[rechu]

In another post I discussed resigning from my job at the end of April due to a really terrible work environment. The thread is here: http://forums.psychcentral.com/work-...-job-soon.html

I recently sent in a résumé for a job that sounds like a really good fit. They responded via e-mail with some additional questions. After responding, I got an e-mail thanking me for my responses and saying that I would be contacted soon to set up an interview.

I am worried about answering that age-old interview question, "Why did you leave your last job?" Obviously, saying that I left because I was working for a bullying, lying, gaslighting boss who paid me peanuts while he loaded me up with increasing amounts of work is not going to come off well. However, the typical advice doesn't seem to help me develop a decent response either. For example, the advice for someone in my position seems to be to say I am looking for new challenges/professional growth. However, it seems like the day-to-day work of this job is pretty similar to one of my main responsibilities at my previous job, so that answer doesn't fit well in my case.

I was thinking maybe mentioning that I was asked to take on a great deal of extra responsibilities that were not in my job description and I didn't receive any additional compensation for the extra work. To some people, though, that might sound like I don't have enough of a work ethic. Of course, I do have a work ethic, but in this case I was being taken advantage of. Sadly, I am sure that some hiring managers will see that as a mark against me.

Any thoughts or advice?? Thanks!!

[21stCenturySM]

I would just say that you were doing more than your position called for, and there was no room for advancement.

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[hvert]

I would turn the question around into a positive statement about the company. "I left my last job because I want to work for a company with a strategic growth plan (or whatever makes sense for your situation). I'm looking for a place that can really use my skills at <<whatever>>."

I would not make any reference to the toxic culture at the last place or your boss not paying you.

[LadyShadow]

They let me go. Someone that was on maternity leave came back and I had to go. I was just filler. They didn't tell me though. So yeah scumbags. Screw it, I am not working anymore or even giving it a try anymore.

[growlycat]

Just keep your answer positive no matter how bad the reality was.

"I felt I was ready for a position with more responsibility"
"I like your company's direction in xyz and I feel there is more opportunity for growth"

If you can't find a positive spin, keep it at least neutral (I recently used my state's cost of living as an excuse, I left out the part about old job's horrible culture)

You may be totally justified in feeling slighted by the old company but never ever ever let on to the new employer. Venting is best left with friends

[Nammu]

yeah, keep it positive.

[notz]

Venting is best left with friends ~growlycat

Very wise words!

Harassment.

[Finniky]

So far, I have not had negative or controversial reasoning behind leaving jobs. I left my last job because I was working two jobs at close to 50 hours a week between them. I did that for about 4 months, and I no longer needed the extra money, and decided to only work at one job at that point. I chose the job that was minutes from my house and had a more convenient schedule that offered more hours, and more reasonable job requirements for the pay, which was the same as the other job that had many more duties. So I put in my two weeks and left gracefully. This job I have now, which is still the one I left my second job for back then, will be over in a month because I'm moving away.

I have not had any work history gaps since beginning work at 19 (I'm 24 now), but I did try to pick up two "side jobs" in the past that I quit immediately. Employers have not mentioned them. I don't add them to my work history, either. If they ever do ask, I am just going to be honest and say that those 2 jobs did not cater to and utilize my abilities at all, or something of that nature. However I am fairly certain my future employers wont care. I am getting my bachelors now, and I don't think 5 years from now employers for the profession I am getting into will ask "why did you quit working at mcdonalds after two days back when you were 20!?!?!? HUH?" Lol. They will be more interested in my long term employment and internships.

[Aviza]

Because I found one that was better. The hours are better, I negotiated better pay, benefits are better, and well I come to find out I'm treated better. Great decision, was a bit of a tough decision, but I'm glad I went the route I took.

My other job I was the least favorite, this one I'm the favorite. Best decision of my life.

[rechu]

Thanks all. They contacted me for an interview via skype next week. I was asked to give a few different times that work, so I sent that and am waiting for confirmation.

I am thinking of saying that my skills were not being well utilized. That is true, but doesn't sound so much like a gripe. I also may mention that I prefer working from home and that I was increasingly being asked to go into the office. It is somewhat true, we all worked remotely at first, and then in February he rented an office and we had to go there for meetings more frequently. This new job is 100% remote since the company doesn't even hava an office where I live. The postion I had from 2003-2011 was also a work from home situation with a supervisor based in another country, so I can say something like I really liked that situation and want to get back to working from home.

Wish me luck!

[growlycat]

You'll do great! I had several Skype interviews in the past few months. These tips helped me (Like, no dirty laundry in the background)

https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-n...kype-interview

[21stCenturySM]

Good luck!

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[Nammu]

Those sound like excellent answers. You'll do great! Good luck.

I left my last job because my illness progressed to the point I was disabled and no longer able to work. I applied for SSDI and was approved three months later. I probably should have quit long before I did.

Good luck on getting the job! xo

[rechu]

Originally Posted by growlycat

You'll do great! I had several Skype interviews in the past few months. These tips helped me (Like, no dirty laundry in the background)

https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-n...kype-interview

Thanks for the link. I am checking it out now. I am thinking of going to a café that has WiFi near my house. They have a second floor that is usually pretty quiet. I have dogs, and while they are pretty well-behaved, they do bark if someone comes knocking at the door. It would be just my luck that the mailman or some Jehovahs Witnesses would show up right during the interview.

[growlycat]

Originally Posted by rechu

Thanks for the link. I am checking it out now. I am thinking of going to a café that has WiFi near my house. They have a second floor that is usually pretty quiet. I have dogs, and while they are pretty well-behaved, they do bark if someone comes knocking at the door. It would be just my luck that the mailman or some Jehovahs Witnesses would show up right during the interview.

LOL my cat was put in the bathroom until my interview was over!! Best of luck!

[rechu]

Thanks! Ha ha about the cat.

A friend has agreed to do a quick dry run tomorrow, I am going to go to the café and make sure the WiFi connection is good enough to do an international call without problems.

[lizardlady]

Good luck!

[avlady]

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