How to answer the "why are you leaving" question

[Anonymous]

I am looking for a new position because I don't know how sustainable my current organization is. However, I don't want to say that in interviews. I am otherwise very happy, I just don't want to go down with the ship. Any advice on how to answer this question without selling out the entire organization? I'm looking for positions in similar organizations so I definitely can't bad-mouth my current place.

[Anonymous]

Spin it as the next step in your career. Looking for growth not available in organization, etc.

[Anonymous]

+1. Looking for a position where there's room for advancement. Feel as if I've plateaud and there is no potential for getting more seniority in the current organizational structure etc.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you need to lie, just say it tactfully.

"I've really learned a lot at X company, but I am looking for a more established firm where I can grow for the next several years."

[Anonymous]

Thanks -- this is good (and practical) advice -- I'm just very nervous about even the appearance of bad-mouthing my current place. I'll have to practice!

[Anonymous]

My current employer is good, but there is a lack of career opportunities for me there and I'm looking for something with more long-term potential.

Employers are always interested in employees who look for internal opportunities rather than stepping-stone jobs. This especially works well if you have a record of staying with jobs for several years.

[Anonymous]

I've been very happy at my current job, but I'm ready to take my career to the next level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think you need to lie, just say it tactfully.

"I've really learned a lot at X company, but I am looking for a more established firm where I can grow for the next several years."

This is my favorite tactful response so far. It conveys a desire to really stick with the company, and does not convey anything negative about your current employer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think you need to lie, just say it tactfully.

"I've really learned a lot at X company, but I am looking for a more established firm where I can grow for the next several years."

This is my favorite tactful response so far. It conveys a desire to really stick with the company, and does not convey anything negative about your current employer.

This is OP -- I liked that response as well, but worried about saying "established" -- my current firm has been around for almost 20 years. So I've been playing with other ways to say that, without saying established. (Am I over thinking that word tho?)

[Anonymous]

I didn't like "established" either. I'd say "I'm looking for an opportunity where I can grow for the next few years." Keeping it vague avoids lying or misrepresenting anything.

[Anonymous]

Focus on the desire to grow within a company. When I interviewed a few weeks ago I specifically asked about growth opportunities and personal experience with growth (one person I interviewed with had had 6 positions in 6 years with the company and was creating a new marketing team). I explained that I had reached to maximum in marketing for my small nonprofit and wanted to return to hospitality marketing. I didn't say anything bad about my position, just gave the fact that I was limited and desired more. I had offers for 3 teams at that company and took the one that I clicked with the boss best.

[Anonymous]

Why am I leaving? In working as a government contractors, sometimes projects end. That is happening now. Because of the state of federal funding, the company is not carrying people. I might be able to create a new project, but with the current constraints in my company, it is not going to happen here.