Paul Trejo ⋅ Austin, TX University of Texas at Austin ⋅ 40 years experience

Of all these good replies, l liked Judy Tomlinson's answer best.

Cardinal rule of all interviews -- NEVER bad-mouth yourself or any previous work associate.

In other words -- never complain, and never confess. EVER. Those are immediately disqualifying actions for most hiring managers.

Instead, say that you're ready for more responsibility and opportunity. That's all.

Also -- when asked any question, answer with a very brief anecdote about yourself solving a problem related to that question. No matter how trivial -- any anecdote is better than none. It helps the interviewers remember you.

And if they ask a question that implies your strengths -- have two or three strong anecdotes ready to tell.

Best wishes, and thanks for your service,

Jan Case ⋅ Sunnyvale, CA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

In the "outside world" we make job changes all the time. And the younger you are, the more likely that you are moving from one job to another to find one that fits with your current interests and career goals - which are often a moving target. So ... don't be apologetic ... job changes happen to us, and are initiated by us. I think that many see it as a sign that you're edgy, keeping your options open, and staying current; those of us who have been in our jobs for a long time are often more negatively labeled as staying in our comfort zone, and possible out of touch with the real world. So ... go for it. Make the change. Live your dream!

Frederick (Rick) Wilhelm, Ed.D ⋅ Pleasant Valley, NY Chappaqua School District ⋅ 40 years experience

Do not be critical of your employer or of your boss. Give a reason that talks about your need for more growth opportunities and/or your need for a better match for your interests.

Morgan Lerette ⋅ Glendale, AZ AAA ⋅ 6 years experience

Don't be negative. When employers asked why I left the Army, I always said it was to pursue my graduate degree. The truth is there were a number of other reasons I got out but most would be hard to explain and negative. Research the new company and position, compare them to your current position, and illustrate how you would be an asset to them.

The best answers I've heard from candidates are:

1) Wanting to move to a better position with more growth potential
2) My current position is in retail and I want to transition into insurance
3) You company offers better college benefits and I'd like to increase my education levels (shows they researched our company and want to better themselves).
4) You company is a market leader and I want to be a part of that.

MCL

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Dallas, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 25 years experience

The first rule is NEVER speak bad about a past employer. That said, you should tell the recruiter that you left because you wanted more opportunities/responsibilities/challenges or you wanted a position that used more of your skills but also provided opportunities for growth.

The one question I always HATE during an interview is "What is your greatest weakness?" Try to make any answer you give positive. For this one I say that my weakness is that I hate to turn down a request when someone needs help. I follow-up by saying that I am working on learning how to say "NO" and I always weigh my current work load against the work being requested. If you need resume help send it in word format to tomlinsonjk@aol.com

Good Luck!

John Cooke ⋅ U.S. Navy, Lieutenant ⋅ 6 years served

I've only changed jobs twice since leaving the Navy 30 years ago -- so I am no expert in the best answer.....but my advice would be shed some light on the truth. In my case that related to passion for the job and respect and trust in my boss and co-workers. I have hired many people and if they told me those two things I would totally relate to them. There is an old saying that people don't quit jobs, they quit bosses. Vague reasons do not shed light on what makes you tick and what motivates you -- and I think those are topics that are core to an interview.

JK R T ⋅ Brewster, NY 21st Century Fox ⋅ 13 years experience

Yes, it's not uncommon to change jobs and really.. its personal for everyone. So there's no need to explain that your current job is a negative environment. An interviewer will be aware of anything negative that you say. Be positive. Talk about how "the company you are interviewing for" is of great interest to you. So instead of focusing on a reason why you left a company, you focus on why you want to work for the new company (be specific).

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Who is asking?

Aleta Anderson ⋅ Silver Spring, MD All Media Linked ⋅ 20 years experience

Let your prospective employer know you are looking for a long term position with room for growth. Then ask him or her about the possibilities for growth.

Christine Alcorn ⋅ Lockport, IL Addus Home Care ⋅ 20 years experience

As a potential employer, I ask. I recently had a candidate tell me she was wrongfully terminated, which is a red flag for me - I see problems in my future. I would prefer to hear that you are seeking an opportunity to ...... learn new skills; explore a new arena; seek promotional opportunities. Things that make me feel you want to work for my company because you want my job, not simply to flee your old one.

Mimi Miller ⋅ Malden, MA Cengage Learning ⋅ 19 years experience

Hi Tori - thank you for your service. I totally agree with everyone's answer. Don't say negative things about your present situation, rather, make it about why you want to leave. Career opportunity, development, learn new skills. You don't know who knows whom and you don't want to burn a bridge with your current employer. Good luck!

JOSE ZUNIGA JR ⋅ Lubbock, TX U.S. Marine Corps, Corporal ⋅ 4 years served

I simply say pursue your passion(s). Find what you like and do it for the rest of your life. This simple advice was spoken by Chicago Bears running back and hall of famer, Walter Payton during one of his interviews. Do not worry about what others might say or not say. Every one of us has the drive to accomplish anything. Hell, you were in the United States Military. That is a enormous accomplishment.

As a former U.S. Marine, I say my fellow service member sibling, go after what you want and do not chase things because "you have to do it". Thinking outside the box is a very liberating experience.

Prem Shanker ⋅ Bentonville, AR Walmart Stores, Inc. ⋅ 18 years experience

Career growth opportunity with more responsibilities.

Beth Oneill ⋅ Lombard, IL DuPage Workforce ⋅ 15 years experience

Never speak negatively about an employer. If only employed a short time, smile and say it's not a good fit. Aside from that, be brief and upbeat and say you seek more challenge and more suitable accommodations. From my experience, employers have regard for our servicemen and women. Best of luck. Beth O

Tom Yuhas ⋅ Bedford, OH Sparkle Wash International ⋅ 14 years experience

Lieutenant Tori Stitt, say: "I've enjoyed my time with the company and I've learned a lot. Now I'm ready to move on."

Tom Golden ⋅ Bluffton, SC Laird ⋅ 35 years experience

Like most of the responses, it is not unusual to have job changes in today's environment. Not sure what the new job is relative to your current position is, but there are always valid reasons for leaving. Most center on career learning opportunities that will provide other areas of growth for yourself. It does not appear that you have done a lot of job jumping so I would not worry.

Good Luck

Tom

Dana Siegel ⋅ Bothell, WA Boeing ⋅ 27 years experience

Boeing has a great tool to help veterans translate military skills to civilian skills. Go to www.boeing.com, click on careers, then click on transitioning military. I have heard many veterans are successful after using it to find civilian positions whether with Boeing or other companies.

Good luck with new adventure.

Kelly Thrasher ⋅ Denver, PA Accolade ⋅ 20 years experience

Tori,
Go get help. Not sure what you are suffering from but not seeking help will not help you in any job that you seek. By refusing to seek help, you are not doing anyone any favors. Any other career advice I’d give you pales to telling you that you need to take care of yourself. VA has some great teams that can get you what you need. I’ve had great success with the OEF/OIF/OND Team. There are a lot of VA resources in CA.
Kelly

Patricia Sanderlin ⋅ Hempstead, TX HP ⋅ 20 years experience

I think you already said it, when asked why you are switching jobs, just tell them that you are looking for a job that better suits you and has the right environment. Then emphasize on your skills and value that you can bring to that new job.

As everyone else already said, always keep it positive. When they ask "What have you learned from your last job/employer?" Feel free to state "To make sure that the right environment fosters the best performance and to be willing to risk a change to achieve the best outcome." With companies wanting to change a lot of things now-a-days to remain competitive and be flexible, someone who is not afraid to 'go for it' and to be open to change and improvements, is definitely welcomed!

Good luck!

Craig Bush ⋅ Boston, MA IBM ⋅ 11 years experience

If you find me on LinkedIn, I've switched jobs many times, and for each case I have an answer that I've memorized, each of which is perfectly acceptable story. These include:

1) I left the company to pursue other opportunities ... or because I got bored (perfectly acceptable reason)
2) I left because I was offered more money or a promotion
3) I left because the company wasn't a good fit
4) I left because I had a child

Robert Brockman ⋅ San Diego, CA San Diego State University now Self Empl ⋅ 52 years experience

Hmmm. I struggle some with this message board where often there is a lengthy lapse in time of the original question and even the suggestions. From 4 months ago, it could be that the reasons for the question no longer exist.

But of all the replys, I would support the ones that suggest to keep it positive while understanding that it might be already beyond that possiblity if indeed it is still on the table. And if it is still on the table, as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, my strongest suggestion is to reccomend you take the question to a qualified disability advisor; VA if they are involved or California Department of Rehabilitation if not service connected. There may be other solutions that could resolve the issue and if not, would not leave a job stain or disagreement behind. Good luck.

Po Wong ⋅ Orlando, FL Johnson & Johnson (retired) ⋅ 40 years experience

Hi Tori,
My suggestion is avoid any personal, boss, trust comment.... Not everyone is as understanding as John or conversation can lead to a Supreme Court decision who is at fault?

A good standard line: I am looking for a more challenging career that fully utilizes my skills and Potential. At the same time, being a major contributor to the success of your business/company.

You did not specify how your current employer not supporting your specific disabilities very well (no need to get into that). If there is no rest room for disadvantage or the key board is above your head when one is on the wheel chair…that you can definitely share….

Good luck! and thanks for your service!

Sherri Stone ⋅ Claremore, OK ⋅ 16 years experience

I would keep the answer very brief. You are looking for an opportunity that allows a better fit between the mission of the company and your personal goals.

Rashid Hill, MPM ⋅ San Diego, CA United States Navy ⋅ 33 years experience

Hi Tori. First of all it would literally depend on why you left your last job. For instance, if you are working on a contract (which is true on most jobs since you sign an application or agreement to work for a certain wage, thus contract) you can say that your contract ended and you move on to advance your career. Or if it has to do with your disability you can make reference to you having to relocate to the area that was better suited for your disability. If you are seeking a job in a certain area and that is true, then be honest about it. Just don't offer privacy information. Obviously we would need more details to assist you better. If you like you can contact me at l3.thebrand@gmail.com

Rashid Hill
L3 Coaching Solutions

Christine Pouliot ⋅ Big Lake, MN Evocent Coaching Inc ⋅ 35 years experience

Focus your answer on what you are looking for. it is ok to say that your current company doesn't currently have available what you are looking for... just don't be negative about the company.