I need an explanation for walking out on my last job.?

Question

I used to be a stocker at a grocery store. One day my ill tempered manager threw an all out fit because the peanuts were not stacked to her satisfaction, when I came back from lunch there were peanuts all over the floor and she (for lack of a better phrase) ripped me a new one in front of customers, so I told her I could not put up with her temper and walked out. I'm applying for other jobs now and I need to come up with a way to explain my leaving without making myself look like a bad employee. Anyone have any good suggestions?

Answer 1

Ignore most of the above. In most states they can't find out why you left. The most they can confirm with your former employer is that:

a. you did work there
b. you held whatever job title you claim to have held
c. your starting and ending wages
d. dates of employment
e. whether or not you're eligible for re-hire with that company.

If you make up a story, they get to verify that, too. If you leave it alone and say that you left for "personal reasons", "career advancement" or "schedule conflicts" there's nothing for anyone to confirm or deny. Leave it at that.

Answer 2

Depends on if the grocery store was an independent or a franchise.

If it was a independent then you just say that it was a bad experience but that you have good references from other former employers. Everyone has a bad work experience at some point. The interview should understand that. So long as you have other references that say you're good, it shouldn't be a problem.

If the store was a franchise, then you might be able to arrange for a reference. The general manager or HR can step in and provide a reference. What you need to do is this. Call the GM or HR rep and say, "Hi, It's Tia who used to work at the store. Listen, I'm very sorry for what happened but under the circusmstances, I had to do what I did so the situation wouldn't turn ugly. I know I can never work there again. But I do need to find another job. Is there anyway I can get a reference?" You'll be surprised, but the may very well give you one! First, if that manager was as tempermental as you describe they know that too. Very likely, you'r enot the only employee who quit over it or has complained. They'll realize it's not all your fault. Also, you accepted you can't come back. You're obviously not interested in legal action because you're asking for a reference. There's no incentive for them to prevent you from getting employed. What they will probably do is agree to give a different, neutral sounding reason. Make sure you say what they wiill say if a reference check is made. That's how you do it.

Best,
-- Liam

Answer 3

The fist thing is to tell the truth, then the interesting part is how you tell it... I'd say I quit (which you did) because you didn't fit in that place specially their management style... I'd say that they expected Managers (or bosses) to be rude and have everything accomplished regardless of what needed to be done... which translated into treatment to customers (I'm sure you'll have an example of customer badly treated).. and that you believe that its not only the end what is important, but in the long run, in a business like grocery stores the "how" also matters... good luck.. it seems like leaving that company was a good decision (for what I read).

Answer 4

Tell them it was a hostile work environment. If pressed for more information, tell them that you felt you were unfairly reprimanded in front of customers and didn't feel comfortable working there anymore. Don't say anything bad directly about the manager though.

Answer 5

A way to explain why you choose to walk out your old job is to say "you did it because your boss blamed you for doing something you did not do when you came back from your lunch break."

Answer 6

a couple of ideas. you need a change of job because you felt unfulfilled at your last job and would like a change.or you had to quit to take care of family matters.if asked what you can say you have a parent,or grandparent or brother or sister who is having problems which required your time but it is all under control now.

Answer 7

Say *nothing* about this incident (unless pressed, then be sincere/objective about your concerns), and find a reason about how the new job is a better fit for you. Keep it positive.

Answer 8

tell them the truth?

Answer 9

harrassment