How to answer: “Why are you leaving your current job?”

What they’re actually asking

One thing is being measured: whether you talk badly about people you worked with. Whatever the real story, the interviewer is picturing how you'll describe them in two years. Bitterness fails the test instantly, even justified bitterness.

How to structure your answer

Frame it as moving toward something, not escaping something. One neutral sentence about the limit you hit (scope, growth, structure), then pivot to what the next role offers that the current one can't. Keep your tone the same as when you describe anything else.

Example answer

“I've grown a lot in three years there, and I'm grateful for it. But the team is small and there's no room to lead projects end to end, which is the muscle I want to build. This role owns delivery from kickoff to launch, and that's the jump I'm ready for.”

What sinks people

• Criticizing your manager or company, even mildly, even if they deserve it
• Leading with money as the only reason
• Sounding like you're fleeing: "I just need to get out of there"