At all interviews all employers with practically no exceptions do ask about the applicants’ current / previous job and why they do not fancy it any more. Do you have an answer to this question so far? A clear, precise, reasonable and persuasive one.

Reflection on this topic will not only help you to prepare for your job interview, but will also make you understand what kind of position you are looking for. Consider the following points:

1. What is your job?

Just describe it and be as precise as possible: what your daily activities at work are, what you are responsible for, how much time you spend at work, etc. The more details – the better. It is like looking at yourself at work from the distance. It will help you realize:

2. What do you like in your job?

3. And what will you never miss in case you leave the present employer?

Both points are worth reflecting on. And do not say that there is nothing positive you can think of about you current job – there must be if not loads, at least some positive things in it. Think this over and be honest with yourself, objective and specific – it is all for your own good, you do not want to get a new job and keep complaining about the same issues.

Debbie has been working for Whatever Inc. for quite a few years already. She has been doing good job so far – her boss is happy with the results and cannot point out just nothing that Debbie could have done any better. Debbie is also quite happy with what she is doing, but… But she feels she should move further, grow, develop, meet new challenges and win new battles. Currently Whatever Inc. cannot offer Debbie any career development – they need her in her present job role. So, Debbie goes job-hunting in order to check what the market can offer. Good move! But what if her boss gets to know about it?.. Whoops!

You have never promised to your employer that you will work for them forever; it is natural to look for new possibilities. However, if got caught, make sure you act quickly, because you do not want to loose your job before you find a new one. Talk to your boss. Here are the variants your conversation can be based on:

You are looking for career growth. Just like Debbie.

Explain to your boss that you have short and long-term career development goals, which you need to review on regular basis. Thus, the purpose of you going for job interviews within this particular period of time is updating your current market value and competitiveness information. In this way you are also getting to know in what way you can improve your marketability, which is absolutely true.