Reason for leaving job?

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Hey everyone,

So I have an interview coming up with a very reputable company that I am excited for but I'm also nervous. On the online application, I put something like "this wonderful opportunity to work for X" as a reason for leaving my current job, which is partially true, but there are actually a cornucopia's-worth of reasons as to why I am leaving my current job. I haven't submitted my notice yet because I want to have something else secured first but I only need to give them 2 weeks.

So how do I avoid turning this into a venting session because I know they will ask me this in the interview. Can I say something like "my current job was a bad fit in terms of career growth and professional development" and then elaborate? I am hoping to go to NP school soon and this company has a lot of resources, programs and things for NP students. Plus, I would love to work for this company as a NP once i get to that point. Should I even mention that I want to go to school? When I did that with my current employer, they immediately said "awww well that means you won't be staying with me permanently but I am all for continuing education" so that makes me wonder.

Can I say that my current job wasn't a good fit for me and that I have learned to research a company in more detail so that I know it will be a good fit for me?

Also, if I am offered a position on the spot, how do I gracefully tell a potential employer that I will get back to them on the offer? For the two jobs I have had I was lucky enough to be offered a job on the spot. I have another potential interview with another employer so that's why I am asking this.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

An interview is not the time to say ANYTHING negative. Your reason for leaving is" I am seeking new challenges."

If offered a job on the spot ( they sound desperate, seeing red flags), your answer is thank you, I am currently entertaining another offer.

Good luck, let us know what you decide.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

You don't need to elaborate about your reason for leaving a job. A simple statement of "want to try something different/more challenging," should do it.

As far as accepting an on-the-spot offer...remember, you're interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you. You should take some time to consider what you learn from them during the interview. Ask questions! See how they respond.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

You don't need to elaborate about your reason for leaving a job. A simple statement of "want to try something different/more challenging," should do it.

As far as accepting an on-the-spot offer...remember, you're interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you. You should take some time to consider what you learn from them during the interview. Ask questions! See how they respond.

Thank you, that's perfect. I had an interview with a recruiter and I was asked this and he told me they'll want to know in the unit interview, too. I basically told him what you said along with the career advancement opportunities and resources available for aspiring NPs because that's what I want to be. I also said I would love to work for this company as an NP and he said it was a good answer.

I have a whole list of questions that I plan on asking lol. I'll keep you guys posted!

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Thank you, that's perfect. I had an interview with a recruiter and I was asked this and he told me they'll want to know in the unit interview, too. I basically told him what you said along with the career advancement opportunities and resources available for aspiring NPs because that's what I want to be. I also said I would love to work for this company as an NP and he said it was a good answer.

I have a whole list of questions that I plan on asking lol. I'll keep you guys posted!

I pretty much told them this in my interview. Turns out the director mans some of the NP-related stuff! And they were very positive and supportive as far as continuing education goes. The nurses genuinely seemed happy on the unit and there isn't a very high turnover there. There are also a lot of additional ancillary staff that are available to assist the nurses. I was offered the position (but not on the spot) and I took it! I'm very excited for this opportunity! :)

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

"It feels like it's time for a change."

I left my last job because I foresaw that the company was going to go under soon, there was borderline fraud going on and all managers were told that we had to be on call every night without pay. When I was asked at interviews why I was leaving, I left it at the above statement.