Why do you intend to leave the present company?

Answer 1

This is one question where the applicant should frame his/her answer very carefully, as complete honesty may not serve well. The interviewer is testing to see how professionally the applicant maintains business relationships. Never make your leaving your present company a personal decision, and never criticize the present company. Always start with a positive reflection of your time at the company, as with, "I've had a great 5 years with Acme Inc." Tell the interviewer that you are leaving the company out of your choice. Perhaps you need new challenges. Perhaps you need more opportunity for advancement. Perhaps the company is undergoing financial difficulties, and you need greater financial security. Perhaps the job presents scheduling and commuting difficulties that make it difficult to keep. Never say your leaving has anything to do with bad relationships, such as with your boss, colleagues, subordinates. Never say you are driven solely by seeking a higher salary, but of course you can say that salary is a top factor. (Otherwise you may leave any employer for a higher salary.) Always reinforce that you are leaving the company on good terms, that you maintain good relationships, and that there are no legal repercussions of your leaving.