What Do Interviewers *Really* Want To Know When They Ask Why Are You Looking For A New Position
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
The question "why are you looking for a new position" is almost guaranteed to come up in any interview, whether for a job, a college program, or even woven into a sales conversation. It's not just small talk; your answer offers interviewers significant insight into your motivations, career goals, and potential fit within their organization or program [1][4]. Preparing a thoughtful, strategic response to why are you looking for a new position can be the difference between moving forward and being overlooked. This question is a prime opportunity to articulate your value and align your aspirations with the opportunity at hand.
Why Do Interviewers Ask Why Are You Looking for a New Position
At its core, when an interviewer asks why are you looking for a new position, they are trying to understand the driving force behind your job search or application. They want to gauge your professional maturity, self-awareness, and whether your motivations align with the role and the company culture [1][4]. They are looking for clues about your career trajectory, what you value in a workplace, and potentially, how you might handle challenges or transitions in the future. Your explanation of why are you looking for a new position helps them predict your potential longevity and success if they were to choose you.
What Are Good Reasons for Why Are You Looking for a New Position and How Do You Frame Them
There are many legitimate reasons why someone seeks a new position. Framing these reasons positively is key [2][3]. Some common drivers include:
Career Growth/Advancement: Seeking more responsibility, leadership opportunities, or a clearer path for promotion than your current role offers. Frame this around your ambition and readiness for the next step.
Desire for New Challenges: Wanting to apply your skills in different ways, tackle complex problems, or contribute to new types of projects. This shows initiative and a willingness to learn.
Skill Development: Looking for opportunities to learn new technologies, gain experience in a specific area, or work in an environment that fosters continuous learning. Highlight your eagerness to grow.
Better Alignment (Culture/Mission): Finding a company whose values, mission, or work style resonates more strongly with you than your current workplace. Focus on what attracts you to them rather than what you dislike elsewhere.
Industry/Role Change: Transitioning to a new field or type of role that better fits your long-term goals or interests. Explain the logical progression or passion driving this shift.
Relocation/Personal Circumstance: While personal, these can be framed professionally. If moving, explain the necessity and your commitment to finding stable work in the new location.
The best way to answer why are you looking for a new position is to connect your motivation to the specific opportunity you're discussing. Show them why this particular role and company represent the logical next step or the ideal environment for your stated reasons [4].
How Do You Communicate Why Are You Looking for a New Position Professionally
Communicating your reasons professionally involves several key elements:
Be Honest, But Positive: While honesty is important, focus on the positive aspects of your search—what you are seeking—rather than dwelling on negative experiences you are leaving behind [2][3].
Align with Your Career Story: Present your move as a natural progression in your career path [1][3]. How does this new position build upon your past experiences and move you closer to your professional goals?
Avoid Negativity: Never speak poorly of past employers, colleagues, or managers [2][3]. This can raise red flags about your professionalism and attitude. Even if your departure was due to difficult circumstances, frame it in terms of looking for a better environment or a different opportunity.
Keep it Concise: Prepare a clear, brief explanation that gets straight to the point without unnecessary detail [4].
Focus on the Future: Emphasize what you hope to achieve in the new role and how you see yourself contributing to their success [1][4].
Remember, the interviewer isn't just asking about the past; they are trying to understand your future potential and commitment based on your explanation of why are you looking for a new position.
What Are Common Challenges When Explaining Why Are You Looking for a New Position
Addressing the question "why are you looking for a new position" can present challenges, especially if your situation isn't straightforward.
Negative Impressions: One of the biggest pitfalls is allowing negativity about a previous job to color your response [2][3]. This signals a potential for future dissatisfaction or difficulty working with others.
Lack of Clarity: If you haven't clearly articulated your reasons to yourself, your answer can sound vague or unconvincing [1]. This might suggest a lack of direction or self-awareness.
Frequent Job Changes: Explaining a pattern of short tenures requires a clear, compelling narrative that demonstrates growth or a consistent goal, rather than instability or lack of commitment [3][4].
Addressing Gaps: Employment gaps need to be explained directly and honestly [3]. Focus on what you did during that time (e.g., skill development, personal commitments handled, projects) and your readiness to return.
Balancing Personal vs. Professional: Deciding how much personal information (like health or family issues leading to a move or gap) to share is tricky. Keep it professional and brief, focusing on your readiness and ability to commit to the new role [1][3].
Handling these challenges effectively requires preparation and a focus on presenting your situation in the most professional and positive light possible.
How Do You Tailor Why Are You Looking for a New Position for Different Scenarios
The way you answer why are you looking for a new position might slightly shift depending on the context:
Job Interviews: This is the most common scenario. Focus on professional growth, skill alignment, company fit, and contributing to their specific needs.
College Interviews: Admissions committees ask "why this college?" or "why this program?" which is analogous to why are you looking for a new position. Connect your past academic experiences, interests, and aspirations to the specific program's strengths and how it will help you achieve your future goals.
Sales Calls: A prospect might ask why you left your previous company or why you're now in sales. Frame it around finding a better platform to serve clients, a product you believe in more strongly, or leveraging your skills in a new way that benefits them.
In any scenario, tailoring your answer shows you've done your research and are genuinely interested in this specific opportunity [4].
What Are Actionable Tips for Preparing Why Are You Looking for a New Position
Preparing your answer to why are you looking for a new position significantly boosts confidence and clarity.
Self-Reflect: Understand your true motivations for seeking this new opportunity [1]. Why this role? Why this company?
Draft Your Story: Write down your answer. Ensure it's concise, positive, and links your past to your future [1][3].
Connect to the Role: Explicitly state how your reasons for leaving and your goals align with the requirements and opportunities of the position you're interviewing for [4].
Address Potential Concerns: If you have a tricky situation (gap, frequent moves, leaving after a short time), prepare a brief, honest explanation [3].
Practice: Rehearse your answer aloud until it feels natural and confident [4]. Practice with a friend or mentor.
Anticipate Follow-Ups: Be ready for questions like "What specifically about your previous role wasn't a fit?" or "What are you hoping to find here that you didn't have there?"
Solid preparation for why are you looking for a new position transforms a potentially awkward question into a powerful statement about your suitability.
What Are Some Sample Answers for Why Are You Looking for a New Position
While specific answers vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, here are some general frameworks:
Growth-Focused: "I've learned a great deal in my current role, but I'm seeking an opportunity with more [responsibility/scope/leadership potential]. This position at [Company Name] aligns perfectly with my goal to [mention specific growth area] and I'm excited about the chance to contribute to [mention something specific about the new role/company]."
Skill-Focused: "I'm looking for a role where I can utilize my [specific skill set] more extensively and develop my expertise in [new area]. The work you're doing in [mention company project/area] is particularly interesting to me and seems like an ideal place to apply and grow my skills."
Alignment-Focused: "After researching [Company Name], I was really drawn to your focus on [mention company value/mission/product] and the opportunity to work with a team dedicated to [mention team goal/culture]. My experiences at [Previous Company] have prepared me for this next step, and I believe my approach aligns well with your values and objectives."
Strong sample answers for why are you looking for a new position are specific, positive, forward-looking, and clearly link your past experience and future goals to the opportunity at hand.
How Can Verve AI Copilot Help You With Why Are You Looking for a New Position
Preparing for common interview questions like "why are you looking for a new position" can feel daunting. Verve AI Interview Copilot is designed to help you practice and refine your answers. With Verve AI Interview Copilot, you can simulate interview conversations, practice articulating your reasons for seeking a new position, and receive instant feedback on your clarity, positivity, and relevance. Using Verve AI Interview Copilot allows you to build confidence and ensure your response to why are you looking for a new position is polished, professional, and perfectly aligned with the specific opportunity, helping you make a strong impression. https://vervecopilot.com
What Are the Most Common Questions About Why Are You Looking for a New Position
Q: Can I say I left for more money?
A: It's better to frame it around seeking a role commensurate with your skills and experience, or growth that justifies higher compensation.
Q: What if I was fired?
A: Be honest but brief, take responsibility if appropriate, and focus on what you learned and how you're ready for a fresh start. [3]
Q: How long should my answer be?
A: Aim for a concise response, typically 1-2 minutes. Be thorough but not overly detailed. [4]
Q: Is it okay to mention burnout?
A: Frame it positively, e.g., seeking a role with better work-life integration or different challenges, rather than complaining about a past job.
Q: What if my reason is personal (like moving)?
A: Briefly state the personal reason (e.g., "My family is relocating") and immediately pivot to why you are excited about finding a new professional opportunity in the area. [1][3]
Q: Should I mention internal issues at my old company?
A: Absolutely not. Avoid any negative comments about previous employers or colleagues. [2][3]
Mastering the question "why are you looking for a new position" requires self-awareness, preparation, and a positive outlook. By understanding what interviewers are really asking, framing your reasons effectively, and practicing your delivery, you can turn this standard question into a powerful tool for highlighting your value and securing the position you desire. Your thoughtful explanation of why are you looking for a new position is your opportunity to tell a compelling story about your career journey and future aspirations.
