Question:

I've been working for my employer for a little over two months but am trying to find a better position. Interviewers have asked me why I'm looking for a new job after only being with my current employer for so short a period of time. How do I answer them?

First Answer:

Always answer an interview question truthfully, but keep in mind that an interview is not a court of law, so you are not obligated to provide the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

The potential employer is asking you the question because they want to make sure that you're going to stay with them for a long period of time. Depending on the position for which you're interviewing, that likely means at least a few years. If you're in the habit of jumping from job to job every few months, then that reflects poorly upon you and it will make it more difficult for you to land a great job. You're better off sticking with a job that isn't great for at least a few years and trying to make that job better or perhaps even transfer within the company. If you move from one department to another, that doesn't reflect as poorly upon you as moving from one company to another company.

If you are currently out of work or otherwise not able to stay with your current employer for a longer period of time, then you need to look at this question from the perspective of your potential employer. They need to know why you left your previous job and need to feel comfortable that you won't leave them quickly. The best way of satisfying their need is to help them understand that the situation with the previous job was different than it would be should they hire you. Don't just say that though. Talk is cheap. You need to explain to them why you won't leave quickly. For example, if you took your previous job and then found that you were working for an abusive manager, your potential employer will likely understand that you won't be likely to quit quickly because their managers aren't abusive. If you want to quit your previous job because you want to make a bit more money someplace else, that is a problem.

--Steven Rothberg, President and Founder of CollegeRecruiter.com

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