Examples of how to explain and answer why you want to change jobs

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In this article, we will introduce tips for foreigners on how to formulate and answer questions about their reasons for changing jobs, as well as some practical example sentences .

When looking for a new job in Japan, you will always be asked in the interview about your reason for changing jobs.

This is not just a question, but an important point for the hiring manager to determine whether this person will work for you for a long time and whether they have a positive attitude towards work .

Especially for foreigners, many are unfamiliar with Japanese interview culture and are unsure how to answer.

Also, you need to create a statement of purpose for each company. If you are interviewing with 10 companies, you will need to create 10 statements of purpose.

You can get a job offer by creating a reason that satisfies the interviewer, based on the reasons for changing jobs introduced in this article, so please read to the end.

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Why you might be asked about your job change during a Japanese interview

Japanese companies tend to prefer employees who can work steadily for the long term .

Therefore, interviewers want to confirm whether this person will quit soon after joining the company and what their approach is to building their career.

In particular, in the case of foreigners, there are visa issues and language barriers, so it is even more important to consider whether this person will be able to work in Japan for a long time .

Therefore, it is important to express your reasons for changing jobs in a positive manner and explain them in relation to your future career plans.

Here are some tips on how to create a good reason for changing jobs.
If you follow the points below, your reason for changing jobs will be convincing to the interviewer.

Communicate positively

The interviewer will understand that you are changing jobs because you are dissatisfied with your current company, but you should avoid expressions that may convey that.

Instead, it’s important to use positive language such as “I want to take on a new challenge” or “I want to further develop my skills.”

Linking to career plans

It will be more persuasive if you explain that you have clear goals for the future and that is why you need to change jobs.

For example, a specific goal such as “I’m looking for a company where I can gain management experience so that I can become a project manager” is effective.

Don’t express your dissatisfaction directly

Expressions such as “My salary is low” or “I don’t get along with my boss” will leave a negative impression on the interviewer. Even if these are facts, try to use different words and convey them in a positive way.

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Examples of bad reasons for changing jobs

Here are some common mistakes that foreigners make in interviews.
If you tell them about these mistakes, you will fail the interview, so be careful.

I want to change jobs because my salary is low.

Even if you are being honest, saying it outright will leave a bad impression. Tell them that you need the money for financial reasons.

(Example) I am getting married next year, and I thought that I would need more money in the future to support my family, so I changed jobs to a major company in the industry.

I want to change jobs because I have to work a lot of overtime and it’s difficult.

Let’s also think about how to say this.

(Example) I wanted to obtain a qualification to improve my skills, but I had to work a lot of overtime and until the last train every day, so I couldn’t find time to study, so I changed jobs.

Because I hate my current company/I hate my boss.

In Japanese interviews, you will be asked to convert your reasons into a “positive growth story.”

The reasons for changing jobs can be explained clearly by following the steps below.

1. Briefly explain your experience

2. Express your motivation for changing jobs in a positive way

3. State your future career goals

4. Explain the connection between your goals and the company you are applying to

If you answer in this order, your reason for changing jobs will be coherent, so please use this as a reference.

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Examples of reasons for changing jobs by occupation

Here are some good and bad examples of reasons for changing jobs, divided by occupation. Compare them to understand what’s good and what’s bad.

You can use this example sentence as is, or you can adapt it to your own taste.

IT Engineer

I want to quit my current company because the salary is low and I have to work a lot of overtime. I’m looking for a company that offers better working conditions.

In my previous job, I was in charge of maintaining the company’s internal systems and acquired basic skills. I would like to gain more development experience and aim to become a project manager in the future. I applied to your company because I believe it offers an environment where I can grow, with a wide variety of development projects.

Administrative/Sales positions

My current job has strict quotas and is difficult, so I’m looking for an easier job.

In my previous job, I was in charge of dealing with overseas clients, which allowed me to utilize my language skills and communication abilities. In the future, I would like to take on the challenge of an administrative role that provides broad support to companies. I applied for this position because I believe that your company’s global environment will allow me to make even better use of my experience.

Manufacturing/Factory Work

On-site work is boring and involves a lot of simple tasks, so I would like to work in a different environment.

In my previous job, I was in charge of managing and improving the production line, and worked to improve efficiency. In the future, I would like to take on the challenge of production management and quality control, making use of my experience in the field. I heard that your company is focusing on improvement activities, and I applied because I wanted to take on a new challenge here.

Medical and nursing professions

There are a lot of night shifts and it’s physically demanding, so I’d like to work in an easier facility.

In my previous job, I provided support for residents’ daily lives at a nursing home, which allowed me to learn about the actual nursing care situation in Japan. In the future, I would like to take on the challenge of work that promotes independence, such as supporting rehabilitation and lifestyle improvements. I applied to your company because I believe it has a well-established training system and provides an environment where I can grow.

Customer service/sales jobs

My current store is busy with a lot of customers, so I would like to work in a more relaxed environment.

In my previous job, I was in charge of customer service as a sales staff member and also had the experience of dealing with foreign tourists. In the future, I would like to utilize my customer service experience and take on management duties such as sales management and staff training. I applied to your company because I believe it has a well-established training system and is the perfect environment for my growth.

Hotel and tourism industry

My current hotel has irregular shifts and few days off, so I’m looking for a job with better conditions.

In my previous job, I worked at the front desk of a hotel, handling check-ins and guiding foreign tourists. In the future, I would like to take on a wider range of tasks and further hone my language skills and hospitality skills. Your company accepts customers from various countries, so I applied because I thought I would be able to demonstrate my skills.

Logistics and trade affairs

I want to quit my current company because the procedures are tedious and stressful.

In my previous job, I was in charge of preparing import/export documents and coordinating schedules, where I learned the basics of trade practices. In the future, I would like to understand the entire logistics process and play an active role as a coordinator. Your company operates globally, and I applied because I thought it would be an environment where I could broaden my experience.

Creative jobs such as designers and video production

My current company doesn’t use my ideas, so I’m looking for a place where I can work more freely.

In my previous job, I worked as a graphic designer in advertising production, where I gained skills in design software and project proposals. In the future, I would like to try my hand at a wide range of fields, such as video and web design. I applied to your company because I believe it is an environment where I can take on challenges, as it handles a wide variety of projects.

Customer Support

I hate dealing with so many complaints, so I’m looking for an easier job.

In my previous job, I was in charge of customer support for IT services, dealing with customers in both Japanese and English. In the future, I would like to take on the challenge of work related to the entire service, such as creating manuals and proposing improvements. Your company offers services globally, so I applied for this position as I thought I would be able to make better use of my language skills.

In this way, while bad examples only emphasize “dissatisfaction, treatment, and negativity,” good examples focus on “experience → desire to grow → connection with the company you’re applying to.”

summary

It is important to link your reasons for changing jobs to growth and career goals, rather than dissatisfaction. In a Japanese interview, you should also emphasize your willingness to work long-term and a positive attitude .

The easiest way to answer is to follow the following order: previous experience → what made you consider changing jobs → future goals → points of contact with the company you are applying to .

Job hunting in Japan requires a distinction between true feelings and public image, so it may seem unique to foreigners.

However, if you communicate in an appropriate way, you can give the impression that you are a positive person who is eager to grow.

Using this video as a reference, try creating a reason for changing jobs that suits your career and prepare so that you can answer confidently in the interview.

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