How honest should I be about why I am leaving my current employer in an interview?

Question

I recently began looking for a new job. I love what I do and I work for a great company, except my boss. I am experiencing "my boss sucks" for the first time. My working environment has gotten so bad I had to take some time off because I was (and still am) very stressed out. I've gotten so depressed I can't even sleep at night. I, as have my 4 other team members, have tried transfering to another location, but she stopped it from happening. She is very unsupportive, & a very shady woman!
So I have began to look for a new job. My question is when I go to a job interview, I will most likely be asked why I am leaving my job. Should I tell them the truth? Or is it best that I say something simple and say what a new employer may want to hear such as, "I am looking to gain more experience in the working field and I know you and your company can give me that opportunity. What are your thoughts? Has anyone gone through this? I'm so desperate I might have to take a pay cut cuz my boss SUCKS!

Answer 1

Tell them the truth. They may wind up seeking a reference from your boss, so you want to let them know the relationship isn't good.

Tell them you love what you do and you love your company, but management changes have destabilized your team and created a negative working environment. You're not one to jump ship easily and you'd like to find a way to work with this difficult boss, but with everyone else quitting or transferring there's really no department left. You'd simply prefer to be somewhere where you can focus on your work rather than the distractions of such serious personnel issues.

I've interviewed people before, and I would have no problem with someone talking about a negative work situation. You just want to try to phrase it in the most positive terms possible. Avoid specifically bad-mouthing your boss--don't list her faults, just speak generally about management changes, department instability, recent negative working environment, etc. Then DO be specific about the type of environment you hope to work in--teamwork, communication, mentoring, growth, etc. They'll figure it out, plus you're feeding them positive buzzwords they want to hear.

Answer 2

It can be a pain to have a boss that sucks, and although I am a woman, some women bosses do suck! That's just my personal experience and that of many friends who had women bosses. But to answer your question, no matter how bad the company may be or how bad your boss was, you never speak negatively of your past/current employer. But you do as you mention, which is to focus on the aspect that you're looking because you're seeking a change in environment. You want to work for a company that's supportive and encourages growth. It would be good to ask in the interview questions that allows the interviewer to give more insight into the company, i.e. work environment, management style(if you're interviewing directly w/ your would be boss). Hope that helps!

Answer 3

I would stick with saying something simple like what you said about the new company being able to give you more experience. If you choose to talk about your current employer some ppl might look at that as complaining or immaturity. I don't doubt that your current boss is bad but I just think that staying away from personal feelings in the 1st interview is probably a good idea. Good luck!

Answer 4

You should NEVER bad mouth your ex-employers, or in your case, current employer. Doing so only lets this prospective employer have doubts about you and what type of person you are. If you are finding a job in the same type of industry as your current job, you can say what you mentioned in your post. You're looking for more experience and further responsibility duties, etc. If you are looking for jobs in a different type industry, just say that you're looking for a career change.

Besides, ex-employers can only answer basic questions. Usually yes or no stuff, or verify information such as your pay rate, position and your length of time there. They cannot say anything bad about you as it is against the law.

Answer 5

Oh my God. I am having the same exact problem. I quit cause my boss won't give me a recommendation to another job in the company.

But I am also stuck, cause no matter what I say in the interview, they will still call her for referral since she was my last employer, or in your case current employer. If she won't give me a good referral, what can I do?

Answer 6

Tell them you are looking for a job where there are better chances for advancement. That sounds like you are motivated and looking for long-term employment. They will love it.

Answer 7

I am a fan of honesty is the best policy. I don't have experience with your situation but I would say just be straight with your interviewer.

Answer 8

Does your job stress you out because you boss makes you do your JOB? You are stressed because for the first time in your life you have to put in a full 8 hr shift with 2 15 min breaks and can play and doddle around like your previous jobs did! Suck it up and cope with life! Its a job and most ppl would DIE for a job these days!