Questions about your current job

- One of my least favorite parts about interviewing internally is the question, "So, do you hate your manager? "Is that why you want to move to a different role?" Just kidding. No one would actually ask that outright, however it can feel like that's what's being asked. The question, "Why do you want to make a change?," is a very delicate dance. On one hand, you never want to indicate that you don't like your manager or that you're painfully unhappy in your current position and on the other hand, you don't want to show that you're so content that it becomes confusing why you're looking at a different job. What gives? How do you sell yourself without selling out your current role? Here are three ways to be kind about your past and clear on your future. Number one, show gratitude. Even if you're really unhappy in your current position and your boss is not exactly going to be on the top of your Christmas card list, you still need to be positive about your experience working with them. I always tell my clients, at the very least you can say, "I learned a lot from this position "and am grateful for the opportunity." Whether good or bad, you definitely learned something. Showing gratitude is not just good karma, it's strategic, smart, and will position you well in your internal interview. Number two, be forward thinking. Instead of thinking of this new opportunity as an escape route, reposition it for your interviewer as a purposeful career move. This approach shows that you've been very thoughtful about your career direction, that you have loyalty to your current company, and that you're excited to continue with the organization. Remember, companies want to retain good talent and you, my friend, are good talent. Show them your excitement for growing alongside them, continuing to add value, and how you love calling this organization your home. Number three, focus on company goals. One of the easiest ways to diffuse this uncomfortable question is to focus on how your skills will be better utilized in this new role. Is the company trying to increase revenue, or simplify systems, or lead at a new level? Whatever it is for your company, make sure you're showing that you're not merely just making a move to make a move. You're helping them meet their goals. You can easily dance through this question with no red flags if you focus on not just what you want, but what the company needs.