r/AskReddit • u/pinkstar2128 • 1d ago
During a job interview, if the interviewer asks "would you consider leaving if you found a better opportunity elsewhere?" how would you respond?
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u/Potential-Ad-196 1d ago
That’s a weird interview question. Who wouldn’t? You’d need to lie if you wanted that job.
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u/bolyai 1d ago
You gotta strike a delicate bullshit corporate balance without coming across as obviously lying with “no I wouldn’t”. Maybe like this:
“I can’t honestly say I’d ignore the entire job market forever, nobody can. But I don’t like job-hopping, and if I get the job, I fully intend to commit to the company with all I have and I’d only consider a change if something fundamental wasn’t working long-term.”
Or whatever specific thing you think they want to hear.
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u/emmettiow 23h ago
Hi I'm from HR we were so impressed with your reddit answer we'd like to make a generous offer of an extremely sought after role... It is....wait for it.... $34,000 as CEO of our interviewing company! As long as you have 4 degrees 25 years of experience and are aged 30 or below we think you'd be perfect. You'd only be expected to work 80-90 hours per week.
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u/DumbleDinosaur 22h ago
think of the overtime pay!
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u/racingthrowaway 22h ago
Oh it’s salary for sure. Hourly positions with overtime are for losers.
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u/TJayClark 22h ago
Some of us are salaried with OT.
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u/unseamedprawn 21h ago
Where? You are not in the U.S., are you?
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u/Yebng 20h ago
Could be, being salaried does not automatically make you exempt from overtime, though businesses like to pretend otherwise. You have to meet certain criteria to actually be exempt. I'm not going to look it up right now but from what I recall you either have to be a manager with at least 2 direct reports, someone whose role gives them significant authority to make financial decisions, a professional (accountant, lawyer, doctor, etc. ), there's another one too but I don't remember it.
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u/joegr795 20h ago
Yeah it's one of the biggest unspoken things about salary. Unpaid OT is just slave labor
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u/TJayClark 20h ago
I’m in the USA. I do field service work across the country.
Travel delays are both a blessing and curse
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u/RegeneratorRE4 20h ago
Yes! We don’t provide overtime anymore because time is a concept anyways - but you are welcome to think about it all you want!
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u/Cool_Purchase_6121 16h ago
“I can’t honestly say I’d ignore the entire job market forever, nobody can. But I don’t like job-hopping, and if I get the job, I fully intend to commit to the company with all I have and I’d only consider a change if something fundamental wasn’t working long-term.”
Having worked a few jobs now, that is actually my honest answer, changing jobs (at least in my industry is) is a real pain in the ass. I already work 60hrs a week which is pretty standard industry wide so first I have to make time to apply for jobs when I'm already exhausted, then once you land an interview you then have to make time for it, if you get the job you then need to go get your references and complete the painstaking process of handing over all your work to someone else. And in my job I have to give 6 weeks notice (which is short, most other companies in my industry make you give 8)
For me if I'm changing jobs it really does mean my current one is fucked beyond repair.
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u/UnderProtest2020 1d ago
I think the key is to be honest and say "yes", but also turn it around and ask if the company sees themselves as offering the best opportunities to employees. Saying no will be assumed to be a lie, and giving it back to them should make them back off and move on with the interview.
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u/Ratnix 21h ago
Not necessarily. I was asked once, "Why do you want to work here?" My answer was," I don't, I need the job." She then asked if I could start tomorrow.
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u/BoldestKobold 21h ago
I had an interview with a law firm partner many years ago at an elite law firm, and he asked "why do you want to work here?" I answered with "Well I want to do litigation, you guys are at the top of the industry for it in this city, why wouldn't I want to work here?" using a tone of voice that overtly made me sound like I thought it was a stupid fucking question. (Because that is exactly what I thought)
He responded with "Ah ha! A straight shooter! I like that!"
Turns out sometimes that is the best option. And frankly for myself, I'd rather work for someone who appreciates that honesty than for someone who wants me to lie.
(Unfortunately I didn't get the job because the Great Recession was crashing all law firm hiring at the time in 2008)
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u/Ratnix 21h ago
And contrary to popular opinion of kids on Reddit, these people aren't idiots. If you lie and say you wouldn't even consider it, they know you are full of shit. Your best response would be something along the lines of "I'm not going to be out looking for another job, but if someone approached me with a good offer, I'd be a fool to not consider it."
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u/Bells_Ringing 17h ago
I interviewed for a job in medical sales, and I was asked why I wanted to work there. I said I wanted to make myself and them a lot of money.
I made it to the next round, but I was told that that response was a black mark. They wanted to hear I wanted to help people.
Where I work now, I gave the same answer and they offered the job on the spot.
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u/cakeandale 23h ago
The crux depends on what a “better offer” means. I’ve stayed at jobs that I enjoyed working for a boss I liked despite being able to get slightly more money elsewhere, for example.
If a “better offer” just means more money then there are a lot of other factors to consider that you could describe make it not worth chasing - satisfaction, convenience, stress, etc.
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u/AnaBanana84 23h ago
Agree it's a really weird question, but a way to answer it without lying would be something like:
“I value loyalty and long-term commitment, and that works best when there are clear opportunities for growth, a healthy culture, and strong leadership. I’d love to hear more about how [Company Name] supports those things.”
That way, you’re showing commitment and turning it around so they have to sell you on why it’s worth committing to them.
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u/tcrudisi 15h ago
I interviewed at Goodwill for a store manager position about 10+ years ago. They asked why I wanted to work there. I said something like, "I like Goodwill and the mission statement. I want to help people."
They shut me down immediately and said, "We are a business and want to make as much money as possible."
Eye opening, for sure.
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u/AnaBanana84 23h ago
That’s a super weird question, and I would view it as a red flag about the company. But if you want/need the job, you could answer it like this:
“I value loyalty and long-term commitment, and that works best when there are clear opportunities for growth, a healthy culture, and strong leadership. I’d love to hear more about how [Company Name] supports those things.”
That way, you’re showing commitment, while turning it around so they have to sell you on why it’s worth committing to them.
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u/mouse9001 22h ago
Yeah, it sounds like they want to trap their employees, and find people naive enough to think that they can't, or shouldn't, ever quit, regardless of pay and benefits.
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u/Federal-Koala7328 1d ago
I say no. I can do whatever I want later.
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u/steamydan 22h ago
This is a bullshit trap question and deserves a bullshit answer.
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u/golden_fli 21h ago
If you just say no you basically fail. No one is going to believe a simple no, or you're an idiot. You should ask how you found this better opportunity. Although the question makes it sound like you were looking, and them asking should make you wonder why they think you would be looking.
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u/Hot-Laugh-8028 1d ago
“Do you find that your employees are routinely quitting, and why do you think that is, if so?”
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u/harmonious_keypad 23h ago
That'll get you the job FOR SURE.
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u/Hot-Laugh-8028 23h ago
If someone asks you that question, you should assume high turnover and a potentially toxic work environment. When I’ve interviewed people, I’ve done so with the understanding that top talent may leave at any time, but it’s the work culture that preserves some element of stability—assuming incentives are aligned. “People don’t quit jobs, they quit managers.” Routine turnover is an indication of a broken system, and people who work for better companies don’t ask questions like that.
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u/chipmunksocute 23h ago
Excellent point. Its frankly a weird question and any half decent employers knows that duh any employee is able to and could very well leave for another job thats 'better'. That could be better hours, pay, less commute whatever. Like...the obvious answer is "duh of course I would" but then why ask this in the first place? Maybe this is a holding job and they get their dream offer of course theyre gonna jump. Just a bad question to ask and frankly Id agree a bit of a mmm yellow flag.
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u/mitchmarners 22h ago
An interview should always be just as much for you as it is for them. They should also sell you on the opportunity.
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u/PloppyPants9000 14h ago
Interviews are two way streets. You are also trying to figure out if this is a company you want to dedicate years of your life towards. The offer on the table isnt just the money they’re willing to compensate you with - its also the stress, conditions, and environment you have to deal with.
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u/TraditionalBackspace 23h ago
"What is your turnover over the past three years?" You are also interviewing the company.
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u/KellyAnn3106 22h ago
I've had candidates ask about the tenure of the team or why the position is open. I have no problem with that type of question. I usually have openings because I promoted someone and need to replace them. Our company tends to have a lot of long term employees - I'm one of them - so I'll tell them that as well.
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u/DeadNotSleepingWI 1d ago
As a hr worker, interesting strategy.
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u/Current_Ad4938 1d ago
I mean if we’re just asking deeply personal questions that clearly exposes self interest, it’s only fair he asks why. You guys are there to vet qualifications, you’re not some god that gate keeps a job.
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u/mat6toob2024 1d ago
Does your question imply that the growth trajectory of your company is limited for new hired and opportunities are more limited here and compensation is based on titles vs contribution?
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u/Squirrel009 21h ago edited 21h ago
I would tell them the question is flawed - if its a better opportunity you've presupposed the answer into the question because one of the things I factor into what is a better opportunity is will they treat me better.
So by defining it as a better opportunity youre telling me they will treat me better than you so yes I would take it. But if I'm treated well here it would take a substantial benefits and work life balance difference for me to consider leaving.
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u/seb11614 1d ago
Would you fire me if you weren't happy with my work/feel like you could get a better employee ?
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u/Captain_Yara22 1d ago
My arrogant ass would say "don't give other companies the chance to have better opportunities. Be the better opportunity"
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u/AC-Carpenter 1d ago
"I have no doubt that this company can meet or exceed any benefits offered elsewhere."
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u/noisetheorem 1d ago
Depends on how you define better. If I’m happy doing work I enjoy with good people, I’d be likely to stick around. There is more to a good opportunity than compensation.
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u/mathteacher85 21h ago
"No."
And then leave if I find a better opportunity elsewhere.
You are no one's slave.
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u/JamesSmith1200 21h ago
I like to turn around and ask them the same question. Interviews go both ways and a lot of them really don’t understand this.
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u/gothcookiejar 1d ago
I would counter with: if that happened, what would you do to make sure I stay? (Not just more money, but more opportunities to learn? Opportunities for advancement?) It's to the employee's and an employer's advantage if both parties invest in the other. If you are considering another opportunity, they've dropped the ball-- you wouldn't consider leaving if you felt respected and secure.
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u/ThisIsMyUsername303 1d ago
“I can’t predict the future, but you can see from my resume that I’m not one to job hop, and my priority now is to get into a position where I can use my skills to _______ to our mutual benefit” or something like that.
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u/TheAerius 23h ago
I’d say yes.
More importantly, I would want an employee to leave if they either 1) didn’t like it or 2) found something better.
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u/Mountain_Stellar 22h ago
Response, “would you consider a promotion or share of the organization if you made more money?
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u/Compound_Mechanisms 11h ago
I think everyone stays aware of opportunities, but if I take a role, it’s because I see room to grow and contribute long-term. I’m not looking to jump ship constantly. If the work is meaningful and there’s mutual growth, I’d rather build than keep looking elsewhere.
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u/kindrudekid 23h ago
Depends on the role and where you are in your career.
I’m at a stage where a 10% increase in salary will likely result in 50 % more effort. Fuck that. ( tough the scales are reversing as I realize I have been same company for 10 years and probably suffering skill stagnation)
It really depends on a various factors:
- Like if I got offered less to go work at Mag7 I will do it.
- If I was in office and got a remote gig same salary I’ll do it.
- If it’s a company that I know will succeed when it IPO, I’ll take in as much stock as I can.
- If it’s a regular company 1 hour away and offered 30 % more and better benefits I’ll take it too.
But between all of this almost everything can be worked around, like role, responsibilities and even team, what cannot be fixed is team culture. I’ve quit just cause of a manager twice now at very well paying job or somewhere I would have a nice career trajectory…
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u/Just-a-Guy-Chillin 22h ago
“Nobody knows what the future holds, but I’m looking for an opportunity that I can settle in longterm. It would be great if that was here.”
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u/Perkis_Goodman 21h ago
Put the ball in their court, "Can you define what you mean by better?" Keep digging into what they are actually trying to say, until you can provide an answer that most logical humans would choose.
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u/StormOfSpears 19h ago
"I'm really looking to put down roots with a company and I'm very excited for this specific role. I don't I'm going to be interested in other opportunities."
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u/RdtRanger6969 18h ago
They are asking about the exact set of circumstances that led to the interview you’re in now.
It’s a dumb, “rule yourself out because we’re too lazy to” question.
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u/Firstcounselor 18h ago
“That depends on where the opportunity is and the location. If someone wanted me to greet patrons at a tropical resort for two hours a day, 3 days a week for $350k/year, you bet.”
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u/h0sti1e17 17h ago
I’d probably make a joke “When LeBron retires and the Lakers call, I’m gonna have to go.”
Then hope they laugh and move on, if not I’d give some bullshit “I never like to leave, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. So it’s very unlikely I would leave for a better opportunity “
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u/Kuuzie 17h ago edited 16h ago
"That is a very interesting question, are you having trouble retaining top talent right now? Why is the position open, did the previous person advance/promote or expansion or did they leave. Why did they leave?"
"It's interesting you consider other places to have better opportunities than yourselves, what areas are you lacking in that I might be able to help bring up to speed?"
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u/CDR57 16h ago
“Can you define ‘better opportunity’ for me? If it’s a different job with better pay but a worse work environment, hours, or location than I would not. I value appealing work environments with good managers and workload more than slight raises in pay. My coworkers, managers, and environment are too important for me to risk my mental health for some additional money, personally”
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u/CreepyPhotographer 15h ago
"a better job that wouldn't ask me a stupid question like this? You bet."
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u/OldThanks4542 13h ago
What kinda of stupid question is that. Reverse it..."would you leave or consider leaving if you found a better opportunity?
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u/Compound_Mechanisms 12h ago
I think it’s natural for anyone to stay aware of opportunities, but when I join an organization, my focus is on contributing meaningfully and growing there. I don’t take roles as short-term stops. If the work is challenging, the learning is real, and the values align, I’m someone who prefers to commit and build rather than keep looking around.
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u/Apprehensive_Soup689 12h ago
I would answer, "does a bear shit in the woods?". Okay I'll be serious. my answer is, "that the depends on the opportunity. Money, location and time are all factors i have to initially consider before I can try to formulate any type pf consideration."
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u/Short-Box-484 1d ago
I have been asked this, and I give a vague "I always keep my options open but I'm hoping this is the better opportunity."
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u/Icy-Past-4477 1d ago
What would this company counteroffer me? If nothing, it would be clear that my abilities aren't valued enough as an employee. My goal is to keep progressing within a company by being a vital asset; this would be a clear sign of the company's intentions regarding my career path.
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u/VanguardAvenger 1d ago
I would assume the offer you'd be making me when you hire me would be competitive enough to make a better offer unlikely. Are you telling me upfront thats not going to be the case?
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u/Lifelong_learner1956 1d ago
Say...
My current company does not respect or value workers due to managerial and financial problems
A truly viable professional company will inspire associates to excel for the sake of the business and their own futures.
I am looking for a position with mutually beneficial opportunities for long term growth.
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u/Ok_Cod4125 1d ago
If you really needed the job, a good way to answer might be to flip the question on them. "That's a great question. I guess I would have to know what you mean by better opportunity. Opportunity to grow professionally? Opportunity to work closer to home/from home? Opportunity for better benefits and salary? Hmm. Yes. I would need to know more, but potentially my answer would be yes. But it also could be no."
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u/katchy81 1d ago
“Yes. I am considering leaving my current company if I think your company is a better opportunity.”
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u/Automatic-Nature6025 1d ago
Not If I were happy with the company that I was currently working for.
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u/xAdakis 1d ago
Yes, I would consider it; however, I would tend to lean more towards remaining in a stable job/position over the potential gains and risk of switching jobs.
I mean, I've worked in my current position for the past 8 years. With my experience, I could probably get a decent 30% raise applying to and going anywhere else. However, I've built up a ton of job security at this place and have been kept on to maintain business critical applications despite three rounds of massive layoffs since I started.
I'd be an idiot to leave for another company where I wouldn't have such security.
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u/Winter-eyed 1d ago
I am always going to take care of my personal needs and those of my family as a priority. I know my skills and what they are worth. I’m not interested in being treated poorly or underpaid. No one with self respect would be.
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u/IUsedToBeThatGuy42 1d ago
Just lie and say you’re loyal. They lie when they claim to care about you. Do what’s best for yourself unless you’re actually involved with these people on a personal level.
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u/okayifimust 23h ago
Id be an idiot if I didn't, "better", by definition, implies that I should. But there's costs and risks associated with changing jobs and employers, so I'm not going to jump ship 8 months in for a 3% raise, either.
--- expanding answer here ---
I am looking for x, y, z (long term growth, strategic things, anything that displays I value stability and that happens to be mostly true at the time) which is why I am interested in changing jobs in the first place, and why I applied for this position in particular.
I'm looking for a good fit; a company that I can grow with together and that offers me opportunities to achieve my goals. That is not compatible with chasing after any position that pays better, or offers a few extra perks. Plus, I value a b v, and you already do offer these.
I was with x company for 10+ years, and (explain reasons to leave shorter stints, usually positions were made redundant. ).
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u/Muted-Molasses-7871 23h ago
Work culture is an important aspect of any job. If employees feel respected, heard and supported they don't tend to.look.for other jobs. That being said if someone were to randomly offer me $100,000 more to join a company not as awesome as yours then I would have to accept.
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u/AnybodySeeMyKeys 23h ago
This is a risky way to answer, but if you have the people skills to pull it off, it could pay off:
"I can't possibly answer that question. A lot hinges on opportunity, working environment, and if I believe there's a discernible career path. For example, if someone else offered to bump your salary fifty percent would you stay here?"
Make it a joke. That turns it around on the interviewer in a nice way.
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u/Durragon 23h ago
"That depends on a whole host of factors. Let's say the I get an offer for double. What does the workload look like, what's the path of advancement look like. What about the hard/soft perks? The work environment, the co-workers and leadership?
To be frank, people have tried to poach me for a long time. But there is a lot more to consider than just pay.
I applied here specifically, for a reason. "
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u/hospicedoc 23h ago
"Define better. If I was to offer you the same job you're doing now with a 50% pay increase, as loyal as you are to this company don't you think you would owe it to yourself and your family to at least consider it?"
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u/AssistantAcademic 23h ago
I’d ask the specifics of “better opportunity”.
Work isn’t a bottom line. If I’m comfortable and like the way I’m treated I weigh that more than some margin of extra pay.
….but if there was an obviously better opportunity elsewhere, of course I would go, but I would do it in a good way
Don’t lie about it. It’s transparent
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u/romario77 23h ago
The goal of the interview is to get a job.
I’ll say - at this time I chose this company to interview at because I like it. Things could change but as long as the company is good to me I’ll be good to the company.
But - if the company asks this question I would be very suspicious and might not take the job. They want your loyalty while modern company usually have very little loyalty to the employees.
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u/General-Grand4037 23h ago
I used to work in corporate recruiting for 6 years until recently — if you want this job this is your answer:
“I am looking for a role where I can stay for many years grow long term. Once I have accepted a position I am no longer looking at new opportunities and I would remove myself from all other hiring processes I’m involved in”
Anything that indicates that you would, you might, or that you believe they’re insinuating employees are leaving will hurt your candidacy. What they’re looking for is someone who sees themselves as a long term investment for the company and most hiring teams see that as a dealbreaker.
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u/TraditionalBackspace 23h ago
Dumb interview question. You certainly wouldn't get an honest answer from most candidates. "Hell yes, of course I would? Is this an IQ test or what?" or "Of course I wouldn't. I would work here even if you tripled my workload and I found another job that payed double."
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u/Zigzagzegzug 23h ago
It’s such a bs question. I just say “I’m looking for a long term position at a company I can grow with and make a career out of” it’s gotten me every job.
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u/frenchymom777 23h ago
“Typically no; I prefer stability and if an opportunity were ever presented, I would prefer to discuss with my leader here about the upside potential and see if there is opportunity before ever considering making a move.”
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u/Planterizer 23h ago
“I’m a person who values stability and I tend to give opportunities time to develop before I consider others. Serial job hopping is bad for both employees and employers, so I don’t participate in that.”
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u/AGooDone 23h ago
Interesting that you think your company can fulfill all my needs for the rest of my career. You haven't hired me yet you know enough about me and your company to assume I'll be happy here forever.
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u/pepstein 23h ago
Say I'm looking for a place to make my career and ideally this is the one, so no. Can go on about enjoying stability over the new latest and greatest, etc
Just tell em what they want to hear even though it's a lie
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u/aprilsmiles9 23h ago
I’d say I’m always open to growth, but I’m looking for a place I can commit to long-term.
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u/Semi-Nerdy 23h ago
Let me answer that question with a question. Do you want employees that are honest or compliant?
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u/TipAfraid4755 23h ago
Then it's time to bring out the politically correct answer:
I can't bring myself to leave because I am already a part of the family
After getting the job and a better opportunity comes along, immediately resign and shed crocodile tears about tearing yourself apart
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u/that1cooldude 23h ago
Just say no. You are a loyal employee… lol but yes do leave right away when you find a better opportunity
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u/md22mdrx 23h ago
I’d say something along the lines of
Of course, I’d consider it … but I don’t like job hopping and pastures aren’t always as green as they seem on the other side, so as long as I feel happy and appreciated at this job, I wouldn’t likely consider actually moving on unless it was a dramatic difference in compensation or work/life balance.
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u/HawaiianShirtsOR 23h ago
I've answered this one: Yes, but as long as I'm being treated fairly here, I have no intention of looking for other opportunities.
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u/buddyreacher 23h ago
I would say this, this is really good for me because I have good values to others, It's not just about money anymore, I would consider good long term relationship and negotiable to bring the most beneficial win win solution for me and the currently I'm working with.
how bout dat?
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u/strtjstice 23h ago
If I'm very happily married hot women walk by all the time, but I dare not risk the relationship I've committed to.
I was asked this question and that was my answer. Got the job.
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u/eddardthecat 23h ago
I’m in the job I want right now. I told my manager I don’t look at job boards when I’m happy in the position I’m in. I’m happy in the position I’m in.
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u/builder-barbie 22h ago
I hate that question, but I think what they are really asking is, would you just leave without giving us a chance to compete for you.
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u/Funky-See_Funky-Do 22h ago
I would say, “I couldn’t answer that, it’s too situational and would depend on the relationships I make doing the job”
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u/OutOfPlace186 22h ago
I’d say “not if you give me a good enough reason to stay. I’d hope it never comes to the point where I would consider leaving.”
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u/dontmolestme 22h ago
My response would be something like “Anyone would consider exceptional opportunities, but I do not chase opportunities. When I accept a position it is with the intention of making a lasting impact and not as a stepping stone to another company”
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u/ForgeoftheGods 22h ago
Ask if that's a common occurrence, and how long the average person stays. If most people barely make it past the 90 day mark, then it's a temp job that pretends they're not.
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u/j00cifer 22h ago
“Probably not, as I’ve found job hopping based on “better opportunity” is sometimes not really better. I would probably only consider looking around if this company announced impending layoffs.”
Answer should be a variation of that, even if it’s not true, if you’re smart.
(My advice: don’t try to be cute or “I’m so smart” in interviews, keep it humble and professional.)
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u/apoemforeveryone 22h ago
"Well I'm here talking with you because there's a better opportunity here compared to where I am now. So I guess, the real question is: Can you offer me a path of long-term growth & better opportunities when I grow out of the position you're trying to fill?"
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u/JuliPatchouli 22h ago
I was looking for a PhD and was asked "if we offer you this position, will you say yes?". Needless to say, I had applied for several projects and they were all in different countries with different pro/cons so I was a bit flustered and gave the honest answer that I would be very honored and would consider my options with my family/partner etc. I could see my interviewer's face drop and I knew I fucked up lol. I didn't get it but that same professor suggested I apply to another project at that university and at that second interview I was asked again and this time I said an emphatic "yes of course". That one I did get so make of that what you will. I will say giving that answer made it more difficult to refuse the offer when I did get it, and I did say yes.
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u/cwsjr2323 22h ago
Smile, the jobs I took were usually no silly interview questions. When can you start? Can you listen, learn, and follow instructions? Are you too old for this physical job? (That was with the city public works doing street repairs, trash collection, and sewer work) What is your religion? (I got asked that as the job required working 12 hours every Friday and Saturday, so no practicing Jews or SDA).
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u/zethenus 22h ago
I would frame it in a pragmatic situational decision.
Leaving a positive environment isn’t something I would do. However I join said company because of x,y,z factors. I see a future here. A place for me to grow while helping said company grow.
If there comes a time x,y,z no longer holds true, it would definitely be something I would consider.
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u/Packtex60 22h ago
My answer. Of course I would. It’s why I’m here talking to you today. It’s why you recruit people who are employed elsewhere. My plan if you hire me would be to stay here a long time. You never know what other options might pop up in 5-10-15 years.
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u/MentalSewage 22h ago
"I'm not interested in looking for work I already have, so it would have to be a random offer and it would have to be an offer extraordinarily lucrative that I was certain held as much benefit to the world as <insert interviewing role and company>. Even so, I would definitely talk it out here and make certain the company was included in the conversation."
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u/skyliner143 22h ago
“What does it look like I’m doing right now interviewing with you?”
This is a loaded interview question. Even the hiring manager asking it would say yes if they were honest.
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u/Beginning_Key2167 22h ago
Glad I have never been asked that question. Most everyone would including the person asking the question.
Though them asking that might not bode well for the company. Do they have a a lot of people leaving for better jobs?
I bet a company asking that question has a lot of turnover. People leave and they won't admit they are the problem.
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u/SomeGuyClickingStuff 22h ago
“I believe that everyone owes it to themselves and their families to at least peek through the peephole when opportunity is knocking on the door”
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u/The_Hungry_Grizzly 22h ago
Based on my history of 15 years with one company, I’d say I’m loyal. So long as the company continues to offer competitive growth, learning, challenges, and financial compensation - you’ll get only the finest results from me.
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u/DeoVeritati 22h ago
I'd ask them to define better. More money? More upward mobility? Better title? Opportunity for new skills? Just better for my life circumstances in general?
I'd probably say of course I'd consider it because if I found the opportunity, it probably means I was actively searching to begin with, and it would be nonsensical in the context of this question not to consider it.
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u/BillyShears2015 22h ago
Kinda depends on what my resume says. If I’m someone who’s been job hopping and I have a string of “2 years and out” jobs on my resume, I’d probably say that while I have been willing to take opportunities in the past, what I’m really seeking is the right organization to build a long term career. If I have jobs on my resume that I stayed at for 3+ years in the past, I’d point that out and say that when I find the right fit I have a history of staying places until it becomes irresponsible for my career and family to stay.
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u/CollectsTooMuch 22h ago
“It would have to be a LOT better. I will have learned the job and settled in. That takes time for us both. I’m looking to find a home, not a place to stay. If this continues to be a good place to work, it would take a lot to get me to leave.”
I was asked this question and this is pretty much my response. I shared the reason for me to stick around. Then I asked if they have a high turnover and if there are people who have been around for a long time.
I took the job 8 years ago and there are lots of people with over 30 years there.
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u/Rocket_Monkey_302 22h ago
I would look them square in the eye and say something like. I'm sitting here because I'm looking for a better opportunity. Changing jobs is always a risk and can be stressful, I've no desire to be a rolling stone but it wouldn't be in my best interest to ignore future opportunities.
My thinking goes as follows.
If they expect ass licking sycophants, I don't want the job.
If they expect an honest answer, saying "No sir I'm a company man" as you sit in an interview leaving another company is going to look like you're a weasel.
If they're gauging my ambition, hopefully this signals I'm looking to advance.
Seems like a red flag question to me.
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u/zach4000 22h ago
I’d turn it around on them and ask them what exactly they mean by better. More pay? Less hours? Better location?
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u/Yewdall1852 22h ago
"I think I would always listen. Executing has a lot of strings attached to actually leaving."
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u/ExistingTheDream 22h ago
You just said it was "better" which is loaded. If it is better, everyone should take it, because it is better. But what does "better" mean? My resume shows I'm not a job hopper. I stay as long as I am invested in what I am doing and the conditions are good. If you're just asking about pay, it's important, but if I am compensated well enough and truly like where I am, I'm unlikely to switch for uncertain conditions and a slightly better check.
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u/wheat 22h ago
“Would I consider it? Of course I would. I’m always open to opportunities. But my job history shows, clearly, that I find a good position and stick with it. I was at my precious position for X years.” Etc. It’s a dumb question. People have to look out for themselves. It’s dumb not to.
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u/Overall_Stress4722 22h ago
Focus is on self awareness. If this is for career and not just “getting a job”, I would address this question by using this as an opportunity to reinforce why you are there in the first place. “Currently, where I am in my progression, the best opportunity is one that offers me…..” - and you list what it is you are genuinely interested in and aligned with at that organization, in that role that appeals to you. Then, add the notion that, if, as you advance, you believe that there are factors that make you fulfilled/satisfied/challenged, etc. that are present in other roles/functions, etc. than you would be doing your own career development a disservice by not looking at what you would determine would be a better opportunity. Depends on the role that work plays in your life (just a means to an end, a passion, service orientation, etc.)
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u/miz_mantis 22h ago
I'd be annoyed and that would probably show on my face. It's an unfair question. Of course you'd leave for a better job. Who wouldn't? If you say no they will know you're lying, and if you say yes, they may not hire yo. Lose/lose.
Red flag in an interview right up there with "we all wear many hats".
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u/mitchmarners 22h ago
“Define better. Because if you’re telling me there’s an opportunity that pays more, that offers more upward mobility, that has far more benefits, an extra week of vacation, and is closer to home, etc… wouldn’t you take it too?”
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u/camyrunks 22h ago
You answer it like this “currently I don’t see any reason why I would, everything I have experienced during this interview have met my expectations and exemplifies everything I’m looking for in a career” the question isn’t important it’s your response to it is what they are gauging. They want to know if you are able to keep a poker face in certain scenarios.
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u/Empanatacion 22h ago
The question is a huge red flag that turns my internal calculation to, "How much do I need this job?"
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u/Beli_Mawrr 21h ago
"What do you mean by better offer? This job is exactly what I'm looking for. Can't imagine getting a better offer."
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u/Jayhawker_Pilot 21h ago
It depends. What does this person mean by "better opportunity"? Pay/benefits/work life balance? Is it one/two/all of those?
I've had offers that had much better pay but worse work life balance/much longer commute. I didn't take that job for those reasons.
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u/No_Document_853 1d ago
I’d probably say that is a question I can’t answer without experiencing the company culture for several years.