do i have to give a reason for leaving my last job?

Question

i am applying for another job and my last four companies that i worked for went into liquidation and it just looks so bad on this new job application form when they are asking for the reasons i left all my last employers. it looks like i'm the kiss of death/

Answer 1

If you did not cause the liquidation but were let go because of it - that is not your fault. You don't have to list a reason for leaving; however, as an HR person I would not advise that. The employer would rather have something there as it looks more solid than not listing anything at all.

Answer 2

You have to be honest because your new employer will get references and if the reasons for leaving are different than you stated you could get the sack.

Best to refer to it in your cover letter eg.

I know it appears as though my employment history has not been as stable as is ideal, as I have been unlucky in a number of organisations. I am very committed and loyal and wish to find an employer with whom I can grow and develop over a number of years.

Or something

Answer 3

I have worked at several places that were all crap and I moved on pretty quickly. I just say that I was working to gain experience at a variety of establishments and the reason I left was due to career enhancement and progression. Works every time. If you go to interviews and they ask then just say, for example, that you learnt communication skills from workplace A, negotiation from workplace B etc. I think skills and experience these days are preferred over qualifications anyway

Answer 4

Oh my goodness, I really feel for you.

I was a recruiter and we had a gentleman (manager of credit) that worked for 3 companies that went bankrupt.

It took a few interviews, but we finally found him a job with a successful company. 10 years later, I believe he is still there and the company doing relatively well.

As there is nowhere for your future employer to call for references, you have to tell the truth.

Have you maintained contact with any of your former managers/supervisors? You could get a letter of recommendation from them stating that although the company closed, it was no fault of yours and you were a good worker.

Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Well...maybe you are. But I think you still have to list a reason, and a firm going out of business is rarely the fault of a single individual. At worst, you may look to have poor judgement in employers.

Answer 6

Have you got a job centre near you? If you have pop down there and ask their advice on writing your CV to make you look like the best and only candidate to employ. It's free too mind and they should all be back at work after their strike yesterday.

All the best, good luck

Answer 7

Hmm, well you don't HAVE to give a reason, but I think leaveing it blank would look even worse - it would make it seem that you have something to hide.

If I were you I'd come up with some generic bulls**t answer - lack of job satifaction, want to feel more challeneged, blah blah blah!! You know the kind of thing!!

Answer 8

Be honest about the reasons why and you'll be fine unless you were guilty of industrial espionage or were the direct cause for the failures. IE. They were your companies and you spent your time gambling in Las Vegus drinking cube libres and paying dancing girls to go on dates with you so you looked really popular.

Answer 9

Either you were the director of these companies. OR you are over rating your impact on the success of companies.

I get a completely different message. I would think you are an extremely poor chooser of employers and it is nice to see that you have had a stroke of luck in getting to know us!

Answer 10

You don't have to but nobody is going to think you are directly responsible for the ruin of 4 companies (unless you were the CEO, top dog, VP...).

I'm a manager and if I asked that question and someone gave me your answer I would appreciate the honesty.

Trust me, if they think that you are the cause....you won't want to work for them anyway.

Marc