I have 2 positions where I left them and I'm trying to figure out how to turn these explanations into a positive rather than making the interviewer doubt my loyalty and ability to stick with a position. The first one - I was temping and took a permanent position where they then downsized and I was laid off. The other - the company was going out of business, so I resigned to look for other opportunities. How do I turn this in MY favor rather than having an interviewer continuing to probe, why, why why???? They drive me crazy - when they ask that and make it sound like I was committing career suicide by resigning. Do you have ideas for what to say that will make me look good rather than having to go into detail about the past???
2007-08-25 03:53:53 · 8 answers · asked by ? 6 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
Well, with the temp job all you have to explain is that it was in fact TEMPORARY. So when the end of the positions time came, you took reposibility for yourself and your career path and sought out another profession. The second job can be described as the company was going out of business and you took the opportunity to once again try and grab hold of your career path. Neither of these situations sounds as bad as you think. I promise. In fact, I'm sure if you're just honest about it, but of course with the right wording, it will actually look good on you for WANTING a permanent long term position, but unfortunately you've had a run of bad luck with companies downsizing or going out of business which is not uncommon what with gas prices and our current economy!
p.s. mentioning that you chose to apply at that company because of its long term history in the area and how confident you feel in the company will earn you super brownie points. And dont forget to come up with questions for them at the end of the interview. This shows that you are TRULY interested in the job!
2007-08-25 04:02:22 · answer #1 · answered by Under Z Sea 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In an interview, your best course of action is always being honest. It appears to me that you left these positions because of circumstances outside of your control (leaving a company that is going out of business is a good career move, not a bad one). I would take this approach. Focus on the good things you did while working at these two jobs and how your achievement there will relate directly to your new job. If the interviewer probes about your departure, be very straight with him or her---"I guess I ran into a streak of bad luck. I enjoyed working for these two companies, and I gained a lot of valuable experience, but unfortunately, neither company was successful, and I needed to move on to other opportunities, such as this great one we are talking about today." As a side note, be very careful here...it sounds likes you already feel uncomfortable about this job opportunity. Make sure it's the right one for you. Ask a few probing questions yourself about the company's business plan, its prospects for the future, and your prospects for growth within the company.
2007-08-25 04:20:39 · answer #2 · answered by Sock 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It happens all the time. Don't try to hide it, don't try to sugar coat it or give a new spin. Let the it come out during the interview and explain the circumstances just as you explained them here.
You are no different than 99% of other perspective employees. You are constantly looking for the best job. Sometimes that means you resign a position to find another. The interviewer knows this. Their job is to make sure you are telling the truth and not hiding that you were fired from your last position for incompetence or drugs or something else.
Good luck.
2007-08-25 04:08:49 · answer #3 · answered by R_Crumb_Rocks 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1st case - Its not your fault to be laid off
2nd case - As much as you wanted to stay with the Company, you also have bills and personal needs to settle. So its normal that you find a more stable job to meet these basic needs.
I dont see a question of loyalty or career suicide. These stuff happens.
Show your sincerity, don't rattle or panic when asked. Just know in your heart that you'll make a good worker. Be confident.
2007-08-25 04:10:20 · answer #4 · answered by BelindaCuty 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Suggest you take the tactic that you want to find a job where you can contribute for a long period of time. Layoffs are a part of business, so you're first job is just that. The second one, you saw the handwritting on the wall, so you wanted to go out and find something more stable. (In the future, find a job before you quit your current job).
good luck
2007-08-25 05:49:13 · answer #5 · answered by Michael K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as a motivated person I left the company to seek better opportunties to apply myself to the position.
in addition. during the downsizing I was laid off. not due to my abilities but due to a budget and need to reduce staffing. I was new and one of the first to be selected in the reduction.
all of your experience is great. you did not get fired or put on a performance review. you did great in the past and good luck to you this week.
Mc.
2007-08-25 04:02:29 · answer #6 · answered by Michael M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I honestly don't see why the above scenarios would cause any problems. The first you were laid off, the second, you left because the company was going out of business.
2007-08-25 04:02:54 · answer #7 · answered by Sunidaze 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all dont worry about your career.Nothing will happen.
For the first one you can tell the truth by putting it as im new to the company.
And for the second one say them that you have some family issues,health issues etc.
2007-08-26 17:58:00 · answer #8 · answered by vamsi k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋