Question

When interviewing for a new job, what are the best responses for why you’re looking for a new job? The truth is, after 5 years at my current job the management team has evolved to become toxic. I’m an RN looking to move away from high acuity cardiac bedside nursing, to outpatient or ambulatory nursing. I don’t know if it’s appropriate to say that I’m looking for less stress, better hours, or closer to home because IMO those aren’t great reasons. If i were hiring, those wouldn’t scream “hire this person” to me. I want a response that shows a passion for the new position, but I’m struggling with an appropriate response. Help?!  

Answer 1

I would avoid the work life balance or anything negative about current situation. When I am hiring the responses around new growth, expanding skills and wanting new challenges are key. I want staff to have a good work life balance and completely support that, but when someone says that in an interview I think they aren’t going to be willing on those crazy times to put the extra effort in or are already struggling with being available for their basic schedule. If they talk negative about their current job- I wonder what the other side of the story is and whether they will be talking that way about this job in 6 months. Really emphasize your skills and desire to grow and learn new ones. Instead of talking about the balance -say you are really interested as the work is closer to your home and the hours are conducive to your current family needs.  

Comments

@hardigg/activity" class="qa-user-link">hardigg , Everything @hardigg/activity" class="qa-user-link">hardigg said 1000%‼️

Answer 2

I would always say I'm looking for a better opportunity to grow.  

Answer 3

Is there something this hospital/office is known for that you’d be able to contribute to?  

Answer 4

They want to know that you will be someone who is going to stay with them for a long time, if those reasons keep you there for a long time then those are good reasons. Say you love being a nurse, but you want a different setting, a less critical setting where you have more time to enjoy the patients.  

Answer 5

I was in this same position and I honestly told them I wanted a change from bedside, it’s the truth! Being burnt out is a great reason to change. I got the job in preop/ pacu and it’s literally the best job and decision I have ever made

Answer 6

In nursing as u know, reflection is vital, I think you should say this. But also add in new skill development.  

Answer 7

Say what you are looking ti expand your craft in outpatiebt and ambulatory nursing. Also seeking a better work life balance.  

Answer 8

I just interviewed at a different employer. Now my current employer is an hour away and 33-miles one way (66 RT) and I told them I was really looking for something closer - they were cool with it

Answer 9

Well, this (new role or position) has always interested me since. & provide a little story that explains why.  

Answer 10

Wanting to be closer to home is not a bad reason however I would focus on the growth potential for the new workplace. Find a way to use that question to show what value you can bring. It is all about the spin.  

Answer 11

To support my son's

Answer 12

Closer to home is a great reason if it’s true. Remember they’ll know where you live and currently/previously work. Of course don’t say anything negative about other employers, even if it’s “bad hours”. Just be honest without negative. If you told me you were looking for growth opportunities I would ask you specifics of what you were looking for. I ask people all of the time what their long term career goals are and what their 5 year plan is. Especially when people tell me the want to leave for more opportunities. If you’re going to say it, mean it, and have a plan. If they are good interviewers they will follow up on everything. Good luck! Toxic environments are horrible!  

Answer 13

I hate that question and employers should know better. The answer is always "to continue your personal and professional growth. " If people aren't moving or growing. where are they going? Stability is always a good answer too though. Don't go negative. there are always ways of saying how you want to improve without harping on the toxic employer. I know. I had that myself. it takes a ton of self control. Feel validated that the toxicity is seen elsewhere.  

Answer 14

I’m putting some of these in my back pocket  

Answer 15

Honesty is the best policy, but less is always more! The new place doesn’t need to here your dirt from before, toxic situations are everywhere so simplicity is clearer  

Answer 16

When I interview, I am more likely to connect with and hire someone who has a similar story that I do. So it’s best to tell the truth. The person interviewing you may have the same reason.  

Answer 17

Looking for a company where the leaders represent the company’s values and where there is a good work/life balance

Answer 18

I’m interested in a change because. I’ve always been interested in working in this area because. You could also tie in the better work life balance factor!  

Answer 19

I'm looking to expand my career and strengthen my nursing experience in other areas such as outpatient or ambulatory nursing.  

Answer 20

I just say I’m looking for a change or something new

Answer 21

I’m looking for a change and would love to broaden my horizons.  

Answer 22

Hi! I would say, “I am exploring opportunities for professional growth. A work-life balance is important to me. ” I would not complain or vent about the current job. I’m also an RN and previously worked in cardiac, so I understand!  

Answer 23

Also, the interview is really to see how polished you are and how you think on your feet. If you aren't giving a presentation (which is a totally different kind of interview), than just be you and be professional. Focus on your assets, contributions and what value you bring. Your "why" will solve the question that they are asking.  

Answer 24

As someone who has recruited, I would advise to stay away from speaking ill/alluding to your distaste of your current leaders. Depending on the recruiter, and how you message it, it can sound like drama they don’t want to bring into their organization. Focus on some of the reasons you mentioned, including your interest in the ambulatory setting and the continuum of care.  

Answer 25

When I went for a new job my response to that was that although I loved my job the company was beginning to move in a direction that did not align with the values and goals I have. I also worked for the railroad though and precision railroading was in full swing and I knew the company I was interviewing with was feeling the impact of it.  

Answer 26

As a nurse I love bedside nursing but d/t life chapters I have now become a work from home nurse which allows me a greater work life balance.  

Answer 27

Say your looking for something more challenging.  

Answer 28

A better opportunity!  

Answer 29

'Better work- life balance' always a good response.  

Answer 30

Just being at my position 5 years and now I'm looking for new challenges

Answer 31

Saying that you want to leave a toxic work environment is a valid reason. Or say that being on that team is no longer conducive to your season of life

Answer 32

Never bash ever current job. Looking to expand your skills to this new position and as bonus less commute

Answer 33

Never bash a past position even if it is true. Only say you are looking for a new challenge. Keep everything positive. Check glassdoor. com for reviews of the working culture or see if you happen to know anyone who currently works there to see what people who work there say. You don’t want to go to another toxic place. But take online reviews with a grain of salt.  

Answer 34

Always focus on what the new opportunity will provide to you - new challenges, alignment to your values/goals. I try to make it more about why I want to work at the job I am interviewing for and less about why I want to leave my current employer. I’m an HR Manager and whenever people bash their current employers it definitely causes me to pause for a moment.  

Comments

@premium  

Answer 35

YouTube has a ton of good videos to give you the “answers to the test” as It maybe. You definitely want to emphasis personal growth and new challenges or gain new skills. Never say anything negative about prior role or organization.  

Answer 36

You can say that you’re looking for a new challenge in your career and new opportunities for learning and growth. If the new facility is closer to home, express your interest in providing care for the community you live in.  

Answer 37

What interests you about that job? I don’t have a medical background (HR) here. So I’d say while my current position allowed me to grow greatly in X area, I’d like to have the opportunity to develop x and this position would be the perfect opportunity for me. Seems the new position would allow you to really build relationships and make a difference in your community.  

Comments

@ultimatum  

Answer 38

I just experienced this! I said I was looking to expand my knowledge/experience in the profession and that this new job has a lot more to offer me in terms of newer technology/better hours etc!  

Answer 39

I'd say that I'm looking for new and different challenges. Expanding your knowledge base is always a good reason.  

Answer 40

I just transitioned to less stress RN job and as I was interviewing I’d say “My current positioned has really sharpened my critical thinking skills, time management, etc. I’m really looking forward to apply this knowledge into __. ” Or “I really thrive on connecting with patients and I’m looking for an environment that allows for that. ” Or something as simple as “I’m ready to see what else nursing has to offer and this is what I can bring to the table. ”

Answer 41

Alot of Management has become toxic and upper management or HR does not do anything about it