Note: This is the answer to a question asked on Quora, which i wanted to share on the blog.
I remember being in the hot seat, interviewing for a new job after having been at my current job for less than a year. I knew the question was coming. “Why are you looking for a change?”
I had mentally prepared a generic response to it. Something to the effect that I was seeking more advancement opportunities and stimulation on the job, etc. Yet as I was getting ready to spit out my carefully rehearsed answer, I realized the lack of authenticity was not even fooling me. The words of one of my mentors came back to me:
Every time you present yourself in a way that is unauthentic, you’re setting yourself up for failure. The trick isn’t in the message you have to deliver, but in how you frame it.
So I sat up in my interview chair, and calmly explained that I was looking for a change because I couldn’t handle the travel expectations, in addition to not seeing eye to eye with my manager. At which point I was ready to grab my purse and be excused…
The opposite actually happened, as I drew the attention of the interviewer. Not only did she value my honesty and straightforwardness, she also could relate because she had been through the same experience earlier in her career.
The trick for me was to frame what could have appeared as negative circumstances as an opportunity to be transparent while emphasizing the positive side of the situation. I made it clear that I had learnt a lot and was thankful for my experience at my former position, but was looking for an environment that would be more conducive to mine and my future group’s growth.
My point is, while you certainly must be diplomatic in how you explain seemingly negative circumstances, you can gain more by being transparent rather than vague or even worse, unauthentic.
Besides, it allows you to make a real, human connection with the person on the other side of the table, which can be an invaluable asset right off the bat.
You should also keep in mind that in certain industries, there are chances that your former co-workers or managers know your future group members, and may share information about you. Think about damaging your reputation later on…
All in all, try to be as forthcoming as possible, while framing your answer as positively as you can. The more you can paint a picture of growth and progress in spite of obstacles, the better you can present yourself in a strong and authentic light. And the more you can make a unique, powerful connection.
How have you handled this question in interviews?
PS: Join the conversation, click HERE to follow me on Quora!
To your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
