The One Question That Kills 50% of Interviews

It happens in almost every interview. The pleasantries are over. You are feeling confident. Then the Hiring Manager leans back and asks: "So, why are you looking to leave your current company?"

This is the trap. And 50% of candidates walk right into it.

The "Venting" Mistake

When you are unhappy in your job, you are emotional. So when someone asks why you are leaving, your instinct is to tell the truth:

• "My boss is a micromanager."

• "The company is disorganized."

• "They didn't pay me my bonus."

You think you are being "honest." The Hiring Manager hears: "Toxic."

If you speak negatively about your current employer, the new employer assumes you will eventually speak negatively about them. It is an immediate Red Flag.

The Art of the Pivot

To win the offer, you must master the "Diplomatic Pivot." You never run from a problem. You always run toward an opportunity.

• Bad Answer: "I'm leaving because my current company has no growth and the management is messy."

• Winning Answer: "I’ve learned a lot in my current role, but I’ve hit a ceiling. I am ready for a position where I can take more ownership of the P&L, which is why this specific role appealed to me."

Do you see the difference? One sounds like a victim. The other sounds like a professional.

The Verdict

An interview is not a therapy session. It is a sales pitch. Don't let your frustration with the past ruin your future.

Learn to tell your story the right way.