Why Are You Looking For A New Role?

A standard question within the interview process is “Why are you looking for a new role?”. Easily, the most popular answer is “I am looking for a challenge”. 

This is a valid answer but it doesn’t tell the hiring manager too much. They have no idea if what they are offering would be what you are looking for.

What Are The Different Challenges?

To use an example, when recruiting for an Managing Director, one person may view a challenge as turning around a failing company to stop them from closing. Another may view a challenge as joining an already lean and smooth running company and trying to squeeze that extra 1%.

They both show a very different candidate. One is looking for a transformation role, where they can make their mark from day one and thrive within a possibly chaotic environment whilst keeping a cool head. The second shows someone who is methodical and is adapt at finding improvements in already a smooth running operation. Their skills, passions and focus lies in different areas.

What If You Are Neither Of The Above?

Not everyone is one extreme or the other. To assume you have to be either turnaround specialist or the leader of lean would be an over simplified judgement. There are many levels in between, depending on your appetite for risk and challenge. Some roles require an element of consistency where the challenge lies in just providing stability.

Why Is This Important?

Simply put, if you aren’t able to understand and differentiate your drivers, how is the interviewer meant to. They will either be put off by your vague understanding of your motivations or, even worse, place you in a role which is completely wrong for you. This will possibly leave you worse off than you were before.

If you need some further advice, get in touch or read our other blogs.