This is a question that you can almost count on being asked at
your next interview What the interviewer wants to know is,
“Why are you available?”

The answer you give could set the tone for the rest of the
interview. For instance, if you were to indicate that you were 
bored or burned out at your last job, the interviewer would 
quickly become concerned about your performance at this company. 
The question can be especially tricky if you've had less than 
favorable conditions regarding your departure from a company. 
Regardless of the circumstances that have caused you to move, or 
are causing you to think about moving, you should be prepared to 
answer this question.


Below are examples of possible answers to this critical 
question. After reading them try to determine which is the 
strongest answer.

(A) The company had a re-organization, and my department 
was eliminated. The work had begun to dwindle so it was not 
a complete surprise. I liked my job and the people I was
working with so I had been hoping that it wouldn't affect us but
unfortunately we were all let go. I would like to find a job
similar to the one I lost.

(B) I am looking for a new challenge. I have been with my 
current company for two years now and don't find the work as 
interesting as I once did. I am looking for a company where 
I can take on new challenges and grow. My current job is 
dead-ended for me.

(C) Since there are no advancement opportunities within the
company, I have decided it would be a good time for me to look 
outside. I have set some career goals for myself that I could 
not achieve at that company. What I am looking for is a job 
with a bigger company where I can contribute, but also move 
on a career path that has more responsibility.

Have you selected the strongest answer? See if you agree with 
the advice below.


The Strongest Answer

(A) This is the strongest answer, not because of the lay off, 
but because it has an upbeat tone to it. You liked what you did 
and were hoping it wouldn't happen. In other words, if it hadn't 
been for something out of your control you would still be there. 
The answer indicates a good attitude about an unfortunate 
incident.


The Mediocre Answer

(C) This is an ok answer. It is natural to want to take on more
responsibility. It is also acceptable to quit a job. A skilled
interviewer would follow up with a question about your career
goals and why you think you can achieve them at this company.
Would you have an answer prepared for that follow-up question?


The Weakest Answer

(B) This is the weaker answer because it is trite. One of the
most common answers to this question is that you are “looking 
for a challenge.” An interviewer might be concerned that if you 
were bored at your last job, you might find this job boring as 
well, or at least not “challenging” enough.


There are no “right” or “wrong” answers to this type of question,
but there are ways of saying the same thing in a way that will
make a stronger impression. Before you head out to your next
interview consider preparing for this and other difficult
questions. A little time spent preparing and scripting of your
answers before the interview will make a huge difference in the
way you answer the question during the interview.  (Excerpts
taken from “Boost Your Interview IQ” – Carole Martin –
McGraw-Hill 2004) 

Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and an interview
coach. Her books, "Interview Fitness Training Workbook" and
"Boost Your Interview IQ" (McGraw Hill) have sold thousands of
copies world-wide. Receive Carole's FREE job interview tips by
visiting  her web site at: http://www.interviewcoach.com