Do I mention money as main reason for looking to leave a job?

n1guy

I have a job interview next week with another company. The main reason I am looking to leave my current job is money, I am earning min wage for a semi skilled job (Cabinet Maker), The going rate is around £9 per hour.

I am sure to be asked the "Why are you looking to leave" question. What do I say?

daytona0

Just tell them! Just say that you love the work but you feel that you should be earning the going rate for the work.

Then maybe discuss one or two things you specifically like about their company. Good ethos? Good clients that they work with? Big reputation? etc

Masomnia

New challenge... new company is great because xyz... opportunity to build on your skills....

More money sounds a bit mercenary to me.

daytona0

Masomnia wrote: »

New challenge... new company is great because xyz... opportunity to build on your skills....

More money sounds a bit mercenary to me.

Hmm you could do..

The only possible downside to that is the employer may look at you and think 'ok, so what is the REAL reason why this person is leaving? Why go from one company to another despite it being the same sort of business?'.

Its a bit of a generic answer!

Masomnia

daytona0 wrote: »

Hmm you could do..

The only possible downside to that is the employer may look at you and think 'ok, so what is the REAL reason why this person is leaving? Why go from one company to another despite it being the same sort of business?'.

Its a bit of a generic answer!

So it's a good opportunity to show you've researched the company and why you think you think you'd be a good fit, why you're passionate about cabinet making and all that.

I wouldn't say a blanket no to mentioning it, like you say it is honest, but if that's the only reason then you risk looking like you'll up sticks and move three months later when you see a job paying 50p more.

Fireflyaway

I'd tell the company I am leaving that I'm off because the pay is bad, but at interview I would pay them some compliments and make that sound like thats your reasons for wanting to work there.

TELLIT01

I agree with Fireflyaway. It's one thing to let your current employer know that you are leaving because you feel undervalued financially, it's a different thing all together to say to a prospective employer that the main reason you want to move is more money.
First thing in their minds then is that you will move on again as soon as you see more money on offer elsewhere.

steampowered

I think it is always better to give an honest answer to this question, as long as you never slag off your previous employer.

Moving to get a higher salary is perfectly reasonable.

It is also good to mention other reasons such as wishing to gain experience etc. etc. to make you sound interested in the work.

paddyrg

Moving on because it's time to progress, work with new people, and continue to add to the value you bring.

Something like that that doesn't sound too forced. If you think in terms of 'value' it implies work in exchange for pay, suggests better money for a quality worker, but doesn't say it explicitly and it's wrapped up in a very positive personal intent.

getmore4less

You wrap it(money) up in other things that are relevant.

the oft used one is career progression.

You look for the things the new place offers over the old one, type of jobs, skills, training, size of company etc.

you can add other relevant factors like reputation, location

If the old employer is known as a tight payer they will know it's the money.

If it really is just the money, what if the current place counter offers plan how to handle that.

if you have not done already give the current place a chance to improve the situation to save you the hassle of moving.


Sometime it is worth moving just to avoid getting stale.

gettingtheresometime

The only issue with telling the truth is I - as an interviewer - would wonder if the interviewee was only looking to secure another job so that they could use it as a bargaining tool with their current employer...and once they'd secured that higher salary they'd turn down my offer of employment.