surrendering to greater wisdom

[anamacha]

I've been job-searching for a while now, but this is the first time I've "filled out an application." For those that remember the story with my erstwhile employer ... what should I put down for my "reason for leaving"?

I did manage to find this old entry in which I ask more or less the same question, but then I was still bitter and angry. Now

Comments

[barca_k]

i am an old hand at this.

the thing to put down at "reason for leaving" is that you did not feel that the company was acknowledging your ambition. you were working very hard, you wanted to move up, you wanted to know what you had to do to do this, but they weren't listening.

so in that space, put "i did not feel at the time that my ambition was being recognized, & I knew i could do better elsewhere."

i know you were fired from your previous job. if that comes up in an interview, tell them that you were very frustrated because the job was not challenging you enough in spite of the fact that you'd brought this up with your bosses on numerous occasions. everybody wants a leader & you were demanding to be one, but they didn't listen.

that, in my opinion, is the tack to take.

my advice, for all of the three cents it is worth.

good luck, John.

[anamacha]

thanks man! I really appreciate your advice, and it rings well and true for me.

[wardellen]

I'll try tomorrow to talk to Yvette about attorneys in your area- I think I already explained how it might be Monday before I get the chance.

As for "reason for leaving", I agree with barca but I also like d_cat's earlier suggestion. My only concern is that employers WILL check references. If you list ambition and then WP says, "theft" that could make the potential employer think you were an ambitious thief. I'd recommend sticking to a simple "terminated" and when they ask why explain that although there was confusion about clocking in/out you were also looking to take on a different position. Don't mention the 2 systems- someone seeking more responsibility who can't keep track of 2 important systems isn't going to be trusted. Sorry, I know that sounds harsh, but I've sat in and helped conduct a fair amount of interviews over the last 18 months and that's the way it would sound to me.

[rhianwyn]

Just keep in mind that by Texas law, the only thing that a past employer can say over the phone to a potential employer when contacted for a reference is the date you started and the date you left...not the reason behind it. If they want that, they have to request in writing the terms of your parting with the company. Most places don't want to take the time to write a bunch of letters. Don't volunteer up any information. Answer the questions straight forward, and ONLY the specific questions they ask.

Reason for leaving : Discontinued Employment
Elaboration: After many times of requesting and applying to different departments as to further my career, I did not feel at the time that my ambition was being recognized, & I knew I could serve better elsewhere.

Safe, does not give away any information, and does not lie about anything... :)