right in the beginning? Well, today’s topic requires you to have a skewed look at honesty. 

And why do I call the question in question, a curveball? Because the interviewer is assessing something completely different from the actual answer. Without wasting much time, let us explore. After all, this week we are breaking down answers to most common questions asked in a job interview in an attempt to prepare you better!

The Factual Foundation

Say you were let go from your previous company. What do you do when asked about it in the interview? In my opinion, it is better to admit so. It is unwise to blatantly lie and make up stories. A background check will anyway be conducted and the truth WILL get revealed. Admission of facts does less damage than being discovered as a liar. Also, it is an opportunity to show personal ethics that you stand for. If the interviewer is going to nitpick and make a mountain out of a molehill then trust me you do not want to work for this company. More often than not, the recruiter will appreciate your honesty and courage to admit the facts.

Paint Your Picture

Laying down facts does not mean that it has to be on the face. Use your communication skill to present is an appealing manner. 

For example, say the reason you quit your previous job was that your manager was not the kindest person you knew. Now that is quite a crude way of saying it. A better way would be to say that you did not agree with the work style of your manager. 

What if the interviewer digs deeper? He wants to know what was the exact point of contention. I would say choose your words and information wisely. Do not rant. Your previous manager might have a few shortcomings but not everything has to be quoted.

The way you choose to deal with a negative situation in a company will display to the interviewer how mature and adept you are at handling situations. Start your answer by quoting positives about the manager and end it with maybe a point or two on why you did not agree with him.

There Is No End To Desires

Most of the employees switch jobs because they want a better salary or a higher position. It is a fact. And there is no harm in admitting so. ‘I have worked hard to learn the basics of this function and accomplished several projects single-handedly. I feel I am ready to take on the role of a manager and hence I have applied for this opportunity.’ It sounds like a statement from a confident, ambitious, and honest person. 

I come across several candidates choosing to say that they quit because there was nothing more to learn. I do not recommend listing this as a reason because learning is not dependent on what the company teaches you. One has to be pro-active in exploring learning opportunities. So, when you say you stopped learning, I start doubting your proactiveness. I know it is a common go-to answer but with the suggestions given here, you can come with a better, more convincing answer. No? 

 Assignment

?? Here is a fun test. Assume you were to interview for the role of your manager at your largest competitor. And I am the interviewer and I ask you the reason for switching. Reply to me with your answer. The best answer gets a 30-min one on one interview coaching from me! 

Do you have any questions related to job search or career enhancement? Ask us here.

Loved ?? this newsletter? Hit reply and share your feelings with us.

Tell your friends about it on WhatsApp. Spread the word to 10 people and your dream will come true, provided your dream is to read more of this newsletter ??.