Last night, I cooked three packs of ramen in one pot. I whisked two eggs, chopped some green onions, and topped it off with a slice of cheese, which made the broth thick and filled the house with a wonderful aroma.

As I was slurping the noodles in front of the pot, my chopsticks suddenly stopped. I remembered that question that would definitely come up in my interview next week. It was the same question that kept circling in my mind during my ferry ride to work.

It was the question, "Why are you looking to move now?" This question is almost a staple in year-end interviews, as many say.

Honestly, if you think about it from the interviewer's perspective, it makes sense. Right before bonus season, it's only natural to be curious about why someone would want to change companies at year-end.

What the interviewer really wants to know is your motivation and attitude, as well as whether you are someone who will stay long-term. This is a common point highlighted by various career guides.

I also took a look at the current market atmosphere. According to the JOLTS data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on November 3rd, there were 7.52 million job openings in September.

The number of voluntary resignations was 3.4 million, which is a significant increase from the revised figure of 3 million in August. Honestly, I was a bit surprised by the numbers.

It turns out I wasn't the only one feeling restless. I believe interviewers will be more thorough in asking, "Why now?"

So, I've structured my answer into three parts: one reason, one real-life example, and one reason why this position is right for me.

The reason should be as specific as possible. For example, you could say that a project you were working on has been completed, or that you want to apply the new skills you've learned over the past year.

If you vaguely say, "I want to take on new challenges," it sounds bland, like ramen without broth. The interviewer needs to see why this winter is the right time for you to make a move.

I used the fact that I completed a major project this year as my reason. It felt like the perfect moment to turn off the heat when the noodles were just right.

For the example, I just attach a brief one. A sentence or two about what I did in that project and what the outcome was is enough. If it gets too long, I can see the interviewer's eyes glazing over like overcooked noodles.

The last part is the most important. It's about explaining how this company and this position align with my next steps.

The timing of year-end can actually be an advantage. Reflecting on the year's achievements and expressing a desire to start the new year with a new team sounds natural.

On the flip side, there are things to avoid. Badmouthing your current company or boss is absolutely off-limits.

No matter how many grievances you have, that conversation should end at home while eating ramen. Bringing it up in an interview is like spilling broth everywhere.

Leading with discussions about bonuses is also not ideal. While it's not necessary to pretend money isn't important, if you bring it up first, you might come off as someone who only cares about that.

Usually, this question is followed by, "Then why our company?" So, it's a good idea to skim through the company's website, recent news, and job postings to prepare at least one connection point.

Also, it's problematic if you sound too rehearsed. You should have a framework but let the words flow naturally according to the atmosphere of the day.

There's also a legal point worth noting. In New York State, since January 6, 2020, it has been prohibited for employers to ask applicants about their previous salaries.

So, if the follow-up question after "Why now?" is "How much are you making now?" you don't have to answer that. However, it is allowed to ask about your desired salary, so it's good to have a number in mind.

If you voluntarily disclose your previous salary, the company can use that information. So, whether to share it or not should be a strategic decision.

Additionally, starting September 2023, New York requires job postings to include salary ranges. If you check the range listed in the posting beforehand, you'll feel much less nervous when discussing your desired salary.

The answer I practiced is this: "Having completed the project I was assigned this year, I've clarified the skills I want to develop further, and this position is the perfect place to apply those skills, which is why I'm applying now."

After practicing in front of a mirror a few times, it felt awkward at first, but it gradually became more natural. I imagined the grocery list stuck to my fridge as the interviewer and ended up laughing a few times.

After the practice, as a reward, I went to a local Korean restaurant and had two bowls of soft tofu stew with rice. I cracked an egg into the bubbling pot and finished all the kimchi and bean sprouts that came as sides. Eating the warm broth with rice eased my tension.

In the end, I decided that the question "Why now?" is not a trap but an opportunity to share my story. If there's a reason for the timing, I should speak confidently about it.

For those preparing for year-end job changes like me, make sure to eat well and go into your interviews. A full stomach helps keep your voice steady.

Tonight, I plan to cook only two packs of ramen instead of three. Since the interview is just around the corner, I need to hold back a little, but I'll still add two eggs.