2 minutes
The importance of understanding your reason for leaving
If you’ve made it to this page, it’s likely that you’re here because you’re interested in securing a new opportunity. But before you get to the stage of engaging with our friendly consultants and reputable clients, it’s important to really consider why you want to look for a new role.
People look for new roles for a variety of reasons, perhaps you might be looking for a better work-life balance, higher pay, or a chance to expand your skills to name a few. Whatever the reason, it’s crucial that before moving away from a current role that you are 100% invested in the job hunting process and that you’re ready to start something new.
You may find it surprising that out of 79% of candidates actively seeking jobs in the UK, only 27% actually go through the process of interviewing and moving job within a 3 month period. “Why?” you might ask, well because they haven’t truly sat down and thought about what is the driving force behind them wanting to move on.
So how can you assess whether it’s just a bad day or time to move on? The questions below will help you to do just that:
- How did I get to the point of seeking a new role?
- How long have I felt this way?
- What do my friends and family say about my current situation?
- Have I been open about how I feel with my current employer?
- What would I be giving up by leaving?
- What would I gain by moving on?
Once you’ve considered all of these, you should have an idea in mind about the pro’s and con’s of leaving your current role to embark on a new one.
Be aware, that a good interviewer will ask you your reason for leaving.
Once you’ve figured out why you want to change jobs, make sure to formulate a clear and truthful answer for your prospective employer. This is important because it gives the interviewer a better sense of your values – and because they may ask for a reference if you’re successful!
Interviewers ask these questions to avoid facing hiring issues including counter-offers and short term hires, the answers reflect what is truly important to you. For example, if you are simply looking for a new role due to redundancy the most important thing to you may be job security, if you are feeling unchallenged and uninspired in your role the most important thing may be the opportunity to learn etc. Consequently, if your reason for leaving and your ambition to join their company don’t align, it may flash some red flags.
Moving jobs is a significant lifetime event for most people and there are a lot of factors to consider before doing so, however, once you have clarity on why you want a change it makes the process of applying for roles, attending interviews and handing in your notice a lot less nerve-wracking and a lot more exciting.
