How to explain Reason for Quitting a Job?

Question

I worked for a small company and one day my boss came into work and tried giving me my co-workers assignments. My co-worker said that was her work and asked why she was giving it to me and that I already had a heavy work load. I agreed and told my boss that once I complete my work that I would help my co-worker. My co-worker asked my boss why did she try to give me her work. My boss yelled and said because, "(My name), does not have any work". I told my boss why would she tell my coworker that and I told her the work that I was doing. She told me if I did not like it I should leave. So I left.

Now I am looking for work and want to know what to put down as the reason for leaving.

I have never in my life left a job. I just felt that if my boss did not appreciate the work that I was doing, or felt that I was not being productive enough. Then it was best for me to leave and work for a company where we both can benefit from my skills.

Answer 1

Be very careful how you word your letter. Maybe the article below will offer some ideas.

Answer 2

Most small business these days really don't bother with details of a previous position. If anything, they will check on the dates of employment simply to find out if you were really there. After that, the inquiry into previous employment is fairly limited, they can only ask simple surface questions.

You might also consider using the: Left job to find better position or searching for other type work or changing career.

There's a bunch of reasons for leaving your last position, the way you answer that question (if asked) in the interview is the most important. Answer it with a smile and common sense. You liked the company but.....

Answer 3

Whatever you do don't talk negatively about your former employer. Just explain you are looking for more challenging work. If they persist grilling you on your old job, explain that you want a job growth opportunity and the last job was very dead end as far as growth. While you say this, pepper your speech with praises for your old job, so your potential new employer considers you a happy worker.

Answer 4

Thanks for posting this question. I am also out of work unfairly and feeling unsure what to say when they ask. I tend to get emotional and tell the whole story of how I was wronged, then I feel worse afterwards and I think it doesn't look good to the company I applied at, because they are probably thinking that if I quit them I will tell similar tales to others about them in the future.

Answer 5

Giving a reason for leaving a past job can be a bit sticky at times, but there are ways to "spin" it positively. In this instance, I would say something like, "I left because I wanted to pursue growth in my career, and that's why this job appeals to me. I think I would be challenged and would have more growth opportunities."

Answer 6

I'd keep it general and vague, like
"wanted to seek new career opportunities".

Make sure you don't slam on the place because that makes you sound bitter. Truthfully, it's really not their business, and if you don't make a big issue out of it, neither will your next employer.

Answer 7

When I fill out new job apps, I always put that I moved, if you want to be honest, tell them the work enviorment wasn't good. You have a right to a good work enviorment.