More than 59 million job applications were submitted in the UK last year, proving that the job market has never been more competitive.

Many Brits don’t even make it to interviews, with just than 20% of applicants being invited to meet with their prospective employers. If you’re amongst the lucky few to make it to this stage, the last thing you want to do is waste the opportunity with a common error – especially one that can blacklist even the strongest candidates.

But there is one question asked at the majority of interviews that hiring managers hope won’t derail a top-candidates interview. Dr George Sik, founder of eras said the most important question and answer for hiring managers – and therefore prospective candidates – is “Why are you looking to leave your current role?”

“The question for many hiring managers is a chance to assess how well the candidate might fit into the current team, or be a problem for their new manager. Many candidates dread it, for fear of saying the wrong thing, but hiring managers can often use this as an opportunity to ear-mark a great, memorable candidate. If a hiring manager uses it, so can interviewees”.

“For stand-out candidates, they may not be leaving a role, but seeking this opportunity for specific reasons, and this question can be a great way for a candidate to put a positive spotlight on them by demonstrating a double positive; the positive nature of their current role, and the opportunity in the role”

“If a candidate takes this approach it can often be a green flag for a hiring manager, and could change the dynamics of the interview process, meaning the new company may have to sell the role, rather than drilling down on the reasons for leaving, or interviewing to fact check other areas of the CV.”

“Even if you’re attempting to leave a negative role or boss, you should try and re-frame your answer to focus on what it is about this new role that appeals.”

How to approach the question:

• Consider which elements of the role appeal to you – and emphasis why that would be a better fit than your current position.
• Focus on the future – not the past.
• Stick to facts over verifiable facts