Lack of Professionalism as reason for leaving (employment, interview, application)

[Slambam17]

When asked in an interview why you left your last job, would it be wise to use "Lack of Professionalism"? Although it wasn't the only reason for leaving my last short-term job, it did play a big part. Any thoughts?

[Delta-SSiPP]

Originally Posted by Slambam17

When asked in an interview why you left your last job, would it be wise to use "Lack of Professionalism"? Although it wasn't the only reason for leaving my last short-term job, it did play a big part. Any thoughts?

Nah I don't think anything wrong with it! It just shows you have a good work ethic and set a high standard for yourself, like taking your work seriously. I think it's cool!

[aliss2]

But manu interviewers will consider bashing a previous employer as unprofessional in itself. So, what were your other reasons?

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by Slambam17

When asked in an interview why you left your last job, would it be wise to use "Lack of Professionalism"?

I don't think it's a good idea to criticize former employers in a job interview.

If you do want to say it, you want to find a way to say it so that they can't wonder whether you or your former coworkers lacked professionalism.

[fishbrains]

Terrible idea.

As previously noted some interviewers will automatically eliminate you if you trash previous employers. If this is the reason you put on an application it makes you sound like a whiner/troublemaker.

It is not a bad thing to leave a job, just keep it neutral. I would stick with something like:

Career advancement/left for another position
Seasonal position
Relocated to a new area
Business slowdown, lack of hours

[timberline742]

No, you're talking trash on a previous employer. Never, ever do that.

[babysladkaya]

If you say it, you would need to back it up with concrete examples-did they harass you? Did they curse? Did they violate any of the Title VII criteria? Think of the real reasons why you left and then of how to turn it into positive.

[ocnjgirl]

Just say you outgrew the position, or that you're looking for better opportunities. I would never say anything derogatory about a former place of employment during an interview.

[Mr_Geek]

Never ever say anything that can be in any way be interpreted as a slam on a previous employer. Always find another answer that will be positive.

[joe from dayton]

No, you should not. Say it was a temp job, no room for advancement or career development, etc.

Years ago I was looking to change jobs--same field--but with a different employer. I was asked why I wanted to leave the job I had and I told them about significant negative issues in my workplace. I didn't get the job. I was actually able to get feedback from the director and he told me that the interview panel didn't like me bad mouthing my employer, even though they asked me why I was leaving and I had concrete examples of substandard operations.