How should I respond when asked “Why are you looking for another job?” during a job interview?

Jeff T: How should I respond when asked “Why are you looking for another job?” during a job interview?
I have been working as an Executive Support Officer with a company for just over 3 months and it’s totally not what i expected it to be. Although I am not being treated badly, I noticed that I am being relegated to menial and tedious tasks, and that my real skills are not being utilized. I feel that I am wasting my time here and that I am not getting any professional growth or development. I am now looking for other opportunities externally. Is 3 months on the job too soon to be looking for another job? And whats’ the most effective answer that I can give when asked during the job interview “why are you looking for another job”? As much as possible I don’t want to say anything negative about my present place of work, but I also don’t want to waste my time, as well as letting other better opportunities pass by.

Answers and Views:

Answer by gerda wasnt here
yell ARRRRRRRRRR and run out of the room smashing things

Answer by cassidys_mum22
You must say that the job you currently have is not challenging you and allowing you to use all of your skills. You want a new job so that you can work to your full potential.

Answer by The Midnight Mariachi
if u dont feel comfortable look for another job and a response to the answer just say my old job wasnt what i was looking for or my skills/experience werent bieng put to use

Answer by 1M9
I think the reason you gave is perfect, to be honest. You might say that although you know you have to work from the ground up, but the first (current) place appears to have limited growth opportunity, or something similar to that.

Answer by Chris
Answer like you did in here: you want something that utilizes your skills and gives you a challenge. It’s corny, but in this case honesty really IS the best policy.

3 months is a little short, but if you don’t like it it’s time to move on.

Answer by SG Elite
3 months is definitely too soon to form an opinion. You need to give your employer chance to know your strength. Notwithstanding, your reason could be personal or looking for a more challenging opportunity.

Answer by agua
Hi Jeff,
Say the truth – but also add that you are a very hard worker, who likes challenges and who likes to work under pressure. Tell them that you appreciate your present company for the opportunity, you are not fully developing your skills.

Good luck in your search!

Answer by cmps
I totally get the underemployed thing. If you can, give it a few more months. Work up your own job description and present it to your boss, explaining that you want, and can, do more.

If you are ready to move to a new company, try something like…’While the current company is a good one, it is not the right environment for me. I am looking for a company and position that I can I learn and grow from.’ Be prepared to tell the interviewer that you are willing to take a position to prove yourself because you know you are confident that the company is a good one and you can grow personally and professionally there.

The one thing I caution you with though is to not to job hop. I did it and it makes for some awkward conversation with they mention it in the job interview.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!

Answer by aisha_73
Before you go for an interview for a company, do some research on the company. Discuss what you have learned about the company(its history, growth and reputation) how your personality,skills and work ethic would be useful to the companys benefit. Explain how you understand that everyone is not suited for every job position, but you are a diligent worker who gives your best at all you do and you need a company with a solid reputation for professionalism and demands the best from their employees and that those very qualities are something that you as a person represent. The fact that you have not been on the job very long does not look good. But you can be honest and tell them as you said “that your real skills are not being utilized” on your current job, because either way they are going to want you to explain for any gaps in employment ,if you do not include that job. Three months is not a long time on a job, but being unemployed for three months, you are going to have some explaining to do. It can go either way for you, but do not give anymore information than necessary, the interviewer will surmise from your responses what kind of individual that you are, and if you area good candidate for the job, all you can do is try to do your best and be sincere, not phony. Sell yourself! Good luck! and think positive!