How should I answer "reason for leaving" in this circumstance?

Question

I recently left a job I had held several years. For the past six months, I'd been working heavy overtime (despite a chronic illness my ex-employer knew about) on a project that ran into many difficulties, none of which I caused.The project went through several directors. The last was scary on other levels, and in addition, she and I just did not like each other and would have sensibly avoided each other but that we were forced together. She took several actions that made my life a lot worse; among them was demanding evening and weekend overtime after the deadlines had been made and I, frankly, was fried. I asked for help from above and got none. Being at the end of my rope healthwise and temperwise and having some savings, I quit - eight hours notice. Now I've found a job opening I'm interested in. What should I write in the "reasons for leaving" part of the app? "Excessive unpaid overtime"? I will appreciate any help you all can give me.

Answer 1

"Excessive unpaid overtime" is against the law even if you are on a salary, contact a good lawyer and get the monies owed to you, I did and I got all my monies paid back to me...as for your question you can just state whatever you want them to read...but do not leave any negative remarks about your last or any employer...

Answer 2

You have two problems. One, of course, is what to say for reason for leaving. The other is what your employer will say about why you left and what kind of employee you were.

It was a mistake to leave with eight hours notice. You probably realize that. Unfortunately, most employers would have reservations about hiring you. They would identify with the other employer and would wonder why you would leave them high and dry.

I wish I could figure out a way for you to finesse this, but I can't. I suggest you go back to the person in your old company who would be called upon to provide a reference to the prospective employer. Apologize for leaving with eight hours notice. Explain to that person that you had been working hard and fighting an illness. The day you quit you were overwhelmed. Now that you have had time to get some rest, think things through, and regain your health, you realize the mistakes you made.

Now, I know you'll have trouble getting these words out because you are feeling you were sort of justified. But I can't figure out a way to get your prospective employer on your side. They have a tendency to believe the worst and a fear of making a bad hire. But you have no leverage in this situation because of the way you left.

I would then ask the person at the old company what kind of reference s/he would give you. More specifically, will s/he mention the quick departure? What will s/he say about your work? Your willingness to work overtime? They may have a policy that they will only confirm the dates of your employment and will not give prospective employers information about your performance.

That would be a good break.

Assuming that you have to deal with something more negative, it's very important that you don't blame anyone at the old company. Blame yourself. And tell them the steps you have taken to improve your shortcomings.

And, in fact, you have learned a great deal from this experience. The key thing is to avoid actions that would put you at a future disadvantage. I'm sorry all this happened to you. You were exploited and you ran into some bad bosses. This is an effort to prevent them from making it any worse.

Answer 3

Is it in the same line of work you were in? If not....put something along the line of looking for a position with a better fit for my skills and personal goals or the company changed direction and the position you were filling was dramatically changed. It would not be a lie. If you need to expand in the interview, do so then, when you have the chance to explain the change and no notice given. NEVER LIE EITHER ON A RESUME OR IN AN INTERVIEW. Also when you explain the reason you left.... make it as positive as possible. Never bad mouth your former employer. If you would bad mouth your former employer... prospective employers will feel you would do the same to them. Good luck with the new postion.NEVER EVER EVER state anything about health issues. They will IMMEDIATELY view you as a potetial liablility. They will think that you will need a lot of time off to deal with your health... which is a loss for any company.

Answer 4

A simple "resigned" should be sufficient. If the interviewer wants to know more, you can tactfully address it at that time, (it was time to make a change, no room for promotion, decided to try something different, blah, blah, blah)or choose not to give any information. I'm sure you have plenty of good references from others anyway.
Your former employer, by law, can only tell the caller the dates you worked, what your position was and maybe how much they were paying you. A former employer cannot disclose anything about you personally or any issues both parties may have had.
So, short story is- don't worry about it!
That's good for you, as a prospective employee, but bad for me, as an employer. I'd like to know if I'm about to hire a psycho or not!

Answer 5

Excessive unpaid overtime is good... and when asked, be honest but not lengthy. "I was working on a high stress level project that became more and more difficult for many reasons. The demanding evening and weekend hours in addition to my normal work schedule began to take a toll on my health. I did request assistance from my supervisor and was refused. I felt it would be best for me to seek employment in a more supportive environment... where team members are valued and work together for the best possible outcome for each project."

Answer 6

Unable to cope with the unsociable hours.
Dispute over lack of overtime payment.
Looking for a new challenge.
No chance of career advancement despite putting in lots of unpaid hours.
Excessive stress and long hours making me ill.

Answer 7

Yeah, I'd go with the "excessive unpaid overtime demands", it sounds nice and vauge and would be easily explainable if it's brought up. Don't mention the clash of personality though (in interview) as they may think you cuase it (which you didnt) just stick to the demand to work longer hours against unreasonable deadlines etc.

Answer 8

I wouldn't criticse your former employer or give them the full reason, a little white lie perhaps like "I was disappointed I had to leave at that time, however, I aws invloved in a project that required a lot of overtime, unfortunately due to personal committments and personal circumstance I waas unable to offer the full committment tha was required. after considerable consideration I decided that it would be best for botyh the company and myself to part ways"

Answer 9

well, im sure there are many creative ways of writing a resume, they will probably check so you cant fudge it too much, dont include her as a supervisor find one that you had that you worked well with and list him. You could say some kissy thing like you left to pursue a better job that would appreciate your skills and stuff.

Answer 10

on the form I would just put something like "lack of description of project, and overtime labor despite medical conditions" and when you actually go to interview, let the manager exactly what was going on and he/she should deffinitely understand. good luck!