Interview Question: "Why do you want to leave your current firm?"
Greetings!
I have several interviews lined up after a 2 year stint at a consulting boutique.
Most of them are firms like A.T. Kearny/Oliver Wyman.
I'm pretty sure there will be a question like: Why do you wan't to leave your current firm?
For me the reasons are:
- Prestige
- Better Pay
- Better Exit Ops
- More talented peers/managers
- I don't like the culture at my current firm
How do I argue?
I've already used the search function on WSO and I also have the behavioral questions interview guide from WSO, but there's no hint.
Thanks!
I think the best way to approach these questions is to use it as an opportunity to talk about the firm you are interviewing at and how you think that firm will help you succeed best. If you are going to be changing cities and/or industry focus I think you need to be able to speak to that as well (but it doesn't sound like it from your post). Most importantly, don't talk down about your current firm - you want the interviewer to think you have been groomed in a fast-paced, dynamic atmosphere and that you will be able to hit the ground running.
In summary: focus on the positives at your current role and the opportunities in the new role.
^^This.
Do what Duff said...that is the right answer.
"Why Are You Looking To Leave Your Current Job?" (Originally Posted: 02/16/2013)
I work and live in Trenton NJ, I have an interview in NYC
How do I answer the question of why I want to leave my current job? The position in NYC is almost the exact same thing
My real reason - I hate the city I live in. I used to live in NYC for a few years and miss it terribly. Also, all my friends are there. I gave this city a legitimate shot, but it's just not me..
Should I be straight up like that or think of some lame excuse? Also, I've been at my current job out of undergrad for 7 months.
Say that you want to move to NYC
Because you want back in to NYC.
Any other input?
say it has been a great experience, you gained valuble skills...etc but say you are someone who enjoys a more fast-paced environment and also living in a bigger city....say you want to move back to NYC and given that your skills and experience fit exactly with their requirments and u are sure to make a positive contribution right from the start...why u leaving your job? say mainly because i want to move to NYC as i enjoy a more fast paced, busier surroundings
Best Response for "Why I Left My Last Job?" after being "Pushed Out?" (Originally Posted: 08/29/2012)
I was "pushed out" of my pre-MBA consulting gig (and 1st full time job after college) at a well regarded boutique strategy consulting firm in July.
This was after only 1 year, allegedly because of "poor performance" even though i was "meeting expectations" at my reviews. The reality of the situtation was that there were no projects and hardly any new hirings and a bunch of people got the axe (including 2 other analysts and 2 post-MBA level guys shortly after I was terminated).
I was told that I can say "whatever I want" as to why I left the firm, as HR will only confirm my dates of employment if contacted and that I "left in good standing."
2 questions:
Given this situation, what do you guys recommend I say when asked "Why did you leave Firm X" in an interview? What is the best reason I can possibly give for quitting without sounding like a slacker, complainer, and/or total nut job for resigning in this economy?
Moreover, is it better to say "I quit for reason X" or that I got "laid off due to business needs?" I feel like the former at least leaves open the possibility that you were a good performer, where as the latter implies that you were below average, at best. But I'd like to here your perspectives.
I'm really interested to hear from anyone on the forum who has faced a similar situation or has had to answer that question under less than ideal circumstances. However, any/all responses are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
"I left the firm feeling like I learned as much as I possibly could, but I want to remain open to new opportunities, regardless of the economic state. Going forward, I want to diversify my skill set beyond what the firm could offer me."
In this day and age I feel its appropriate to just say the truth. Companies have gone through numerous rounds of changes and reorganizations, and you were just one of the unfortuante.
Who knows, maybe you were even being overpaid, or they no longer had sufficient work for your position.
I don't think that just because you got pushed out would have nothing to do with your performance, assuming you're not within senior, mid, or upper management. Like Cash said, be honest about it, but that's my take. Feel free to disagree since I'm just an intern.
Best answer to "Why are you leaving your role?" (Originally Posted: 03/03/2018)
Hey everyone,
Just wondering what are some of the best reasons to give an interviewer for leaving your current firm. I can only think of stuff not to say but can never figure out an outstanding one.
Stuff I believe to be a bad idea - Money (reason: immediate read flag) - Boring work / lack learning opportunities / toxic culture (reason: throwing shade at your present employer isn't a good reason) - Office politics (reason: it's everywhere and can't be avoided) - Bad fit (reason: makes it seem like you were the one who couldn't fit in) - Want to acquire a different skill set (reason: If you want to acquire a different skill set, it means you lack the skill set the employer wants. This puts you at a disadvantage when it comes to negotiations) - Good opportunity at your firm (reason: makes you sound opportunistic. Employer would think you would move at the next better opportunity)
Stuff I think is reasonable - Progression (reason: guys above not moving so can't move up. Once again not outstanding because during negotiations employer can say "well you have no promotional opportunities there, if you don't accept my crappy offer to you, then go back to working at your present firm")
Any outstanding ones to share?
Thanks.
Hey the_ferry, I'm here to break the silence...any of these links help you?:
Or maybe the following pros can chime in... PossumBelly Captain Manchego cgwgantt
Fingers crossed that one of those helps you.
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