Recently, ResumeDoctor.com surveyed over 2,000 recruiters and hiring managers worldwide in order to find out what questions are most frequently asked during job interviews. Participants came from a variety of industries, including information technology, marketing and sales, finance, and healthcare.

Employers want to quickly gauge the motivation and seriousness of the candidate. Michael Marchese, a specialist in recruitment for the accounting and finance industries in Phoenix, Arizona, explains, "Reason for leaving is an extremely important question, it gives the person interviewing critical insight about a person and their behavior. As a recruiter, it's concerning when salary increase is the only reason, these people will take counter offers. An issue with a supervisor seems to reoccur with certain individuals and this is a red flag of someone possibly being difficult to work with. Another serious issue is a candidate not staying with companies for more than a year, someone classified as a job hopper and companies aren’t interested in these candidates."

Common Acceptable Reasons for Leaving:

• Looking for a new challenge
• Current employer is downsizing
• Current employer is relocating
• Advancement opportunities are very limited with current employer
• Business is poor and the company’s financial situation is looking insecure
• Relocating to be with a significant other

Common Reasons that Send Up "Red Flags":

• Fired from recent position
• Personality conflicts with colleagues
• It is only about more money

Recruiter Tip: If being fired was the reason for looking, try to avoid saying literally, "I was fired." Never lie, but simply state you "had a difference in opinion" with your former employer. Luckily, many HR departments have policies regarding divulging in-depth information about a former employer except to confirm and deny salary history and dates of employment. If you were fired due to criminal activity, be extra careful and possibly seek the advice of an attorney.