“What has you interested in exploring other opportunities at this time?”
I ask this question on every candidate call. It is the kickoff point of our conversation. The success or failure of the following steps hinges upon the answer to this question. There is no wrong answer to this question, but there are definitely ways to answer this that make you more (or less) of a match for a particular opportunity.
Suppose you elongate your response and never really answer the question, alarm bells. If you hint that you’re currently employed but you’re not, alarm bells (the word “transition” is no mystery 🙂). If you mention not having hopped on the company website or not having read the job description, alarm bells.
There is no secret meaning behind this question. A simple and honest response will do.
Why are you looking? What is going on in your world? Why consider leaving your current engagement?
Is it compensation?
Fine.
Is it company culture?
Fine.
Are you looking to join a startup?
Also, fine!
Decreased travel?
That will work too.
Do you simply want a change?
A-OK!
Have a response as to why you are searching for your next great opportunity. Put the time and effort into knowing why you are making such a change. Sometimes it is as simple as you being on the market. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, by the way.
Other times it's due to more complex factors. We know in these cases there is likely a story behind the why. Truncate that story down into an elegant response. Have your ducks in a row and be comfortable with those ducks! The original question isn’t meant to be an inquisition, it's meant to paint an accurate picture of you as a candidate.
So, again why leave your job?
You tell me…
Written by: Rob Scherer, Vice President at Hunter Crown, LLC
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