How to answer: Why are you looking for a new position?

The second most common interview question is: Why are you looking for a new position?

There are various reasons why people are looking for new jobs. They range from corporate downsizing, relocating to new area, upgrading career, to dissatisfaction with company or boss, termination, and many others. The big question is what is the most effective way to position your response so that YOU are appealing to this prospective employer and you will be either offered the position or at least invited back to the next step in the hiring process.

The most effective way to position ANY responses to ALL questions is to focus on THEM not YOU. So in other words, lets take the common issue of the day: corporate downsizing/restructure. In this scenario, NEVER use the words "let go" or "laid off" ALWAYS use the words "corporate" downsize or restructure. You want to take the "heat" off of you and put it on the corporation. The key is to focus on your accomplishments and contributions to your former employer. You want to be sure to communicate that the downsize/restructure was not based on poor performance and that you view this circumstance as a opportunity to leverage your skills set to transition into a new employer. Bottom line, it is mandatory that you present the situation in the most positive and optomistic light possible.

Let's say that the reason you want to change positions is that you don't see "eye to eye" with your current boss. First, I would encourage you to examine this situation and determine if you have seen "eye to eye" with previous bosses or is this a pattern for you. If you typically have the same pattern, the issue may be within yourself and need to be addressed. If, however, this is an isolated situation, you may comment that you are looking for an organization where you can make a more significant impact. Never, never, never, speak poorly of your current boss. Simply focus on the career opportunities that you have been given and how you have a strong desire to be part of a company where you can genuinely "make a difference". If you are asked point blank about your relationship with your current boss, simply talk about their expertise in this particular field and the "respect" that you have for them as a professional. Additionally, you can focus on their knowledge within the industry. There is "good" in everyone and that is where you must focus when you are interviewing.

Xodus Advantage serves as expert partners to individuals from the time they contemplate a potential career/job change, through the planning and transition phases. We specialize in making the change process positive and practical by empowering the individual to excel in their job campaign strategies. We are committed to seeing a successful career transition.

Our job campaign services include:
Assessing the individual and their career desires
Personal/Professional Branding Strategies
Job Campaign Initiatives
Resume/Cover letter Enhancements
Strategic Interview Prep/Coaching
Honing verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills
Business letter writing and follow-up strategies
Interpersonal effectiveness
Networking contacts – recruiters, companies, etc.
Offer negotiation skills

When individuals find themselves on the job market or interested in a career transition, they are typically very uncertain. It is always nice to offer them the “voice of calm” plus real-world practical strategies to accelerate their down time during the transition.

Thank you for putting Xodus Advantage on your job search team!