In a job interview, how should you answer the question Why are you looking for a new job to create a positive impression?

Introduction / Context:
Why are you looking for a new job is one of the most common and important behavioural questions in job interviews. Recruiters use it to understand your motivation, your professionalism, and whether you might be a risky hire who blames others. A strong answer shows that you are moving towards a better opportunity rather than simply running away from problems, and that you can talk about your current organisation in a respectful, mature way.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You are currently employed or were recently employed in another role.
• The interviewer wants to assess your motivation, attitude, and cultural fit.
• They are listening for red flags such as complaining, blaming, or focusing only on money.
• You want to present yourself as growth oriented and professional.

Concept / Approach:
The best approach is to frame your answer in positive, forward looking terms. Instead of criticising your current company, you emphasise your desire for growth, new challenges, a better skills match, or alignment with the new organisation's values. You can briefly mention limits in your current role, but you keep the tone respectful. The key is to show that your decision is thoughtful and strategic, not emotional or impulsive. This reassures the interviewer that you will not speak negatively about their company in future.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Acknowledge that you have gained valuable experience in your current or previous role. Step 2: Explain that you are looking for specific positives such as more responsibility, a broader role, better use of your strengths, or exposure to a new domain. Step 3: Connect these goals to what the new company can offer, for example their projects, culture, or growth stage. Step 4: Avoid complaining about your current manager, team, or organisation, even if you had problems there. Step 5: Keep the answer balanced, honest, and professional, making it clear that you are focused on long term career growth.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can test your answer by asking yourself whether it would still sound professional if your current manager were in the room. If your response highlights growth and alignment with the new role, it will usually pass this test. Recruiters often compare multiple candidates who give similar technical answers, so the person who explains their move in a thoughtful and positive way often stands out as more mature and easier to manage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b suggests openly complaining about your boss and colleagues, which makes you look negative and unprofessional and raises doubts about how you will speak about the new company later. Option c frames you as someone who wants less responsibility and less effort, which is the opposite of what most employers seek. Option d sends the message that you care only about salary and not about the work, culture, or contribution, which is a strong red flag in most interviews.

Common Pitfalls:
Common mistakes include oversharing personal conflicts, blaming a single person for everything, or saying you simply need more money. Another pitfall is giving a very vague answer that does not connect to the new role at all. To avoid these problems, prepare a concise, positive story that emphasises learning, growth, and alignment with the opportunity you are interviewing for.

Final Answer:
The best way to answer this question is to focus on positive reasons such as career growth, new challenges, and better alignment with your skills rather than criticising your current employer.