I quit my job because I didn't get along with my boss, now I am interviewing for new positons. What do I give

Question

for the reason I left my previous job. Telling them I did not get along with my previous boss is not a good sign.

Answer 1

What you do is get someone other than your boss at the last job to be your reference. Often his manager or HR will give you a reference.

It's not uncommon that persons leave a job iver a dispute with the boss or simply because they didn't get along. But that doesn't mean someone else in management or HR won't be willing to give you a reference. This happens quite a bit. Just call HR and explain the situation. You left because you didn't get along with your boss but ask if someone can give you a reference. Often they will get the boss' manager, if not, then someone in HR. Make sure you both agree on what the reason and explanation will be. They will not mention it was over a dispute with the boss. In the job interview you state exactly that. If the potential employer makes a reference check, they will get the same reason and explanation. You're covered!

If you can't get one, then admit in the interview that you had a bad experience at yoru last job. You give a reason that sounds very neutral, not blaming the boss, not admitting you were the problem either. Then point out that you have good references from other jobs. Most interviewers understand that everyone has a bad job experience at some point in their career. So long as you have good references from everywhere else, it shouldn't be a problem.

This happened to me once in an interview. The hiring manager noticed I had worked for a very large local company. He mentioned he used to be a manager there and asked who my manager was. OOPS! I deflected the question and said something that I doubt he's still there, blah, blah, blah, ... But the interviewer came around and asked again. I knew I was beat, so I admitted "I had a bad experience there!" He then asked what happened. I explained an incident with my manager to which the interviewer threw his head bac and rolled his eyes! LOL!! He then gave an answer that totally discredited my former manager!! LOL!! He then gave an embarassing example of his own at that company!! LOL!! We then went over names of other managers seeing if there was one we both new and *BINGO*!! We found one. He promised me he would not contact my former manager and instead use the other one as the reference.

Best,
-- Liam

Answer 2

You could give a few different scenarios.
You are right you would not want to disclose that you did not get along with your previous supervisor. You could say that you wanted to explore an opportunity in a different field (such as the one you are interviewing for) That is a good one because it tells the employer that you are interested in having a long standing career at their institution. You want to be sure that you say positive things about your previous job, dont bad mouth it at all. Just say the only reason you left is because you have been eyeing their company and you are very interested in working there.

Answer 3

But it's the truth. You can't be dishonest in a job application or interview, so you have to disclose the real reason.

What actions did you take to improve relations with your previous boss before you quit? For example, did you consult a senior employee, ask for her advice, and follow it for several weeks to give it a fair chance to work? That sort of information can help a lot.

Answer 4

Never, ever complain or say anything negative about your previous employer or employment. Doing so puts up big red flags for hiring managers who tend to have numerous candidates to sort through. If the question comes up about why you left, simply say (in a positive, upbeat way) that you decided to look for new opportunities to expand your skills and experience. That's all you need to do.

Answer 5

Tell them you left for better opportunities. Most employers won't ask what exactly you mean by that. You never want to answer that question in a negative state..unless it's needed (like the employer needs to know something).

I quit my job b/c of my boss, but told an employer I quit b/c I wanted to focus more on my education.

Answer 6

It's all in the phrasing - something like "management at my last job was not helping me pursue my career goals," or "after I'd been with the company for several years, they began to go in a direction that wasn't part of my goals." The last one is good if indeed you were there for several years, as the interviewer will likely focus on your loyalty, rather than any "problems" you may have had. Be sure you're ready to elaborate in the same vein, stressing your goals rather than your "problems."

Answer 7

I would suggest that you give some version of reality, because many companies will track down your former boss and ask for a reference (even if you don't give the name).

Suggestions:
- Seeking better opportuinity / No career growth potential
- Didn't feel comfortable with direction of company

good luck!

Answer 8

They are only supposed to give your employment dates and if your rehireable, but I would at least get close to the truth on reason for leaving

Answer 9

It turned out I was not a good fit for the company.

or

It just didnt work out.

Answer 10

"My goals could not be accomplished at company X." (they don't need to know that your goal was to run over your boss with a forklift)

Or, "I want a position where I have more opportunity to learn new things"