How to answer “why are you leaving?” without burning bridges

Whether you're looking to grow your career, change industries, or escape a role that’s no longer right, at some point, you're going to face this question:

“Why are you leaving your current role?”

It might feel simple, but it’s a question that can make or break your interview. If you don’t strike the right tone, you risk sounding negative, uncommitted, or unclear on what you actually want.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through exactly how to answer this question with clarity, professionalism, and confidence, no matter your reasons for moving on.

Why do interviewers ask this question?

Employers don’t just want to know why you’re leaving, they want to understand:

• What motivates you

• How you handle transitions

• Whether you’re a good long-term fit for their team

• If you’re making a strategic move or simply running from something

Put simply: they’re looking for clues about your mindset, maturity, and alignment with the role you’re applying for.

What not to say (even if it’s true)

Sometimes, your reasons for leaving are deeply frustrating. Maybe you’ve been micromanaged, underpaid, or overlooked for opportunities. But bringing that into an interview can quickly backfire.

Avoid these common pitfalls:

❌ Speaking negatively about your manager or team
It makes the interviewer wonder what you’ll say about them later.

❌ Saying you want more money (on its own)
It’s fine to discuss salary — but frame it within broader growth and scope.

❌ Blaming burnout without context
If your current role stretched you too thin, talk about what you’ve learned and what you're prioritising next.

❌ Being vague or evasive
“I’m just exploring” or “I’m keeping my options open” sounds unprepared.

What to say instead: a future-focused approach

A strong answer doesn’t dwell on what you’re leaving behind. It clearly shows:

• What you’ve gained from your current role

• Why you’re looking for a new challenge

• How this new role aligns with where you’re heading

A 3-step formula you can follow:

1. Reflect positively on your current/last role

   “I’ve had a great few years at [Company], and I’ve had the chance to lead some key initiatives across [area].”

2. Explain why you’re ready to move on

   “I’ve reached a point where I’m looking to broaden my impact,  ideally in a more strategic or cross-functional role.”

3. Tie your experience to the new opportunity

   “This position stood out because of its focus on [area], and I can see a strong match with the experience I bring.”

Examples of strong, real-world answers

✅ If you’re leaving to grow:

“My role has given me solid experience managing projects and building cross-functional relationships. But I’m now looking to step into a position that allows for more leadership and broader scope, and this role really aligns with that next step.”

✅ If you’ve hit a ceiling:

“I’ve had great development where I am, but I’ve reached a point where the opportunities for growth are limited. I’m ready to take on more responsibility, and this role feels like a natural progression.”

✅ If your role or company changed:

“After a restructure, my role shifted quite a bit, and while I’ve stayed engaged, I’m keen to get back to the kind of strategic work I really enjoy. That’s what drew me to this opportunity.”

✅ If you’ve been in the same role for years:

“I’ve had longevity and success in my current position, but I’m ready for a fresh challenge, something that pushes me in new ways. This role offers the stretch and impact I’ve been looking for.”

If your reason is more personal

It’s okay to leave a role for personal reasons, but in an interview, you want to keep the focus on your career goals, not your personal life.

If you took time off, moved for family, or reprioritised after burnout, you could say:

“After taking time to reset and re-evaluate, I’m clear on the kind of work that energises me and where I add the most value. This role aligns with that direction.”

Common variations of this question 

Sometimes this question shows up in different forms, like:

• “Why are you looking to make a move now?”

• “Why are you interested in leaving your current employer?”

• “What’s motivating you to explore new roles?”

Approach all of these the same way: stay calm, keep your answer focused on the future, and frame the role you’re interviewing for as a meaningful step forward.

Quick tips for answering with confidence

✔ Be honest — but selective with your details
✔ Keep it short (aim for 30–60 seconds)
✔ Always link your reason for leaving to the new role
✔ Practise it out loud so it sounds natural, not rehearsed
✔ Stay positive — even if the last role ended on a tough note

TL;DR

Don’t speak negatively about your boss, team, or company

Stay focused on growth, alignment, and your career direction

Structure your answer around where you’ve been, what you’re ready for, and why this role fits

Practise your answer until it feels calm, clear, and future-focused.

Some helpful links on your career journey

Resume content:
“If your resume isn’t showing your value clearly, that could be part of the problem.”
→ How to craft a powerful resume that gets noticed

Interview prep:
“What do they really mean when they ask that question?”
→ The hidden meaning behind interview questions and how to answer with confidence

Career clarity content:
“If you’re unsure what comes next, getting clear on what you want is the first step.”
→ Ready to create your career breakthrough?

Want to feel more prepared heading into your next interview?

✅ Know what to say (and what to avoid)
✅ Learn how to position your experience clearly
✅ Answer common questions with confidence

👉 Download the free interview checklist for practical steps to help you prepare, impress, and show why you’re the right fit.

Ready to elevate your career and ace your next interview? Join my community now for exclusive career and interview insights delivered to your inbox.