The American worker will change jobs for several reasons. The most popular reasons to start over range from being underpaid to having personality conflicts with the boss.
But when you're interviewing for your new job, you don't want to tell the interviewer that you didn't get along with your boss.
If you're unsure of what to mention in the interview, take Carl Mueller's advice. He's the author of "Reasons to Look for a New Job: Which Ones Should You Avoid Mentioning":
Reason No. 1: You lost your last job. When you get your next interview, be factual and brief about why you are no longer with your last job.
Reason No. 2: You're underemployed. It's natural to find a job that matches your skills, experience and career aspirations. If your interviewer asks you why you left, say that you needed a challenge.
Reason No. 3: You're looking for a better opportunity. Looking for a job that shows off your skills is a great reason to look for a new job. However, if you mention this in the interview, it can give the appearance that you are always looking for another opportunity.
Reason No. 4: You want a job closer to home. Wanting to work closer to home is not a crime, but the interview might not go your way if you say, "I want to work here because it's close to home."
Reason No. 5: You travel too much. Perhaps you travel way too much in your current job. Just make sure your next job doesn't have the same travel component.
Reason No. 6: You want better long-term prospects. Maybe your current employer is in a dying industry, maybe it's poorly managed and perhaps the long-term viability of the company/industry is in question. Whatever the reason, be sure not to bad-mouth your previous employer to the interviewer.
Reason No. 7: You want to work for a smaller/bigger company. The size of the company you work for can have a significant impact on your career. In some cases, a smaller company provides a more family-like atmosphere. Conversely, a larger firm can provide more stability and opportunity for advancement. Ensure that the interviewer knows that regardless of the company's size, you want to make a contribution to the position first.
Reason No. 8: Personal reasons. Perhaps the birth of a child, a recent marriage or another life-changing event prompted you to make a fresh career start. But personal reasons for leaving a job have no place in an interview discussion.
Reason No. 9: You're being mistreated in your current job. Any job can feel like an unhealthy and unhappy experience if co-workers mistreat you. Mentioning any of these conflicts during your interview will cause the interviewer to wonder why you can't get along with your co-workers, regardless of the circumstances.
Reason No. 10: You were passed over for a promotion. If you were passed up for a promotion and mention this in the interview, you could give the impression that you are bitter.
Reason No. 11: Ethical reasons. Is your company engaged in activities that you don't want to be a part of? Maybe your company has done something that goes against your value structure. It's important for you to evaluate what kind of company you want to work for before you go into the interview.
*Bonus reason: You want or need more money. Maybe you feel you are paid less than what you are worth or perhaps you work for a company that is known for underpaying staff. While better pay is a good reason to look for a new job, it's not a good reason to mention during an interview. And if you're simply looking for a raise, maybe you should talk to your current employer first.
There is nothing wrong with challenging yourself or seeking out better opportunities. But be careful with how you word your intentions in an interview.
For more career advice, visit the Career Advice section.
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