When I left one job it was totally because of my boss.

Interviewee: why are you looking to leave?
Me: I work for Art Vandelay.
Interviewee: say no more. So at this firm ...

That's how bad his reputation was. Everyone knew he was awful all over the city.

Last time I left a position I didn’t like my boss, so that was a factor, but the answer I gave was also true. Basically “I accepted the job to make cakes because I was really excited about the opportunity, but was increasingly asked to be responsible more making cookies. I already had extensive prior experience making cookies and was ready for a change and my company is unwilling to move me fully into cakes. This position would move me toward applying my expertise toward cakes, a field that is new and exciting for me.”

Anonymous wrote:Do not EVER say personality conflict. That is some of the worst advice I have seen on this board.

Agreed. Mention wanting new challenges/opportunites to learn and grow.

"I am not really looking but a friend sent me this job posting and it really is a perfect fit for me because XYZ."

Anonymous wrote:Do not EVER say personality conflict. That is some of the worst advice I have seen on this board.

Agree. That would be a red flag for my company.
It's a simplistic, generic question from people who haven't put much thought into it.
The appropriate reply is a short answer that ends with what you really want to say.
"I had been there 3 years and got to work on some interesting projects. I was looking for a opportunity to leverage my experience with vending machines in the high growth market of charter schools in Alabama."

Do not EVER say personality conflict. That is some of the worst advice I have seen on this board.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's the best way to answer this? Assuming "bc my boss is a nightmare and the work is boring" isn't my best option.

Actually, if reworded in a more diplomatic fashion, it could work.

"Personality conflict with my supervisor and need more challenging work."

Dumb. More challenging work maybe, but leave the personality stuff out of it. Unless you're a direct report to Elon Musk and can leverage that somehow.

We all want to hire winners. Highlight how you're winning at your current job, but that you see the opportunity to win even more at the new one.

You have to have something to leverage your salary negotiations against, after all.

Mo Money

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What's the best way to answer this? Assuming "bc my boss is a nightmare and the work is boring" isn't my best option.

Actually, if reworded in a more diplomatic fashion, it could work.

"Personality conflict with my supervisor and need more challenging work."

Do not say personality conflict. They don’t know your boss and for all they know the problem is you.

PPs above have given good advice. ChatGPT can help with specific language.

Anonymous wrote:What's the best way to answer this? Assuming "bc my boss is a nightmare and the work is boring" isn't my best option.

Actually, if reworded in a more diplomatic fashion, it could work.

"Personality conflict with my supervisor and need more challenging work."

I learned a lot and had fun contributing to the teapot expansion line, but am really excited by the work you're doing here combining teapots with vacuums.

Something along the lines of my current job is great and I’ve learned a lot. But I am very interested in your company and the x, y, and a there. It has been my goal to move in that direction.

“I saw this opportunity [for which I’m interviewing] and thought it was such a good fit for me because XYZ.”

Seeking more challenging work.

What's the best way to answer this? Assuming "bc my boss is a nightmare and the work is boring" isn't my best option.