What would you say?

[Moosker 7]

I have a great job that I do enjoy, but my work load is getting more and more slim each day. There have been days that I literally have nothing to do but send 5 emails and wait for replies. It's an odd predicament to be in. I constantly ask my boss for more work and he informs me that "projects" are coming - but 9 months later, still nothing.

Today I have a phone interview with another company. I know they'll say "why are you looking to leave your current position?"

What would YOU say? Thanks!!!

[Moosker 7]

I wrote this on another forum board, but they're not very responsive yet this morning

So....

I have a great job that I do enjoy, but my work load is getting more and more slim each day. There have been days that I literally have nothing to do but send 5 emails and wait for replies. It's an odd predicament to be in. I constantly ask my boss for more work and he informs me that "projects" are coming - but 9 months later, still nothing.

Today I have a phone interview with another company. I know they'll say "why are you looking to leave your current position?"

What would YOU say? Thanks!!!

[Veronik 19]

I would say something like : 'Right now I am not meeting the challenges I had set myself professionaly and am looking for a workplace/job where I'll be able to come to my full potential'

Good luck!

[Sprailenes 47]

I always hate that question in interviews, it seems like such a trick question.

Never say you're bored and never talk about pay. That's all I know.

I like Vero's response... in fact I'm going to use that from now on too.

[SapphireDreams 71]

I would say that I'm looking for new opportunities to grow and learn more beyond what I am currently working on. I'd probably also mention that I'm the type of person who loves new challenges and I see this new position as a place where I can not only grow and learn, but also use my past experience to make a positive contribution.

It's not always about you, but you should always try to bring the answer back to how you will benefit the new organization.

[Moosker 7]

Very nice!! Thank you so much!

I feel like it's a trick question, but I have to answer it. I love the people I work with now, my boss is great, great organization, but sitting here day after day with nothing to do is killing me. I'm starting to feel guilty!

Right now I am not meeting the challenges I have set for myself professionally and am looking for a workplace where I'll be able to utilize my full potential. I see the ________ position as a place where I can not only grow and learn, but also use my past experience to make a positive contribution.

[Veronik 19]

Perfect!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

It's not a trick question....I think Vero and Chris had a good answer. You should feel free to say exactly what you've told us. That the company doesn't seem to have enough project work and you like to keep busy and keep your talents current. They may alswo ask what you've done while not busy - I wouldn't mention 'waiting for email responses'...but maybe you looked into some Books24/7 or Skillport courses (if that applies to your line of work) to take or something like that.

[Otto 83]

What would YOU say? Thanks!!!

The truth sounds like (or might sound something like):

"I feel uncertain about my future with my current employer - things have slowed to a crawl and remaiened that way for x-months. I've stuck with it, doing x and y but I have to look out for myself, so I chose your fantastic company."

[Moosker 7]

Okay, rephrase. I want to say that my workload has been cut in half within the last few months. Right now I am not meeting the challenges I have set for myself professionally and am looking for a workplace where I'll be able to utilize my full potential. I see the ________ position as a place where I can not only grow and learn, but also use my past experience to make a positive contribution.

Thanks Udella! That is true, what have I been doing during all my down time? I'm going to create a list. Wish me luck today @ 5 p.m.!!

[SapphireDreams 71]

Good luck! I think your answer is great. But I'd say be prepared for a follow up question about what kind of new challenged you're looking for specifically and an example of your past experience that can benefit the new organization.

When I was interviewing, I read a book with sample questions and also some online sites and they helped a lot!

I'm sure you'll be great! Kudos to you for going after something new instead of just settling.

[Cheyemo 8]

The truth sounds like (or might sound something like):

"I feel uncertain about my future with my current employer - things have slowed to a crawl and remaiened that way for x-months. I've stuck with it, doing x and y but I have to look out for myself, so I chose your fantastic company."

This is a great reply. Also add something about looking for a challenging environment where you can both contribute and derive value from the experience. Good luck!

[Krikit 1,164]

Duplicate topics merged.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I wouldn't say my 'workload has been cut in half' as that may imply your employer is choosing not to give you work, not that there isn't work to do. Phrase it so it indicates that you really enjoy working for your current company, you like your boss and your colleagues and get along great with them, but the company is going through a slow time right now and there is just not enough work available for you to do. State that you like being busy, working hard and having to strive to fulfill your potential, and have decided to look for a new position that will allow you to be more productive. State that you see the opportunity of working for this new company as a mutually beneficial experience.

Good luck.

[Moosker 7]

So, update, after a 2 hour long phone interview (yes, 2 hours! Is that normal?) It was a success, she has no idea when they'll be bringing people for in-person interviews, but I think it was a good interview! So we'll see. As for my question, I mentioned that I have a wonderful boss and fellow employees, a great work environment but due to the changes in membership my workload has significantly decreased in the last few months...yadda yadda. It was good! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!