Interview Question: "Why did you resign?" (Why are you leaving your current position?)
Most hiring managers are understanding of the need for personal and professional growth. When you are asked why you resigned from a previous position, keep your response concise and simple.
Your answer can be:
- You were looking for better career prospects, professional growth and work opportunities
- You wanted a change in career direction
- You were looking for new challenges at work
- Your company was restructuring
- Your company underwent a merger or an acquisition
- Your company’s growth prospects were poor
Examples:
Lack of Advancement Opportunities
“I was eager to advance in my career and independently lead more projects. But, with such a small and tight-knit team, the management style wasn’t necessarily set up to support that level of ownership from employees.”
Wanting a New Challenge
“After spending five years with my last company, I’m ready to take on a new challenge and grow my skills. I’m excited to learn something new, and I know this role will allow me to use my prior expertise while also gaining new knowledge.”
Changing Careers
“I realized that my true passion is working as a writer. I’ve always loved the written word, but decided to take my career a different direction after college. Now I’m ready to pursue this career path, and I’m particularity excited by the possibility of working with Company X.”
Tie your answer to the job description (with whom you are applying) and conclude your statement with why you are there now, interviewing with them.
"I want to join [Company X] for the opportunity to not only further my career but also build new skills that are very important to me."
When you conclude your response with why you are there interviewing, you not only answer their question of why you chose to resign but you are also reinforcing your reasons for choosing their company in particular.
Additional Resources: