My company just held a round of massive layoffs. A lot of people quit shortly after. They’re now restructuring and the way I see it they have until the end of the year to make or break. I didn’t get cut but I started sending out resumes because I don’t want to wait around for the axe to fall. What’s the best way to answer in an interview when they ask why I want to leave my current position? Is full honesty the best policy, or will that make me look disloyal? I’ve only been there for 10 months.

likehelpful
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Careful with this. I had a similar situation in the past, company was in financial distress and I was interviewing.

When I answered truthfully why I wanted to leave (company going bankrupt) I could tell many were confused or didn’t understand what I was talking about. Their body language gave them away even though they didn’t say it.

I then changed my reply when asked. “I have learned all I could from my current role and looking to grow” type of answer. I was no longer running from something, I was looking for something better.

Seemed to be more acceptable.

People are strange and often don’t want to hear the truth.

likesmarthelpful

“I was no longer running from something, I was looking for something better”. I appreciate that phrasing, because that’s exactly my concern. I don’t want to come across as someone who will bail if things get difficult. Under different circumstances I would have been happy to stick with them through the restructure, but this is definitely a “writing is on the wall” scenario.

like

I’m in similar position though perhaps not quite such a dire outlook for current company. Reality is that company doesn’t plan to grow (they want to slow down hiring, spending, development in light of recession looming) and I know I thrive in environments where growth is the objective.

So I’ve framed it this way:
“I’m looking for a new role because my current company has entered what feels like a ‘’maintenance phase’. Following all the pivoting and evolving through COVID, they’d like to see what sticks before growing any further - and that’s fine. I understand companies go into this phase in cycles sometimes. But as a marketer, I find fulfilment and thrive when the focus is growth.”

Not sure if it’s directly applicable to you but hope it sparks a few ideas how you can reframe it.

likehelpful

@M1, I agree and l've never talked bad about a former employer even when it was warranted. Just doesn't make you look good. Though I bet there are exceptions to this rule and it would depend on how you frame it.

I would welcome the honesty and would help me work out your real notice period too

likehelpful

That is 100% a perfect answer. It's realistic and appropriate. At my last company, I was laying off people every week. My days were spent creating severance agreements. Everywhere I interviewed, I said the company isn't doing great financially and I know I am going to be laying myself off soon if I don't get out of here.

Side note: don't ever say the classic "I'm looking for another challenge" answer. Whenever I hear this, I KNOW there is more to the story and that they are BSing me.

likesmart

I agreed with you. I think if one can complement I am looking for a challenge with additional reasoning like it is my dream to work for a company who is specialised in game changing health care products and that’s why I applied for this role ..

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I agree with many of the other comments, it is better to say you are looking for some personal growth than fleeing a sinking ship.

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You can provide any answer and truth is some will buy and some don’t. Doesn’t matter what you say. So you stick to one version and improvise it as you gain more experience attending interviews.
The single most important quality of your message should be not show your weakness or your desperation. No one like it and show sympathy. Whatever message you craft (so many good suggestions), make sure you come out positive and strong ..
that’s my experience

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Grain of salt, but I would advise not admitting that your current company is too terrible. It’s an unfortunate reality but it may cause the hiring manager to realize you have less leverage when it comes to negotiating salary etc. I agree with the above responses that try and frame the motivation around wanting to grow your role or improve your career in some manner. Transparency is incredibly important, but when people are on different sides of a power dynamic it can be a hinderance.

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I think “restructure” or reorg and you don’t like the way you see things going is a good answer

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Do we work for the same company lmaoo. I’ve just been telling recruiters there’s a pending restructure/outsourcing and I’d like to get ahead of it. 🤷🏾‍♀️

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I did consider that but I wasn’t sure how it would be interpreted. Sadly I think what we’re dealing it is happening everywhere 🥲

Personal opinion is since you are only 10 months, the best would be to day that the role or company is not aligned with your aspirations rather than you need more challenges.

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Ur right it is simple but be prepared for a follow up question, have you not sensed this while ur taking up this role and how you can assure us you don’t do the same here .. again any answer is fine but be prepared

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In a similar situation but the company apparently had done RIFs almost every 3-5 years. Poor workforce planing but calls it “adapting to the market”. RIFs are pretty common now but unless you received actual RIF paperwork at no fault to your own, treat the process like normal. You ARE looking to grow and find a great fit for your skills. You’ve learned what you can at your position and talk about why this new position is a great fit for you. I start my new role next month and deciding how to strategically exit.

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Wow. Sounds like a company I’m very familiar with.

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Betty yet th

Totally understand your concern but sometimes when companies are looking for new people and want to hire, they might probably not care about your tenure at the current company if they really like you. So maybe as someone mentioned already in this thread, ‘Learnt all I had to and Looking to grow’ phrase might be perfect.

Yes never talk bad about a past company but do talk about growth and opportunity! Because you are showing them that you want growth and opportunity and maybe the last place while great didn't have the right path for you.

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