How to Answer “Reason for Leaving”: 7 Smart Answers (2025)

Leaving a job isn’t easy. Explaining why you left (or want to leave) during an interview? That’s where most candidates stumble.

Hiring managers know that this question can expose more than your résumé ever could. “Why do you want to leave your current job?” reveals how you handle change, what you value in a workplace, and how you talk about the past. In real estate and beyond, it’s a moment that can either strengthen your credibility or break it.

And there’s a good reason why employers ask. A survey conducted at the end of 2024 showed that 56% of full-time U.S. employees were planning to find a new job in 2025, and 27% had already started searching. Also, nearly one in three even expected to quit without another position lined up. 

Now, as that prediction has largely played out through 2025, hiring teams are even more cautious about who they bring on next. That means hiring teams are dealing with a record number of job hoppers, and they’re being extra cautious about who they bring on next.

So if you’re preparing for interviews, we’ll show you how to answer “reason for leaving” with clarity, confidence, and strategy. Especially if you want to stand out in a competitive market like real estate.

Let’s begin, shall we?

TL;DR

Short on time? Here are the main takeaways:

• Keep your answer short, honest, and future-focused.
• Focus on growth, values, and alignment, not complaints.
• Never badmouth a company or manager.
• Frame your reason for leaving as part of your professional evolution.
• Prepare one or two polished examples before every interview.

Why Employers Ask “Reason for Leaving” on Job Interviews?

This question might sound simple, but for recruiters, it’s a diagnostic tool. They’re not just looking for your reason. Here’s what’s behind that question:

Assessing reliability and professionalism

Employers want to see if you handle transitions responsibly. According to eLearning Industry, 31% of employees in 2025 quit before completing six months in a role. 

That stat alone shows why recruiters dig deeper; they want to hire people who commit, not bail out at the first challenge.

Understanding career motivation and patterns

Interviewers also look for patterns. Do you leave every job after a year? Have you moved from one role to another with a clear purpose? If your path looks strategic, that’s a plus. But if it looks impulsive, it’s a red flag.

Evaluating cultural and team fit

Companies, especially in real estate, rely on tight-knit teams. The right fit can determine if someone thrives or burns out. A thoughtful answer helps them see if your personality, communication style, and values align with their culture.

Identifying red flags

They’re listening for blame or negativity. A bitter tone or gossip about your former employer can instantly kill your credibility. 

Recruiting firm Robert Half explains it clearly:

“The first reason an interviewer might ask a question like ‘Why do you want to leave your current job?’ is to learn more about the circumstances in which you’re leaving your current employer (redundancy, resignation, etc.). Intel like this can help them understand your current employment situation and how it might impact their hiring timelines or process.”

Bottom line? When they ask “reason for leaving,” they’re not trying to catch you off guard. What’s happening is that they’re assessing how you handle change and if you’re worth investing in.

Interview Question: “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?”

How to Structure Your Answer?

Before getting into examples, let’s get one thing straight: your answer is (and should be) a professional summary, not a confession. The interviewer wants to know how you think, not every detail of what happened. 

Here’s what you should keep in mind for your answer:

Keep It Short and Relevant

This isn’t the moment to tell your career story from high school onward. Stick to one or two sentences that clearly explain your reason for leaving. Avoid going into the weeds about co-workers, management, or office politics. 

Keep it factual and polished. Your goal is to show control, not emotion.

Key Quote: As Robert Half also notes:

“This interview question is not an invitation to air your grievances about your current or ex-employer. The interviewer isn’t looking for a salacious gossip session, and a passionate or bitter outburst may cast you in a poor light, so it’s best to resist the temptation (and have an answer prepared and rehearsed).”

Focus on Growth and Future Goals

The best answers link the past to your future. For example:

“I’ve learned a lot from my current company, but I’m looking for a role where I can take on more responsibility and work on higher-impact projects.”

That tells the recruiter you’re focused on development, not running from problems. It also positions you as goal-driven, which most hiring managers value.

Stay Positive and Neutral

Even if you left due to burnout or a toxic environment, avoid criticism. Instead, focus on what you learned or what you’re seeking next. 

As Genevieve Northup, HR Manager, explained on Indeed:

“Employers want to hire employees whose positivity increases morale. Find a way to positively frame your rationale for leaving, even if your reasoning for leaving was due to a negative work culture or other concerns.”

This approach shows emotional maturity and helps you stand out as someone who can keep things professional, even under pressure.

Tailor It to the New Role

Your answer should connect directly to the opportunity you’re interviewing for. Show genuine interest in what they offer. 

For instance:

“I’m looking for a company that’s growing in commercial real estate, where I can apply my background in residential sales and expand my skills.”

It’s short, specific, and aligns your story with their goals. That’s exactly what hiring managers want to hear.

WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR LAST JOB? (The BEST ANSWER to this TOUGH Interview Question!)

7 Ways to Answer “Reason for Leaving a Job” in Interviews

It’s true that there isn’t one perfect reason to leave a job, but there are good, professional ones. What matters most is how you explain it. 

These seven examples will help you sound confident and genuine, depending on your reason. All while keeping the focus on growth.

1. Career Growth and New Challenges

Leaving for growth is one of the most common and accepted reasons. It shows that you’re ready to take the next step, not that you’re running away from something.

In real estate, that’s especially normal. Turnover can reach 88% a year, and the best professionals use each move to grow their skills and take on bigger responsibilities.

You can say something like:

“I’ve learned a lot in my current position, but I’m ready for a role that gives me more responsibility and lets me manage my own clients.”

That answer is clear, ambitious, and shows purpose.

2. Desire for Better Work-Life Balance

In 2025 and beyond, balance matters more than titles. Many professionals are changing jobs not for a higher salary, but for more control over their time. 

In fact, a study found that only 26% now leave for career growth (down from 37% before). Meanwhile, well-being is becoming a key reason to move.

So, a simple way to put it could be:

“I’m looking for a role with better balance so I can stay focused and productive. I’ve learned that a healthy schedule helps me perform at my best.”

This shows maturity and self-awareness, not a lack of drive.

3. Seeking a Stronger Cultural Fit

Sometimes the challenge in your previous (or current) position isn’t the job itself, but the environment around it. 

Maybe you prefer collaboration, yet your previous company encouraged constant competition. Or maybe your values didn’t fully align with the culture.

Here’s how to say it naturally:

“My previous company had a fast-paced culture that helped me grow quickly. Now I’m looking for a team that values collaboration and shared success.”

It’s positive, respectful, and highlights what you’re looking for next.

4. Relocation or Life Changes

Personal or family moves are completely valid reasons for leaving. The key is to show that you’re now settled and ready to commit.

For example:

“I recently relocated to this city to be closer to family, and I’m looking to build my career here long-term.”

This is a short, clear, and grounded answer; that’s all you need.

5. Company Restructuring or Layoffs

Layoffs happen everywhere, and they don’t define your performance. Keep your answer factual and focused on what’s next.

If this is your reason, you could say:

“My role was affected by company restructuring, which gave me a chance to refocus and look for a position where I can contribute to a growing team.”

That’s a professional and forward-looking way to put it.

6. Transitioning Industries or Career Paths

Changing industries can be a strength if you connect your past experience to your new goals. For instance, real estate often attracts professionals from sales, marketing, and hospitality. So, highlight the skills that carry over.

You might say:

“I’ve built strong client communication and negotiation skills in hospitality, and I’m ready to apply them in real estate.”

It shows adaptability and enthusiasm without overexplaining.

7. Ethical or Value Misalignment

Sometimes you realize your values no longer match the company’s direction. That’s a fair reason to move on, as long as you stay neutral and avoid criticism.

A respectful way to explain it could be:

“I realized my professional values weren’t fully aligned with the organization’s, and I want to work for a company that prioritizes transparency and integrity.”

It’s honest, balanced, and keeps your tone professional.

Reasons to Avoid Mentioning During Interviews

Now, there are a few answers that sound honest… but may end up hurting your chances. Some topics make you look emotional, difficult to work with, or focused on the wrong things. 

Here’s what to stay away from:

Conflicts or Personality Clashes

Even if you left because of tension at work, avoid mentioning it. Talking about conflicts can make interviewers wonder if you were part of the problem. What they want to hear is that you can stay professional no matter the situation.

Instead of saying you didn’t get along with your manager or team, focus on what you learned from the experience.

Here’s an example:

“I realized I do my best work in environments with clear communication and teamwork, which is something I’m looking for in my next role.”

That shows maturity and keeps the tone positive.

Key Insight: Earlier this year, Forbes reported that 28% of employees expected to quit out of frustration or burnout in 2025, a trend known as “revenge quitting.” That trend is now visible across industries, and it’s what employers are trying to prevent.

Salary Complaints

Money is a valid reason to change jobs, but talking about it directly can backfire. If your main answer is “I wanted more pay,” you risk sounding like you’ll leave again as soon as someone else offers more.

So, it’s better to link compensation to growth and value.

Try this in your answer:

“I’m looking for a role that matches my level of responsibility and offers opportunities to grow with the company.”

This way, you address pay indirectly without sounding transactional.

Negative Comments About Management

Criticizing leadership is another red flag. Even if your manager was difficult, blaming them never looks good. It can make you seem negative or unwilling to take accountability.

Instead, explain what kind of leadership style helps you thrive.

For instance:

“I’ve learned I work best in places where feedback is open and communication goes both ways.”

That keeps your answer professional and focused on fit, not on frustration.

Sample Answers to “Reason for Leaving”

Now that you know what works (and what doesn’t), let’s look at how to put it all together. 

These examples show how to answer depending on your level and situation. Keep them short, sincere, and focused on the future:

For Entry-Level Candidates

When you’re early in your career, hiring managers know you’re still exploring your path. The key is to show curiosity and a desire to grow.

You could say:

“I’m grateful for my first job because it taught me the basics of client communication. Now I’m looking for a role that gives me more responsibility and helps me keep learning.”

This answer is simple, confident, and shows you’re moving forward for the right reasons.

For Mid-Level Professionals

If you already have solid experience, focus on progression instead of boredom or frustration. Employers want to hear that you’re ready for a new challenge, not escaping an old one.

Here’s an example:

“I’ve grown a lot in my current position, but I’m ready for a role that lets me manage larger projects and contribute to long-term goals.”

This works especially well if you’re interviewing for leadership or client-facing roles.

For Real Estate Agents and Brokers

In real estate, switching brokerages or firms is normal. What matters is how you frame the change. Show that you’re moving toward growth, mentorship, or a better structure.

You might say:

“I’m looking to join a brokerage that offers stronger mentorship and more opportunities to work with high-value listings. I believe this is the right step to keep growing as an agent.”

It’s positive, professional, and focused on long-term goals.

For Career Changers

When you’re moving into a new field, link your past experience to what you want to do next. Emphasize transferable skills and motivation.

For instance:

“I’ve built strong communication and organization skills in my previous industry, and I’m ready to apply them in real estate, where I can build lasting client relationships.”

This approach keeps you credible and enthusiastic at the same time.

Tips to Deliver Your Answer Confidently

Even the best answer can fall flat if your delivery sounds unsure. How you say it matters just as much as what you say. 

Here’s how to make your response sound calm, natural, and confident during the interview:

Practice With a Recruiter or Mentor

Rehearsing helps more than people think. Saying your answer out loud helps you smooth out awkward phrasing and avoid sounding defensive.

If you’re working with a recruiter, ask them for feedback. They can tell you how your answer comes across and help you adjust it to the tone employers expect.

Pro Tip: Record yourself answering the question. You’ll catch small habits (like apologizing too much or overexplaining) that you can fix before the real interview.

Match Tone With the Interview Context

Not every interview feels the same. A corporate hiring manager might prefer a polished, structured answer, while a smaller firm or real estate team might respond better to a conversational tone.

So, pay attention to their style and mirror it lightly. If they’re formal, keep your response crisp. If they’re friendly, relax your tone while staying professional. The goal is to sound genuine, instead of rehearsed.

Keep the Focus on the Future

Your answer should always end with what’s next. A positive ending shifts the focus from why you left to where you’re heading.

For example:

“Leaving my last job was a tough choice, but it helped me clarify what I want next: a role where I can contribute long-term and keep learning.”

That kind of ending shows maturity, optimism, and direction; all traits employers value.

Bottom Line: Keep It Real, and Move Forward

Explaining why you left a job doesn’t need to feel uncomfortable. It’s your chance to show reflection, self-awareness, and direction.

The best answers sound calm and intentional. You’re showing how each decision has moved you closer to where you want to be, not listing excuses. That kind of clarity leaves a lasting impression.

In real estate, change is part of progress. Markets shift, firms evolve, and so do careers. The key is to make every move count and to talk about it with confidence.

If you’re planning your next step, Estate Skyline can help you make it a smart one. We connect real estate professionals and firms that share the same goals, values, and drive for growth.

Reach out today and find out how to position your next career move for lasting success.

FAQs

What is the best way to answer “reason for leaving” in an interview?

Keep it short and focused on growth. Mention what you’re looking for next in your job application, not what went wrong. For example, “I’m ready for a role that lets me grow and take on more responsibility.”

How honest should I be when explaining why I left my previous job?

Be honest but selective. You don’t need to share every detail, just the professional reason behind your move from your previous employer. Avoid negative talk or emotional explanations.

What if I were fired or let go? How do I explain that professionally?

Keep it factual and calm. For example: “My role was affected by company changes, and I’ve taken the time to learn from the experience and move forward.” Focus on what you learned and what you want in your next opportunity.

How do I explain leaving a real estate brokerage for another one?

Frame it around growth and fit. You might say: “I wanted to join a brokerage that offers stronger mentorship and aligns better with my long-term goals.” Keep the focus on how this new step supports your current role development and future plans.

What are good reasons for leaving a job that won’t raise red flags?

Career growth, new challenges, relocation, better work-life balance, company restructuring, or a stronger culture fit are all solid reasons when framed positively. These show initiative and readiness for new opportunities.

Should my “reason for leaving” match what’s written on my resume?

Yes. Consistency matters. If your resume and verbal answers don’t align, it can create doubt for a potential employer. Make sure both tell the same professional story, just in different formats.