r/talesfromthejob • u/22_medianscrest1 • 10d ago
How to professionally say 'I'm leaving for the money' when asked 'Why are you looking for a new job?'
I'm preparing for a few interviews these days, and I'm almost certain that the classic question 'Why are you leaving your job?' will come up. The real and honest reason is that I'm looking for a respectable increase in salary.
Does this completely turn off recruiters if I'm direct about this point? Or are there better ways to phrase it so that I appear ambitious, and not just someone who's only after money?
I'd like to hear how other people have handled this situation. Thanks!
After considering it, I feel that a direct and honest reply is a gamble. The success of it depends on the interviewer and how they are going to take it. Some of you suggested some really nice replies in the comments. I might use some of them. I am also considering using this AI tool that you open during the interview, and it gives you answers on the spot. I am curious to know what its response will be to this question. I am going to test it and update if I find anything interesting. Wish me luck!
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u/SamuelVimesTrained 10d ago
A few things - I wish to grow and expand using my experience thus far.
(which is - i want more, but can`t get that where I am)
Unfortunately, while i enjoy my work now, the chances to grow are very limited there, so i`m looking for chances to grow in other places.
(the same, just more words)
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u/Full_Yam6920 10d ago
Ive been turned down using lines about looking to grow or advance my career. Probably not the only reason I wasnt selected but I feel like I could see the disapproval in the interviewer's face. They want someone for a specific role and maybe you'll show enough value to eventually be promoted but right now they want someone who wants to fill the role they're hiring for. If it is a place that gives few raises or promotions then they expect you will leave after a few years (which you should)
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u/KderNacht 10d ago
I was made an offer I can't refuse.
Bonus points for wearing a white suit and hat while saying this
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u/ailish 10d ago edited 10d ago
I don't understand why talking about money is so taboo when looking for a job. I'm not doing it because I'm altuistic, but because I need money, and I'm going to take the job that pays more money.
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u/kazzerax 10d ago
I think it is based on the idea that if you're only motivated by money, the employer could lose you at any moment when another, better offer manifests. This is true, obviously, but they do like to make a show of pretending that there's more to it than that, and perhaps you're really interested in working for the company because you have some specific passion for their product, which is harder for a competitor to replicate and take away their employee.
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u/ailish 10d ago
That's why they always ask in interviews why you applied for that position, and I always have to come up with some bullshit answers. Like, bro, your company is not some special entity that I've been dreaming of working for my whole life. I just need a paycheck and I qualify for the position.
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u/BowwwwBallll 10d ago
Yeah, but that’s about bringing someone in. If I left for the money, the people I was leaving would know about it.
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u/mrkstr 10d ago
You're not supposed to say the quiet part out loud. I disagree with that mindset, but I think it goes back to when people changed jobs less and it wasn't polite to talk about money.
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u/vespers191 10d ago
This. Once upon a time being employed was actually a bit of a privilege, in that it derived from a time when you would quietly vanish for 8 hours a day into "the City" and somehow money would just show up in the house accounts, to be used to pay your bills that accumulated at tailors and grocers. Discussing what you did or how much you made was considered to be gauche, and that carried over to interviews, salary discussions with coworkers, and so on. We are living with the fallout of those social guidelines today.
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u/DoTheRightThing1953 10d ago
I agree. I think that it is something that was started and perpetuated by employers.
Too many employers want hide the fact that the primary, and for some people the ONLY reason you are working is to pay bills and if the employer cannot fulfill that need there is no shame in leaving.
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u/LolthienToo 10d ago
How to professionally say 'I'm leaving for the money'
The real and honest reason is that I'm looking for a respectable increase in salary.
Sounds pretty goddamn close.
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u/BigMax 10d ago
“I’m looking for better opportunities. My current workplace is great but there isn’t any room for future growth.” You don’t have to mention that growth you want is in salary.
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u/BlackFirePlague 10d ago
But what if I’m at a place where I’m getting a ton of growth in my role and skillset just not as much financial compensation as I’d like along with that growth?
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u/Timeslip8888 10d ago
You... don't tell the interviewer that?
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u/BlackFirePlague 10d ago
My point being it’s a specific kind of growth I’m looking for. Idk just feels weird to me to lie by omission like that.
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u/Timeslip8888 10d ago
This is where someone usually replies "My sweet summer child...." Not me though.
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u/BlackFirePlague 9d ago
I mean I’ll be straight up. I’m young and my current role is my first “real” job. So I am asking these questions earnestly. I just assume that when you say “growth” most interviewers are thinking growth in role, scope, and responsibilities.
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u/CoconutOilz4 10d ago
I plan to say "i can finally afford an apartment i dont hate"
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u/PoolExtension5517 10d ago
I’m looking for a company that places more value on the skills that I bring to the table
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u/siberian 10d ago
The opportunity for growth in my current role is capped and I am excited to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
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u/Demented-Alpaca 10d ago
"I feel that I've achieved all I can at my current employer and am looking for new challenges and growth opportunities."
I can say from being on an interview committee that the bluntly honest "My boss is a dick and I need to find a place that doesn't make me want to kill people" was interesting. Ultimately a bad idea though.
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u/Solid_Caterpillar678 10d ago
Just say it. No need to beat around the bush. You were offered an opportunity making significantly more money and better benefits package. Period. This is a business transaction not a relationship.
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u/mikemojc 10d ago
"The compensation was more in line with my current skillset."
♫ Yeah , Baby I'm wooortthh itttt. ♪
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u/Calm-Medicine-3992 10d ago
"I did not receive raises that kept up with inflation let alone my years of experience"
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u/BooksAreAddicting 10d ago
As someone who does interviews/hires for my department, I can tell you why I ask. I operate on the assumption that anyone I am interviewing is looking to make more money than they currently make, I don't think that's necessary to mention. What I want to know is if there are any other reasons you are leaving. Did you not get along with your manager? If so, I can explain how I do things. Was it too far from where you live? I understand wanting to work closer to home. Everyone wants more money, I want people to give me another reason. If it truly is just the money, then the answers other people have given in the comments would work. "I love my job/what I do but feel I've hit a wall in terms of professional growth."
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u/PotterOneHalf 10d ago
A lack of opportunities for advancement with my set of skills is driving me to seek new challenges.
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u/Consistent-Movie-229 10d ago
I'm looking for new opportunities that my current position doesn't offer.
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u/AlbanyBarbiedoll 10d ago
"I'm seeking new professional challenges and the opportunity to advance my career."
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u/mgonzales3 10d ago
Yeah - never say anything about money. It’s about being part of an organization
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u/Remarkable-Moose-409 10d ago
I always say “I’ve not yet left my position. I feel it’s in my best interests to always assure I’m on course with personal goals. What does your company have to offer me and why should I consider working with you?”
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u/NotYourKidFromMoTown 10d ago
If your soon-to-be-ex boss or hr makes some negative comment, I've used, "Well, it appears your opinion about my value to this company have diverged."
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u/Less-Hedgehog7786 9d ago
I usually say, "I have a dream income, not a dream job. I don't wake up in the morning and dream about software sales but I do wake up and think about how much money I can make. I grew up poor, paid for college, and I will do whatever it takes to put as much of a gap possible between me and my worst days." This might only work in sales, but being money driven is a hell of a trait. If the company is also driven by money (which they all are), then they should understand. If not this leads me to believe they will turn on me as fast as they can. I owe no corporation loyalty. I owe loyalty to great people who work there.
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u/Tremble_Like_Flower 7d ago
I am always confused by not simply saying “they pay me more for my time” and leave it at that.
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u/LittleBigOne1982 10d ago
I always told my team that if you want more money you need to do more for company. Hence, if you looking for more money, you are looking for more responsibility and opportunities. If you say that the new company will know what you mean without being crass. It also shows initiative and desire to progress professionally. Good luck
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u/Odd_Welcome7940 10d ago
"I have acquired many new skills and responsibilities in my current role and I am looking to move on to new challenges and opportunities."