You have to find your own answer and put it into words that a new employer will want to hear. Don’t be dishonest but definitely make the answer make you look like you want to excel in one way or another. Sometimes this question is asked to get a better feel of who you are, or to see if your personality works with the people who are already employed by this company. Sometimes an employer asks this question to see if you would rather complain about your old job or show how you want to exceed in life.
Your answer has to show two things:
- That you have a desire to obtain personal growth with this company.
- That you are seeking more opportunity.
Other reasons really don’t mean much to a new employer. No employer wants to hear your baggage from another employer. How does this employer know you won’t turn around and say the same type of things about his or her company as you are saying about your former/current employer and his or her company?
Complaints of any kind will just deter the new employer from considering hiring you. You may very well have your complaints and your reasons for leaving your other job but this is never the place to voice them!
If you want employment that is closer to home, then this will show the new employer that you value your time. If you want to grow your knowledge, the new employer will value the fact that you are a person who likes to learn and grow.
However you decide to answer this question, just remember: Be Positive, Not Negative. Your prospective employer will appreciate a great outlook and future goals rather than complaints about your current or previous employer!