Why are you leaving your current job?
Give a truthful, concise reason for a move while keeping the answer focused on your next role.
The sample below is fictional. Replace its placeholders and claims with facts you can support; do not paste it unchanged into an application.
What the question asks
Employers may phrase it as: Why are you leaving your current job?
Give the real high-level reason, then connect it to what you are seeking next. You can be factual without sharing private details or criticizing individuals.
Example answer
My current role taught me [work or skill you gained]. I am now looking for a position with more focus on [specific responsibility], and this opening caught my attention because [relevant part of the posting].
Why this structure works: It answers the question without turning the application into a review of your current employer. If your actual reason is a layoff or contract end, state that plainly instead of using the sample wording.
Make it your own
- Replace the reason with what is true for you, including a layoff, contract end, relocation, or change in scope when applicable.
- Keep the explanation brief unless the employer asks for more detail.
- Connect your next step to a real responsibility in this role.
Avoid: Do not hide a material fact by claiming a reason that is untrue or disparage a former colleague by name.