Reason for seeking new job (employees, applying, interviews, degree)

[SeekingGood]

I've been at my current employer for roughly eight and a half months. It's an entry-level position requiring a degree with a small company of around 50 employees. While the position wasn't exactly as described and I don't really enjoy it, my main concern is stability. There is constantly talk between management about downsizing the company, closing the company and starting over with just a few employees and keeping it small, getting rid of entry-level employees in the position I'm in and replacing them with experienced hires, etc. I've never really felt there was much job security here, even from day one.

I've recently started applying to other jobs as I'd rather move on as opposed to being replaced or laid off and have a resume gap. I fully expect to be asked in interviews why I'm seeking a new job after less than a year here. Would responding with my concerns about downsizing and the general lack of stability be a valid answer? I really don't feel that saying the job wasn't as described or that I don't enjoy the work would be a good response, but I wanted to get some thoughts on the matter. Thanks!

[beera]

If this applies I'd say you are looking for something more in line with your skill set, something a bit more challenging, and yes, you could drop in that you were told the company is downsizing and because you are so new there is likely you will be let go because of a "last hired, first fired" policy.

[ChiGuy2.5]

I wouldn't say anything about the company downsizing, its irrelevant and could potentially be confidential information. Not saying you would get in trouble for stating such but it really won't affect your chances of getting hired.

I suggest you tell potential employers that you just want something more in tune with your skill set. Make sure to tell them you enjoy your job for what it is.

[metamorphosis]

I agree with ChiGuy2.5. Saying anything that is the least bit negative about another company won't get you hired. The ABC Company (hiring company) will take into consideration that if you were to leave them, you could go to The XYZ Compnay (the next company) and say negative things about The ABC Company.

[cdubs3201]

Originally Posted by SeekingGood

Would responding with my concerns about downsizing and the general lack of stability be a valid answer? I really don't feel that saying the job wasn't as described or that I don't enjoy the work would be a good response, but I wanted to get some thoughts on the matter. Thanks!

Concerns about downsizing = good answer

Job wasn't as described/don't enjoy it = bad answer


Rule of thumb: When asked questions about a former or current employer that leaves room for you to paint it in a negative light, don't. Instead, paint it in a good light first, then say you're leaving for a reason that is reasonable and doesn't paint yourself in a bad light.

Example: Why did you leave X Company after only 10 months?

Answer: "X Company was a an excellent business and they treated me very well/I learned quite a bit/great place to work, but I'm looking for _________."

Looking can be anything from:

- Better opportunity
- Growth opportunity to further my career
- Looking for a more professional position
- Looking for a position that I can optimize my skillset
- Looking for an organization that I can contribute more to through creative ideas, contribute more than just the job description.

[sware2cod]

Concern about downsizing/layoffs is a great reason to look elsewhere. Leave it as a quick one or two sentence response and then wait for the next question from the interviewer.