Michael Page’s India Talent Trends 2025 report states that 98% of professionals are open to new opportunities and job swaps. One of the most difficult things for professionals to do when changing jobs is to explain the motives behind the change. We have put together a list with the best motives for job exchange and the best answers explaining the reason for job change during an interview.
Top Motives to Change Jobs
You can use these motives to answer questions about job changes in an interview.
- Look for greater Responsibility
- Looking for a more challenging role
- Want Better Job Security
- New Skill Development
- Career Growth
- Relocation
- Unfavorable company culture
We will explore these motives in more detail below.
How can I explain the reason for my job change without sounding negative?
You need to know the best way to answer why you changed jobs during an interview. Here are some examples of how to answer the question about why you changed jobs.
Look for greater Responsibility
- In my current position, I’ve had the chance to manage a group of 4-5 individuals. This invaluable experience helped me to realize that I could thrive in a role of leadership. I am now ready to assume greater responsibilities. The organization’s hierarchy makes it hard to take on additional responsibilities.
- Last year I was appointed temporary manager to replace my manager who went on long-term leave. This experience helped me to realize my leadership potential. Now I want to work in roles where I can lead teams and take on complex projects.
Looking for a more challenging role
- My last job was a major factor in my career development because it helped me develop a specific skill set within the XYZ sector. I soon realized that I was ready to take on more challenging roles, but my organization didn’t offer me enough opportunities to use my skills. I am now looking for more challenging jobs at growing companies.
- I was able to take on a number of challenging projects in my last job. The team members are often excluded from the process of decision making. I would like to work for an organization that values employee involvement and ownership.
Want Better Job Security
- The previous company was faced with unexpected budget constraints that led to mass layoffs. Although I appreciate the skills and experience I gained in my previous role, I’m now searching for opportunities that offer a stable work environment and a growth-oriented culture.
- The best motives for changing jobs in a short time
- I joined my current company last summer because of its promising growth. The recent acquisition of the company has led to significant changes in its core management structure. Job cuts and reshuffled teams have led to unclear job responsibilities. So, I’m looking for stable jobs.
- As soon as I joined the firm, I found that there were many new projects I was expected to oversee. Most of the projects have been delayed or put on hold because of unforeseen circumstances. I am looking for a new job because my current position does not align with my career goals.
New Skill Development
- My former company encouraged employees to be proactive and had a flexible working culture. The company did not have any promising policies for skill development. It is because you want to work for an organization that invests heavily in the upskilling of its employees.
- I was not encouraged by my previous employer to learn new skills or work on new projects. I changed jobs to be able to develop my skills and explore my potential in an organisation that encourages me to do so.
Career Growth
- During the first two-years of my previous job, I had many interesting and challenging opportunities. Unfortunately, the company’s growth has ceased. There are few challenging projects, and I am looking for better roles.
- After graduating, I started my last job. Although challenging, I gained a lot knowledge and skills that are relevant to my industry. Since the company does not have any new projects planned in the near future, I do not see any growth opportunities. I’m looking for a role that is exciting and aligns with my career goals.
Relocation
- My family is dependent on me for income, so I had to move to this city. My parents are also getting older. I can visit my parents more often and help them in an emergency if I work in this city.
- Last year, I moved to the city ABC because of a promising new job. I initially liked the hustle culture of the city, but my health began to deteriorate after a few weeks. I’ve moved back to the city XYZ, to be with my family. I am now looking for career opportunities that are aligned with my goals.
Unfavorable company culture
- My previous role was very exciting and allowed me to develop many skills, but there were several instances of micromanagement. It is for this reason that I am looking for jobs in companies with a collaborative, inclusive culture.
- I am very happy with the work culture at my current job. It is flexible. The company, however, has a rigid hierarchy that prevents team members from taking initiative. I would like to change jobs to an organization that encourages its employees to be more innovative and to gain new experiences.
FAQ:
How do I address a job change in my resume and cover letter?
When you’ve changed jobs multiple times in the past few years, it can be hard to explain your motives for change on a resume or cover letter. Make a list and pick the most appropriate reason to change jobs. Avoid negativity. Tell them how your career has advanced since you changed jobs. Tell them that it has allowed you to gain new skills and take on more challenging tasks.
What should I say about voluntary job changes in interviews?
You should mention voluntary job changes during job interviews. Why? It helps you gain credibility and lets the new employer know your career goals. Avoid negative remarks about your former employer and adopt a positive attitude. Explain the motives for the job change and start with your career progression in your former role. Link it to the way the new job can help you address the motives for your change.
How can I turn a job change into a positive aspect during interviews?
It can be difficult to explain the reason for a job change in an interview. You can still make it work in your favor. How? You can do this by focusing on career development, upgrading your skills, and how you want to take on new challenges.
Professionals are concerned about job security and upskilling as the global workforce sector evolves rapidly. Many companies offer and skill-based training programs for their employees. Professionals must invest in their career development by upskilling. Enroll today in online courses offered by the best universities around the world on Emeritus to boost your career.
