Career History · UK 2026
How to answer "Why are you leaving your current role?"
Interviewers also phrase it as:
- "Why are you looking to move?"
- "What's prompting your job search?"
- "Why now?"
Why interviewers ask
Tests judgement, professionalism, and self-awareness all at once. Interviewers are listening for warning signs: do you badmouth employers, blame everyone but yourself, run from problems instead of toward opportunities? Strong answers frame the move as positive (toward something) not negative (away from something), even if the underlying reason is push not pull. The candidates who land this answer well frame the move as a deliberate next step in their career arc, not an escape.
Model answer
I've been at [current company] for [X years] and it's been the right place for me to [specific thing you accomplished]. Recently I've started feeling that the next stretch I want — [specific career step, like managing a team, owning a product line, working in a different sector] — isn't going to come up there in a sensible timeframe. Rather than wait for it indefinitely, I started looking. I'm leaving on good terms; I've told my manager, and they understand. The reason I'm interviewing here specifically is [direct connection to what you want next].
What to avoid (common bad answer)
My current company has terrible management and the culture has become toxic. My manager doesn't know what they're doing and I'm not getting the recognition I deserve. (Badmouthing — instant red flag, interviewers will assume you'd do the same to them.) Or: I just need a change. (Vague — flags lack of self-awareness or hidden problems.) Both fail interview screens.
Structure of a good answer
- 1 Acknowledge what was good about the current role (avoids defensive framing)
- 2 Identify the specific next step you want
- 3 Explain why your current company can't provide it in a reasonable timeframe
- 4 Note that you're leaving professionally and on good terms
- 5 Connect to why this role specifically is the next step
Common mistakes
- ✗ Badmouthing your manager, team, or company — instant disqualifier in 90% of UK interviews
- ✗ Citing money as the only reason — flags wrong motivations
- ✗ Vague 'looking for new opportunities' framing — interviewers want specifics
- ✗ Lying — most UK recruiters back-channel and the truth often surfaces in references
- ✗ Citing pressure or workload as the reason — flags resilience concerns
Recruiter pro tip
If the truth is that you've fallen out with your manager or hate the culture, you still don't say that. Reframe it forward: 'I want to work somewhere with [the positive thing the new company has].' Interviewers can tell when push factors dominate, but they cut you slack if you've translated them into pull factors. The candidates who fail this question are the ones who can't help themselves from venting.
FAQ
What if I was made redundant? ▼
Be direct: 'My role was made redundant in [month] as part of [restructure / department closure / company-wide cost reduction]. I'm taking the opportunity to be deliberate about my next move.' Don't hide it; UK interviewers respect directness on redundancy.
Should I mention conflict with my manager? ▼
No, even if true. Reframe forward: 'I want to work in a team where [specific quality]. That's not what's available where I am.' Vagueness is acceptable here.
How recent should my departure plans be? ▼
It's fine to say you've been thinking about it for some time — interviewers prefer deliberate moves to impulsive ones.