The interview question that catches more candidates out than it should

Whether you’re applying for a pensions administration role, consultancy position or leadership opportunity, employers aren’t looking for your life story.

They’re trying to understand your professionalism, motivation and career direction.

The way you answer this question can leave an interviewer feeling reassured—or raise unnecessary concerns.

The good news? With a little preparation, it’s one of the easiest questions to answer well.

When employers ask why you’re leaving your current or previous role, they’re assessing much more than the reason itself.

They’re asking:

• Are you moving towards something positive?
• Do you speak professionally about previous employers?
• Have you thought carefully about your next career move?
• Are you likely to stay if we hire you?

A confident, forward-looking answer demonstrates maturity and self-awareness.

Even if your reasons for leaving are completely justified, avoid turning the conversation into a list of frustrations.

Comments such as:

• “There was no progression.”
• “My manager wasn’t supportive.”
• “The culture wasn’t right.”

may be true, but they rarely strengthen your interview.

Instead, acknowledge your reason briefly before shifting the focus onto what you’re looking for next.

A strong answer usually follows three simple steps.

1. Briefly explain why you’re leaving

Keep it factual and concise.

For example:

“Following a company restructure, my role became redundant.”

or

“After several successful years in the business, I felt I’d reached a point where I was ready for a new challenge.”

2. Highlight what you’ve gained

Focus on the skills and experience you’ve developed.

For example:

“The role gave me valuable experience across pensions administration, stakeholder management and complex scheme projects.”

3. Explain why this opportunity appeals

This is where you bring the conversation back to the employer.

For example:

“I’m now looking for an opportunity where I can build on that experience within a business that’s investing in growth, governance and member outcomes.”

This approach keeps the conversation positive and demonstrates genuine motivation.

Redundancy is increasingly common as organisations continue to evolve, restructure and adopt new technologies.

There’s no need to apologise.

Simply explain the situation confidently before focusing on what’s next.

For example:

“My role was affected by organisational restructuring, which gave me the opportunity to reflect on the next stage of my career. I’m excited to find a role where I can continue developing my pensions expertise.”

Honesty, confidence and positivity will always leave a stronger impression than over-explaining.

The strongest candidates don’t spend five minutes explaining why they left.

They spend thirty seconds explaining it—and the rest of their answer talking about where they want to go.

Interviewers are far more interested in:

• what motivates you,
• what you’ve learned,
• and why you’re excited about joining their organisation.

That shift in mindset can completely change how your answer is received.

Interview success rarely comes from having the perfect answer on the day.

It comes from preparation.

Practising your response beforehand allows you to deliver it naturally and confidently without sounding rehearsed.

At Sammons Pensions Recruitment, we help pensions professionals prepare for interviews every day. From refining CVs and discussing career goals to interview preparation and market insight, we support candidates throughout every stage of the recruitment journey.

If you’re considering your next move within the pensions industry, we’d be delighted to help you present your experience with confidence and secure the right opportunity.