This question sounds like a request for your story, but the interviewer is really testing your judgement. They want to know whether the same reason will make you leave them too.
Why interviewers ask this
Hiring and training a new employee costs months of salary. The interviewer is looking for red flags: conflict with a manager, poor performance, or a habit of leaving when things get hard. A calm, forward-looking reason tells them you make career decisions deliberately.
How to answer
- Give a short, true reason in one or two sentences. Do not tell the whole history.
- Frame it as moving towards something (a skill, a role, a domain) rather than running away from something.
- Connect that reason to this job: the thing you were missing is something this role offers.
- If you were laid off or the project ended, say so plainly. Layoffs are common and not your fault.
- Never criticise your former manager, team or company, even if the criticism is fair.
Sample answers
Looking for growth
I spent two years supporting the same billing application. I learned a lot about production support, but most of my work had become routine. I want to build features rather than only fix them, and this role is mainly development work on a product that is still growing. That is the main reason I decided to move.
Laid off or project closed
The client I was working for ended the contract, and the company reduced the team on that account. I was one of eight people released. I used the time to finish my AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, and now I am looking for a role where I can use both my Java experience and cloud skills.
Relocation or family reasons
My family moved to Pune for my father’s treatment and I wanted to be close to them. My previous company did not have an office here, so I resigned. Everything is settled now, and I am looking for a long-term role in Pune.
Mistakes to avoid
- “My manager was terrible” — even if true, it makes the interviewer wonder what your next manager will hear about them.
- Mentioning salary as the only reason. It suggests you will leave the moment someone offers more.
- Long, emotional explanations. Two or three sentences are enough.
- Inventing a reason. Interviewers often call references, and a mismatch is worse than an honest answer.
Final tip
Write your reason down and read it aloud until it takes under 30 seconds. Then stop talking and let the interviewer move on.
Practise it out loud
Answering in your head is not the same as saying it. Take 30 seconds to plan, then speak for up to 90 seconds as if the interviewer is in front of you.
Ready when you are