How do you explain leaving job before a year is up? (job hunting, employment)

[NM posts]

In light of my other post, and because my manager is such a poor leader, I really do need to start looking. However, I've only been at my job since August. It's pretty critical that I get out of this situation before my lease is up and I need to commit to living where I'm living, as that would lock me in (we have too much supply around here for my job and not enough demand).

I have no idea of a constructive way to phrase why I'm trying to leave so soon after being hired!

Here are my actual concerns, can you help me with the spin?

--manager is a first time manager whose inept leadership has her entire staff job hunting; inconsistent management style

--manager hoards the project-related work leaving us with just administrative time (i.e., no work) and we bill our time

--they now want me to travel and I have to pay for my dog boarding, this wasn't clear in the interview

--somewhat concerned about financial future of company/layoff even though I was assured that would not happen. It's a public company though and my last company was very healthy one day and seemingly overnight they were laying off.

The truth is that though this manager is a very nice person, we're a rudderless ship and it stresses me out to unhealthy levels. I find it hard to plan for the future because what she says is so inconsistent, and I can't imagine staying long term.

In interviews, should I focus on my concerns about the company's financial future? Not sure if that's wise either, as I'd likely be interviewing with companies who also have uncertain financial futures and they may assume I'd bail on them too.

thanks!

[YAZ]

Unfortunately, potential employers seem to ask that question often.

Try your hardest not to bash them, just say something like:

"It wasn't a good fit."

Or:

"The job description didn't match the actual job."

Remember that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence.

I accepted a job last August myself, and learned a few days before my start date that it was going to be on the night shift.

That was not the deal, but I had already put my notice in with my current employer at the time. What a mess.....

Still looking for other employment, and will tell potential employers exactly what happened.

[sike0000]

I agree with YAZ.

Try not to bad mouth them. And it was not a good fit is a good one.

You can at least be honest about the financials of the company. Tell them that although you are still employed there is little work coming in. Or that the work you were hired to do is drying up. I would never say that I thought I was going to be laid off. I let the potential employer fill in the blanks however they want.

[dspguy]

Yes, do not mention any of those things about your manager. No matter how strongly you feel about it, that is a recipe for disaster.

You can use the "they now want me to travel" card. Of course, this means that you'd have to tell your potential new employer that you will not travel. If this new job would not require travel, it is ok to say "At my previous job, I was told there would be no travel which is important to me since <insert whatever excuse you want - dog, sick relative, etc> prevents me from travel." They should be understanding.

And of course, stating concerns about the companies finances is acceptable.

[Racelady88]

If you are looking for what to put on your resume as a reason for leaving simply put "will discuss". I agree with the others, don't say anything bad about any job.

[NM posts]

Thanks so much! It looks like there's enough safe topics to discuss...

[bouncethelight]

I would just say that the job required travel, and it wasn't discussed in the interview process, and so you didn't know the job wasn't a good fit, until after you accepted it.

That's a totally safe way to word it - no one would question your logic, and you're not saying anything negative.

[tyvin]

Potential employers always want to know the reason why a person resigned from a job, lenth of time not withstanding. "At Will" of course is the one that both sides may site as a reason and legally not have to substantuate why. Since all my jobs have been union ones, I have been protected by contract pursuint to union rules; I do hear the horror stories and sympathize with people that have had a weak union or none at all. What ever your reason you will site; be succint, consistent and never bash a previous empolyer. Get all agreements in writing (if non-union). It is not a good idea to burn any bridges. Also, be very aware that anything you post on the internet (forums, social networks ect...) can be accessed by someone else (like an employer). It really is not that hard to look up info on someone if you have their name, DOB etc... My rule of thumb is never put in writing (or on a voice mail) anything you don't want the rest of the world to see. Good-luck to you and yours.

[buzzpost]

Originally Posted by sike0000

I agree with YAZ.

Try not to bad mouth them. And it was not a good fit is a good one.

You can at least be honest about the financials of the company. Tell them that although you are still employed there is little work coming in. Or that the work you were hired to do is drying up. I would never say that I thought I was going to be laid off. I let the potential employer fill in the blanks however they want.

Good advice from YAZ and sike!