How To Answer, “Why Do You Want To Switch Your Job?”

Looking for a job change? Here’s how to explain it in interviews without sounding negative or unprepared.

0 min read

How To Answer, “Why Do You Want To Switch Your Job?”

Often, during our interviews, we are or will be encountered with the question, “Why do you want to switch your job?”. Well, many candidates do not have a clear answer to this question, and they end up giving absurd and random answers like, “I don’t like my job,” “My salary package is not growing,” “My teammates and colleagues are not cooperative enough,” “The work environment is toxic,” etc.

Not lying, but I have also given such answers in the initial switches, which turned out to be the red flags for the organizations that are interviewing me.

But, don’t worry, in this blog, I will guide you to not make the mistakes that I have made to ace the interviews with utmost ease and confidence, keeping aside your anxiety and nervousness that might trigger when you face such a question.

Avoiding the Red Flags

There are many ways in which you could answer this question.

1. Pre-Interview Preparation

Prepare an answer that is convincing enough for the interviewee on “Why do you want to switch your job?” so that, if you are bowled with such a question, you can move your bat and strike it with utmost precision.

2. Avoid Badmouthing

Answer this question in a way that reflects your strengths and not the negatives of the company you are currently working in or have left. Avoid giving answers like, “My current company is not doing well these days,” “My manager is toxic,” etc. Companies want to hear how you will be a suitable candidate for them over other candidates, and portraying the negatives of your current organization will invoke doubt in their minds that if you are doing this to your current organization, you can do the same to them when you make the next switch.

3. Lack of Research or Specificity About the New Role

Before going for the interview, study the role and the organization, such as its mission and vision statements. Just don’t give answers like, “I wanted to try something new,” or “I have heard good things about the company, so I thought of applying.” Try to craft your answer around that in such a way that you can communicate your expectations from the organization and the role in alignment with the ideology of the organization and the requirements of the role you are applying to.

4. Overemphasizing Salary

Many candidates give answers like “My current/previous job is not paying me enough.” Again, this is a red flag. Recruiters want candidates who are motivated by purpose, growth, or cultural fit, not just money.

5. Stressing over Personal or Emotional Reasons

Talking about personal reasons in an interview is fine, but do not emphasize them much because it gives an indication that you are majorly driven by personal and emotional reasons and not professional ones. Avoid giving answers like, “I was feeling too stressed and overwhelmed,” or “My current boss doesn’t approve my leaves.”

6. Blaming the Team Dynamics

Avoid giving answers like, “My co-workers were unprofessional and toxic,” and “We work in silos, so we do not know what’s going on in the team.” This will raise a question of your ability to work with others. Reflect on yourself as a team player that the organization wants and is willing to hire.

7. Job-Switching without Clear Justification

You must have a clear answer to what is/are your reason(s) for switching the job. Your answer should be compelling enough to tell the interviewer, “Why do you really want to switch the job?”. It must have the elements of a growth mindset, your skills, and your abilities to contribute towards the company’s growth and success without overemphasizing salary, negatives of the previous company, and personal reasons. Avoid giving answers like, “I just didn’t like the environment”, “It wasn’t what I expected,” “I was not able to balance my personal and professional life”.

Framework to Answer the Question

Here is a simple yet effective framework to answer this question.

How to Answer, “Why do you want to switch your job?”

Starting with Gratitude: Begin by acknowledging what you’ve learned or appreciated in your current role. This shows professionalism and maturity. For example,

“I had a great experience with my current employer, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I received to grow and contribute...”

Highlighting the Trigger for Change: Subtly introduce the aspect you're looking for more of - without complaining about the current role. For example,

“...However, I’m now at a point where I’m seeking new challenges that align more closely with my long-term goals, particularly in areas like [mention specific skill, role, or industry exposure].”

Focus on Fit with the New Role: Show how the switch is part of a larger plan and how the role you're applying for offers what you’re looking for. For example,

“I was particularly drawn to this opportunity because it offers the chance to [lead cross-functional teams, develop strategic initiatives, work with cutting-edge technology, etc.], which aligns with where I see my career
headed.”

Emphasizing Enthusiasm and Value Addition: End your answer by bringing the focus back to the company you’re interviewing with by showing that you are enthusiastic about the role and the organization, but do not over-emphasize. Otherwise, it will look like bragging. Also, talk about the values that you will add to the team, projects, and organization through your experience and skills. For example,

“I’m excited about the possibility of contributing my [mention relevant experience/skills] to your team and growing alongside a company that values innovation and impact.”

The Final Answer

This is how the final answer would look like.

“I’ve been fortunate to work in a role that helped me develop strong project management and stakeholder communication skills. Over the past few years, I’ve also had the chance to lead initiatives that improved internal workflows. However, I’m now seeking a role where I can apply these skills in a more strategic capacity and contribute to product innovation, which is why this opportunity stood out to me. Your company’s commitment to user-centric design and rapid scaling is incredibly appealing, and I’m confident I can add value to your team while continuing to grow professionally.”

Tips to Keep in Mind

Do your research thoroughly about the role and the organization and mention the things in the conversation that you liked, e.g., the culture, vision, mission, projects, etc.
Do not lie about your current role and organization, as the interviewer can find out that you are lying. Always frame the truth positively.
Your answer should not look rehearsed. It should be organic and conversational.
Try to talk about how this role and the organization you are applying to will be a right fit for you and help in your growth and the company.

Closing Thoughts

Job switches are natural and are part of your professional journey. Just make sure that when you encounter such a question, answer it with confidence without portraying the negatives of the current/previous organization and emphasize your experience and skills that can help you get hired and contribute to the role and the organization you are applying or have applied for.

Remember, switching jobs is not about escaping problems; it is about exploring your potential.

Want to learn directly from the mind behind this article? Connect with Rakshit Mittal on Unstop for personalized 1:1 mentorship, expert guidance, and more!

Suggested reads:

Edited by

Rakshit Mittal

Rakshit is an Electronics and Communication Engineer with over 3 years of experience in Intellectual Property Rights as a Patent Analyst. He has supported companies such as Intel, Amazon, Uber, Stanford University, and Columbia University in analyzing their patent portfolios. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Strategy from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies and will soon be joining one of India’s top-tier IT companies as a Senior Management Trainee – Presales.