I work for a law firm right now, and applied for another job at a different law firm (for the same job). The other law firm is larger and has a few offices all over the USA and a couple offices in China. The law firm that I work for now has only one office, and not much room for me to advance (I am currently a file clerk). Anyway, I received a call wanting me to come and interview for the job and I *KNOW* that they are going to ask me why I want to leave the firm I am at now, even though I’ve been here for almost 5 years. How do I best answer this question, without them thinking I’m a “law firm hopper” or something like that? Also, they can keep my job inquiry confidential from my current company, correct?
I applied for the same job at this other law firm because it is bigger, has more offices, and looks to be a better fit for me because there are many opportunities for advancement. Should I tell them that? Or…?
Yep tell them that.
5 years is not a hopper, 1 yr is a hopper.
Comment by PAYDAY — May 2, 2007 @ 9:54 am
You’ve already answered the question. Just be honest. Tell them you’re looking for opportunities for advancement–they’ll be impressed that you’re thinking about a long-term career.
Comment by bigbadboss.com — May 5, 2007 @ 9:54 pm
You won’t be seen as a hopper with 5 years under your belt.
Tell the truth, advancement opportunities are few and far between at your current employer.
Comment by csucdartgirl — May 9, 2007 @ 6:08 am
I have also left one company for a similar company and was honest that my reason was because of advancement opportunities, more options, locations, etc and they were understanding (and I am sure heard the excuse often).
Comment by ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ — May 10, 2007 @ 9:55 pm
That’s a great reason, and reinforce that after 5 yrs in the legal field, you’ve come to know that it’s a field you want to grow in and learn, and that your current employer, you reached your max potential…… and are looking to learn and grow, blah, blah, blah.
Comment by GeeGee — May 10, 2007 @ 10:40 pm
Just tell them that you are a dedicated employee who loves to be challenged, and that you felt the job you were at was not challenging you and blah blah everything else you suggested.
Comment by bunny — May 11, 2007 @ 7:31 pm