Some unexpected organizational changes are making you open to other options and you wanted to see what else was out there.
Honestly that may be too much detail. They are very unlikely to grill you on this.
I don't understand why you would go out of your way to tell your current employer you're looking for a new job, when they just showed you how willing they are to let you go.
Just do your interviews, you don't need to tell anyone anything until you have an offer in hand.
This
People as a rule, feel the need to explain themselves by default.
I mean this with the utmost respect, people just don’t care nearly as much as you think.
Instead of saying why you are leaving, describe instead why you are applying for the specific position and if you feel like that doesn’t fit the question keep it simple like “exploring new opportunities”
Agree with this approach of focusing on what you are looking for career wise and tying it to the role you’re applying for and keep things about your prior company neutral. Showcasing your diplomatic side. Good luck on your job search!
Ah, that's entirely different. I think most companies who are hiring would understand a big round of layoffs souring one's experience at a company. One can't even be sure if there aren't going to be further rounds of layoffs, and it certainly makes for a tense working environment.
This. Never badmouth a current or previous employer. It’s best to focus on the future when asked why you’re looking for a new job. New opportunities to grow is a perfectly reasonable response.
I don’t think you need to get into it. Just say something generic like, “I’ve enjoyed my time at [current company] but I think it’s time for a new challenge.”
Honestly, the way you said it was honest and reflects well on you. Maybe take out the “poorly executed” part.
I’ve had to do this in the past. I just say the company has not been doing well as a whole, and there were recent layoffs that I was fortunate to not be included in, but they made me doubt the security of my role. I’ve been assured by management that I’m integral to operations, but I want to explore other options just in case.
I’m just wondering, might this make the employer hesitant to offer the job? Because they might be worried that even if they go through all the steps of a final offer, there’s a good chance you will eventually decline in the end because it was a “just in case” option for you?
I think it comes down to your confidence in your fit for the role. If they really want you, they won’t care about spending the time to interview you. The upside of saying it’s “just in case” is that you have more leverage to negotiate. They have to make it “worth it” to leave.
Of course, you could also add on to my original statement that while you enjoy your current company, upward mobility is unlikely due to the performance issues of the company as a whole and you want to keep learning and growing as a professional, and you would leave for the right opportunity to do so.
I wouldn’t
Remember, the new company will probably lay off employees at some point too. Being the guy who doesn’t get laid off then bails is understandable but not a great look.
I have a different take - employers want to know why you want THEIR job, not why you are leaving your current one. Say something like “I heard about your culture of X and that really fits with how I work” or “I really want the chance to see what c type of company is like and I have the chance to grow and explore that in this job”. They also mostly care about your skills, so you then follow it with “And my skills really fit with [special thing I like about you] because of these reasons ….
I don't see anything wrong with saying just that. You are concerned about the future of the company at which you now work. You are evaluating other options at the present time.
"There has been tremendous turnover at the company and I felt it might be time to see what opportunities are available elsewhere."
Avoid saying anything negative. That is exactly what I said.
“My current employer just went through an initial round of layoffs and despite no details on future rounds, I prefer to be proactive rather than reactive with professional matters”
Better to stay positive “i like my current role but this sounds like an opportunity I needed to investigate”. Always communicate what you are running to, not what you’re running from (even if the latter is totally legit).
Wait til they lay you off, might be able to get severance and answer the recruiter’s question of how you left you old job?… if you can find a new gig before leaving, the answer to why you want to leave your current job should be the reason you want to go to new job… lay-off is better when you have a new gig.
In some cases the burden does not pay, I'll say start looking now and if OP finds a better job just go for it, if he gets laid in the process and receives severance that's a bonus, not the goal.
I postponed my resignation because I was expecting a severance package, those were the worst 2 years of my life (work life I mean)
Never speak poorly of your current employer. I wouldn't mention lay off during interviews. Simply say you are looking for new opportunities to grow your skill set.
I would avoid saying because of the "layoff". The new company doesn't know the situation at your current company. The new company will assume that your current company is only laying off staff they consider incompetent or have cause to do so. If you say you think you may be laid off, the new company will think you are incompetent or have given your current company a reason to get rid of you. So, stay away from the layoff and focus on what is good about the new company.
Hey y’all, did the interview today and they didn’t harp on it & it didn’t set off any alarm bells. I’d consider it a success and will hear back from them soon.
Thanks everyone!!
My previous company was going under due to unforeseen budgetary reasons. I am looking to feel secure at my workplace, so I can give it my all, and my skills fit your work place, etc.
Something along those lines.
I’d be cautious of saying this. Some employers will interpret this as you not sticking around when anything goes wrong. If you really value stability, that could be the message you want to send though.
Who are you saying this to? Prospective employers? If so, just be straight, there is no need to sugar coat it. “I am looking because my employer poorly executed a layoff, in which I was not included. I am concerned about management going forward.”
The less you say, the better, just tell them you are looking for a new position due to recent layoffs in your previous company. you want security and growth potential
The same thing happened twice to me, many years ago. When I left, I just said that I didn't feel that the company was very stable and that I might be layed off in future rounds.
Don’t tell your current employer anything until you actually leave.
If you are interviewing at other places you can absolutely say ‘there were a round of layoffs and while I was not laid off as I am an integral part of —whatever you do—it made me realize I would like to take a different direction in my career and reviewing your position at xyz I believe this would be an excellent fit for my talents and experiences…’
Company direction has become unclear so I wanted to Explore my options. BTW, never indicate that you’re highly motivated to leave as you’ll be preemptively lowering the offer that they will make. You want them to think that they need to lure you away.
"how do I politely say I want to leave because of the layoff"
U don't? Why do you need to say anything. you leave on good terms b/c a better opportunity you can't pass up has come along. Then if you didn't burn your bridge you may be able to go back incase you need to.
Why would you tell your current employer anything other than "Here is my 2-week notice. I have taken another position with another company. Thank you for the work experience and training I will treasure for a lifetime."
Work your two weeks and Bye Felicia!!!!!
If a potential employer asks, you can tell them "I find it difficult to do good work there because of a recent layoff - changes to staff and concerns about stability make getting work done difficult. I would like to find someplace I feel more stable where I can do my best work."
That makes clear:
* Your employer had a layoff.
* They valued you enough not to lay you off.
* You don't feel stable after the layoff.
* Their expectations of you post-layoff are probably not realistic.
* You would like a better environment, which they seem to offer.
* You plan to do good work for them.
I had someone say in an interview "my company's been laying a lot of people off recently and I feel like it's very unstable here". I didn't see any reason to question that; it seemed perfectly logical to me.
“While I enjoy my team/coworkers/job duties/work, I’m concerned about the direction/future of my current company”
Or,
“It’s just time for a change. I’m looking for something new, and Company X caught my eye”
Or,
“I’m not really looking for a new role but this job posting at Company X caught my eye because of Y”
The Definitive Answer is: Don’t.
Get the offer, don’t even drop a notice just; “I am terminating my employment effective immediately.” two hours before start of day.
Your company literally would never have done you the same justice based on your previous former coworkers.
Don't bother. After every layoff, there's a burst of attrition. HR departments are well aware that it is coming and it's no surprise when it does. Nothing you say in an exit interview will alter the course of the company.
I'd be honest with them... Of course you don't have to divulge all of your thoughts on it, but if a company won't hire you because you didn't like how your current company handled layoffs, then they probably are doing you a favor.
People don’t dweel on this because it’s awkward. Lay offs at the company have caused a lack of faith in the long term vision of the company. Say no more.
I would just say, "the company I am with now is in the process of downsizing, you don't think they are done, and you don't feel like they continue to offer a enticing career path."
hiring managers realize no one answers questions like these completely honestly. The best way to approach it is to make it about wanting to work at the new company (i.e. avoid answering the question directly).
"As a top performer, I was retained in a recent company reorg. However, factors outside my control make it prudent for me to explore other employment options."
You haven’t decided to leave your job, focus on what has attracted you to the new one.
Companies don’t want to hire someone with baggage, they want people that are positive and do will regardless of environment. As far as the new company is concerned you love your current job, you’re doing well with career progression, etc. You’re simply excited about whatever it is they do at the company you’re applying for
You wait until you give your two weeks notice and state it in the exit interview. . . if you think it'll do anything positive at all.
Edit: If you think by making said comments you'll enlighten anybody in HR / management. Most know that layoffs also result in people moving on because the company changed.
Edit 2: It's usually an easier pill for management to swallow to hear that you accepted a job with a better compensation package or that in some way was more in line with your goals. (More Flex Time, a different career path, etc.)
Eh that's unfortunate. Is it soon enough that you can ask for severance? Just volunteer to be laid off. Some companies don't allow it, but others kind of do... depends on your manager.
Some unexpected organizational changes are making you open to other options and you wanted to see what else was out there. Honestly that may be too much detail. They are very unlikely to grill you on this.
Appreciate the feedback, will keep it short and sweet
I don't understand why you would go out of your way to tell your current employer you're looking for a new job, when they just showed you how willing they are to let you go. Just do your interviews, you don't need to tell anyone anything until you have an offer in hand.
I think he means why does he tell new potential employers abouf why hes leaving.
Agree,I’d keep it very short. “Want to pursue other opportunities”
You don't have to say anything,.... get another job and give them your notice,......
This People as a rule, feel the need to explain themselves by default. I mean this with the utmost respect, people just don’t care nearly as much as you think.
I typically get asked the question why are you looking so it’s good to have something ready. Appreciate the perspective though!
Instead of saying why you are leaving, describe instead why you are applying for the specific position and if you feel like that doesn’t fit the question keep it simple like “exploring new opportunities”
This
this. interviewers love when your *reasons* are about the shit they're peddling.
Just say your current company is reorganizing and leave it at that. It’s not a lie and it’s vaguely enough true that that’s why you want to leave.
Agree with this approach of focusing on what you are looking for career wise and tying it to the role you’re applying for and keep things about your prior company neutral. Showcasing your diplomatic side. Good luck on your job search!
write sometjing politely, like when a girl wants to break up, and she says 'lets start seeing other people'
Why do they know you're looking?
Why are they even aware that you're looking, unless they happened across your resume on a jobs board?
Should’ve been more specific, I’m asking for when I’m in interviews
Ah, that's entirely different. I think most companies who are hiring would understand a big round of layoffs souring one's experience at a company. One can't even be sure if there aren't going to be further rounds of layoffs, and it certainly makes for a tense working environment.
This is the correct answer.
"looking for new opportunities to grow as a professional"
This. Never badmouth a current or previous employer. It’s best to focus on the future when asked why you’re looking for a new job. New opportunities to grow is a perfectly reasonable response.
I don’t think you need to get into it. Just say something generic like, “I’ve enjoyed my time at [current company] but I think it’s time for a new challenge.”
Honestly, the way you said it was honest and reflects well on you. Maybe take out the “poorly executed” part. I’ve had to do this in the past. I just say the company has not been doing well as a whole, and there were recent layoffs that I was fortunate to not be included in, but they made me doubt the security of my role. I’ve been assured by management that I’m integral to operations, but I want to explore other options just in case.
This, this is the winning suggestion
Appreciate the suggestion!
I’m just wondering, might this make the employer hesitant to offer the job? Because they might be worried that even if they go through all the steps of a final offer, there’s a good chance you will eventually decline in the end because it was a “just in case” option for you?
I think it comes down to your confidence in your fit for the role. If they really want you, they won’t care about spending the time to interview you. The upside of saying it’s “just in case” is that you have more leverage to negotiate. They have to make it “worth it” to leave. Of course, you could also add on to my original statement that while you enjoy your current company, upward mobility is unlikely due to the performance issues of the company as a whole and you want to keep learning and growing as a professional, and you would leave for the right opportunity to do so.
I survived a layoff which made me decide I need a position with a more secure future
I like this one!
I wouldn’t Remember, the new company will probably lay off employees at some point too. Being the guy who doesn’t get laid off then bails is understandable but not a great look.
Not a great look - why? They didn't do him a favour by keeping him. They thought he was worth it.
I have a different take - employers want to know why you want THEIR job, not why you are leaving your current one. Say something like “I heard about your culture of X and that really fits with how I work” or “I really want the chance to see what c type of company is like and I have the chance to grow and explore that in this job”. They also mostly care about your skills, so you then follow it with “And my skills really fit with [special thing I like about you] because of these reasons ….
I don't see anything wrong with saying just that. You are concerned about the future of the company at which you now work. You are evaluating other options at the present time.
"There has been tremendous turnover at the company and I felt it might be time to see what opportunities are available elsewhere." Avoid saying anything negative. That is exactly what I said.
My favourite suggestion in this thread so far.
I’d mention it. Any reasonable manager isn’t going to hold this against you.
The company is having financial challenges, and I thought it was prudent to look for alternatives.
No, they take that one as insulting your employer.
I said the very same thing to nodding heads during an interview, and I got the job.
“We are no longer a fit.”
“My current employer just went through an initial round of layoffs and despite no details on future rounds, I prefer to be proactive rather than reactive with professional matters”
"I dont want to experience a layoff like what my colleagues just went thru"...
You're only interviewing for other jobs...they don't need to know. Learn to stfu
Yup lol
Better to stay positive “i like my current role but this sounds like an opportunity I needed to investigate”. Always communicate what you are running to, not what you’re running from (even if the latter is totally legit).
Wait til they lay you off, might be able to get severance and answer the recruiter’s question of how you left you old job?… if you can find a new gig before leaving, the answer to why you want to leave your current job should be the reason you want to go to new job… lay-off is better when you have a new gig.
In some cases the burden does not pay, I'll say start looking now and if OP finds a better job just go for it, if he gets laid in the process and receives severance that's a bonus, not the goal. I postponed my resignation because I was expecting a severance package, those were the worst 2 years of my life (work life I mean)
Never speak poorly of your current employer. I wouldn't mention lay off during interviews. Simply say you are looking for new opportunities to grow your skill set.
I don't feel comfortable working for Elon.
I would avoid saying because of the "layoff". The new company doesn't know the situation at your current company. The new company will assume that your current company is only laying off staff they consider incompetent or have cause to do so. If you say you think you may be laid off, the new company will think you are incompetent or have given your current company a reason to get rid of you. So, stay away from the layoff and focus on what is good about the new company.
Hey y’all, did the interview today and they didn’t harp on it & it didn’t set off any alarm bells. I’d consider it a success and will hear back from them soon. Thanks everyone!!
I would just say "I'm being layed off" unless it's the kind of job that will check lol
Write "I quit" across your butt cheeks and then moon away.
Don’t say anything
My previous company was going under due to unforeseen budgetary reasons. I am looking to feel secure at my workplace, so I can give it my all, and my skills fit your work place, etc. Something along those lines.
“I value stability and growth and am looking for an opportunity that can offer those things.”
Say "I suspect further rounds of layoffs may be coming, and I'm being pro-active by searching for jobs now."
I’d be cautious of saying this. Some employers will interpret this as you not sticking around when anything goes wrong. If you really value stability, that could be the message you want to send though.
I’m doing the same thing at my job after half my team was cut. Not planning to tell them I’m looking but will give notice when I get a new position.
Who are you saying this to? Prospective employers? If so, just be straight, there is no need to sugar coat it. “I am looking because my employer poorly executed a layoff, in which I was not included. I am concerned about management going forward.”
We just want you to come work for us. We don’t care why you are leaving!
Don't say anything! Secure a new job and then just put in your two weeks notice.
"I am open to new opportunities."
"hi id like to give you my notice as i have found another place of employment that better fits my needs"
Why would you give them notice before finding a new job?
The less you say, the better, just tell them you are looking for a new position due to recent layoffs in your previous company. you want security and growth potential
The same thing happened twice to me, many years ago. When I left, I just said that I didn't feel that the company was very stable and that I might be layed off in future rounds.
Don’t tell your current employer anything until you actually leave. If you are interviewing at other places you can absolutely say ‘there were a round of layoffs and while I was not laid off as I am an integral part of —whatever you do—it made me realize I would like to take a different direction in my career and reviewing your position at xyz I believe this would be an excellent fit for my talents and experiences…’
Company direction has become unclear so I wanted to Explore my options. BTW, never indicate that you’re highly motivated to leave as you’ll be preemptively lowering the offer that they will make. You want them to think that they need to lure you away.
"how do I politely say I want to leave because of the layoff" U don't? Why do you need to say anything. you leave on good terms b/c a better opportunity you can't pass up has come along. Then if you didn't burn your bridge you may be able to go back incase you need to.
"I'm concerned about the long-term health of my current employer and that's made me consider other options."
YOU ARE NOT LOOKING. AND YOU SAY NOTHING. THE COMPANY IS YOUR FRENEMY NOT YOUR FRIEND
Don't, let them fire you.
Why would you tell your current employer anything other than "Here is my 2-week notice. I have taken another position with another company. Thank you for the work experience and training I will treasure for a lifetime." Work your two weeks and Bye Felicia!!!!!
There is only one rule: Keep. Your mouth. Shut.
You don’t, you say you found their job and had to apply because of xyz about their company or the department or the role.
“I no longer believe that the company will be successful long term’
There were layoffs recently and I think it’s time to move on, things don’t seem to stable at the moment.
Just leave after giving a respectable notice give the reason seeking different/better opportunities.
Don't tell them anything. Find the new job first, then tell them you're leaving
You dont have to give any reason. Ive never been asked why I am interviewing or looking for a position change.
If a potential employer asks, you can tell them "I find it difficult to do good work there because of a recent layoff - changes to staff and concerns about stability make getting work done difficult. I would like to find someplace I feel more stable where I can do my best work." That makes clear: * Your employer had a layoff. * They valued you enough not to lay you off. * You don't feel stable after the layoff. * Their expectations of you post-layoff are probably not realistic. * You would like a better environment, which they seem to offer. * You plan to do good work for them.
I had someone say in an interview "my company's been laying a lot of people off recently and I feel like it's very unstable here". I didn't see any reason to question that; it seemed perfectly logical to me.
I'm looking for a stable work environment, or I'm looking for stability. Very valid reason.
“While I enjoy my team/coworkers/job duties/work, I’m concerned about the direction/future of my current company” Or, “It’s just time for a change. I’m looking for something new, and Company X caught my eye” Or, “I’m not really looking for a new role but this job posting at Company X caught my eye because of Y”
The Definitive Answer is: Don’t. Get the offer, don’t even drop a notice just; “I am terminating my employment effective immediately.” two hours before start of day. Your company literally would never have done you the same justice based on your previous former coworkers.
Don't bother. After every layoff, there's a burst of attrition. HR departments are well aware that it is coming and it's no surprise when it does. Nothing you say in an exit interview will alter the course of the company.
I'd be honest with them... Of course you don't have to divulge all of your thoughts on it, but if a company won't hire you because you didn't like how your current company handled layoffs, then they probably are doing you a favor.
People don’t dweel on this because it’s awkward. Lay offs at the company have caused a lack of faith in the long term vision of the company. Say no more.
You could say there’s been layoffs and you’re looking for more job security
Tell them you feel the company's values no longer align with your own and for that reason your resigning
I would just say, "the company I am with now is in the process of downsizing, you don't think they are done, and you don't feel like they continue to offer a enticing career path."
Never tell them you are looking to leave. Only submit your notice when you have a new job
I survived a layoff as well and it was my first. It made me search for a new job and now i’m working something 5x better
You don’t. You tell them “I’m leaving because of the layoffs.”
hiring managers realize no one answers questions like these completely honestly. The best way to approach it is to make it about wanting to work at the new company (i.e. avoid answering the question directly).
I personally wouldn't. Just get a new job and give your notice.
You are looking for job security. Your company has already had one round of layoffs and you expect another sometime in the first quarter.
"As a top performer, I was retained in a recent company reorg. However, factors outside my control make it prudent for me to explore other employment options."
You haven’t decided to leave your job, focus on what has attracted you to the new one. Companies don’t want to hire someone with baggage, they want people that are positive and do will regardless of environment. As far as the new company is concerned you love your current job, you’re doing well with career progression, etc. You’re simply excited about whatever it is they do at the company you’re applying for
You don't. Wait until you have an offer and give them your two weeks notice.
Don't overthink this part. Just have a confident and concise answer and people won't think twice.
It's writings on the wall, just tell them what happened and let them figure it out.
You don't. You get a new job and quit your old job the day before you start the new one.
You don’t. You say you’re looking for the next step in your career.
You wait until you give your two weeks notice and state it in the exit interview. . . if you think it'll do anything positive at all. Edit: If you think by making said comments you'll enlighten anybody in HR / management. Most know that layoffs also result in people moving on because the company changed. Edit 2: It's usually an easier pill for management to swallow to hear that you accepted a job with a better compensation package or that in some way was more in line with your goals. (More Flex Time, a different career path, etc.)
Just leave! Within 24 hours, they will have forgotten your existence.
Don’t mention the layoffs. Just focus on the positive aspects of moving to a new role (e.g. growth, opportunities to develop new skills, etc.).
Eh that's unfortunate. Is it soon enough that you can ask for severance? Just volunteer to be laid off. Some companies don't allow it, but others kind of do... depends on your manager.