Community Chat

[LeoGrl]

Would love anyone's opinion (especially those who are in HR) to my job search dilemma. How do you answer why you left your last job? It seems that companies don't want to hear the truth if it is negative so you can't tell them. But then if you give a canned answer, then they seem suspicious. My previous full-time position that I was at for a few years became a very hostile work environment. It was that bad! There were so many things going on behind the scenes that were wrong and it became more and more oppressive. It was to the point of affecting my health and had no choice but to leave (even though I knew how bad the job market was since I had been searching for months while I was still working). I left with the intention of going back to school and continue my search but put school on hold realizing I didn't want to use up all my savings and I'm glad I took that direction. Anyway, I found a part-time retail job back around the holidays and have stayed there while conducting my continued search for full-time work.

Yesterday I had an interview. Of course the dreaded, why did you leave your last job came up. I can't say I was laid off because I wasn't, but when I answer regarding my intention of school, they seem not convinced of that answer and then wonder why I am working retail. I just don't know how to sound convincing. I know less is more when this question is posed in an interview, however, I'm an honest person to a fault and I know they would not want to hear my honest answer about my previous position and what went on there. I don't know how to come across with the proper reason. The one gentleman that I interviewed with seemed to interrogate me. I don't know if companies are just so inundated with candidates and are trying to differentiate the good from the bad, or are they just being too paranoid and picky these days because they can. Any thoughts or recs anyone can offer on this subject especially those that are looking for a job? Thanks!!!