Reasons to use for leaving employer less than a year of service?

[wj4]

Hey all,

I'm generally sufficient in answering generic HR questions. With this one, I'm somewhat stuck. What would you tell potential employers why you're shopping around for a new gig despite being with the current employer only less than a year?

The truth would be: you don't fit the culture, boss is a jerk, etc.

Because you're exploring other opportunities, it's given that you either want to make more money or look elsewhere because you're unhappy with the current job. You just didn't say it directly.

Always appreciate the advices, gents.

 

[Hombre Secreto]

Tell them you didn't want to waste your prime years in a position that was going nowhere. Or tell them you fucked someone, and she has made the environment very hostile.

Who knows? You might get a hiring manager that is on the way out, and doesn't give a **** who gets hired.

 

[CTLION]

It's a good question and one that is important for the current times. Unfortunately I think this is kind of the sign of the times. As I check resumes for people I am considering hiring I see a lot of turnover. It's not uncommon to find 1 and 2 year stints where years ago it was a big deal not to have at least 5 years at a company before leaving.

I am in a similar spot. I have a company that has pursued me, and I have spent just a year in my current position. On Monday the CEO is flying their corporate jet down to have lunch with me. If that goes well I will have a decision to make.

Every position is unique and the answer to that question would be equally unique. I would caution you and anyone else on a negative answer...ie my boss is a jerk. I would rather focus on the opportunity this new company offers. For instance, "I have read/heard that your company has an entrepreneurial atmosphere which I think better fits my work style." Focus on what they offer rather than what your company lacks.

 

[wj4]



It's a good question and one that is important for the current times. Unfortunately I think this is kind of the sign of the times. As I check resumes for people I am considering hiring I see a lot of turnover. It's not uncommon to find 1 and 2 year stints where years ago it was a big deal not to have at least 5 years at a company before leaving.

I am in a similar spot. I have a company that has pursued me, and I have spent just a year in my current position. On Monday the CEO is flying their corporate jet down to have lunch with me. If that goes well I will have a decision to make.

Every position is unique and the answer to that question would be equally unique. I would caution you and anyone else on a negative answer...ie my boss is a jerk. I would rather focus on the opportunity this new company offers. For instance, "I have read/heard that your company has an entrepreneurial atmosphere which I think better fits my work style." Focus on what they offer rather than what your company lacks.

The dynamics have changed like you stated. I personally have never stated at a company for more than 3 years. To jump up and command higher paying gigs and diversify your résumé, you need to move around. I'm still early on in my career so I may be looked at naive, in my late 20s here. I'm also not settled down with a family yet so I'm quite mobile. Perhaps this is why a topic of interest to me.

From my experience, you have to be God like just to get a 5 percent raise annually where as if you skip around, the pay raise is quite a bit more.

I agree. I would never bad mouth anyone regardless of how bad they really are. Always focus on the positive aspects and do your homework on the firms you're interviewing with. The shortest stint I've had was approx 15 months at my first employer. I've never had any under a year so I was curious.

 

[nyarkies]

SF robo tricked me! There's no pizza in here!

 

[Harold falcon]

There's plenty of pizza, fuckface.

 

[mcfly26]

This is a trick question and am living this atm.

I am specially worried about this case. I am in my 24's and have decided to do a masters right after college cos I was not entirely satisfied with my undergraduate. Although I gained a lot of knowledge and academically was increadible, the market doesnt see it the same way. I spent this year unemployed (I had only done a year internship before) because I lack experience regardless of studies.

In addition to regretting not choosing the work market before, I 'desperately' seeked help from connections. I ended up in this starting company that I knew the position didnt fit me, but was hoping to be wrong cosidering the motivation to begin my career. It goes without saying that could not stand being there for more than 2 months. My connection, which is also the president, understood completely (different profile, skills) and even put himself up for recomending me or anything else.

Anyway, should I just cross this experience out? Or maybe stating it was a temporary job/internship?

 

[CTLION]



This  is a trick question and am living this atm.

I am specially worried about this case. I am in my 24's and have decided to do a masters right after college cos I was not entirely satisfied with my undergraduate. Although I gained a lot of knowledge and academically was increadible, the market doesnt see it the same way. I spent this year unemployed (I had only done a year internship before) because I lack experience regardless of studies. 

In addition to regretting not choosing the work market before, I 'desperately' seeked help from connections. I ended up in this starting company that I knew the position didnt fit me, but was hoping to be wrong cosidering the motivation to begin my career. It goes without saying that could not stand being there for more than 2 months. My connection, which is also the president, understood completely (different profile, skills)  and even put himself up for recomending me or anything else.

Anyway, should I just cross this experience out? Or maybe stating it was a temporary job/internship?

I would say if you weren't there for a year I would not include it.

The bigger issue with turnover is avoiding a trend. I am a good example of this...

First major job - 6 years
Second major job - 7 years
Third major job - 2.5 years
Current job - 1 year (and I have a job offer on the table from another company that sought me out)

I can accept this job, however it has to be a great fit for me. Worst case scenario I have to put in at least 3 years and I could argue 5 or more. I am an executive so anything less will either look like incompetence or that I am always looking to jump for something better. So that puts a bit more pressure on finding the best fit if I decide to leave my current employer.

On the bright side you are young.

 

[Kvc06]



I am in my 24's

I remember my 24's.... good times.

 

[Harold falcon]

Don't remember my 24s, sheesh.

 

[archetypal_yuppie]

I only had one 24.

 

[bigendiansmalls]

Is the new job in the same city?
You could be leaving for a better commute.

 

[jamiemcp]

Tell the truth

 

[Pure Whole Sale]

There can be many ways to answer the question. Some are

1) I got into my current job because I was unemployed. So rather than remaining idle it was better to work in some organization. Now in your company I am getting an opportunity to work in the field I love too. (make sure your new prospective job is different or you will be grounded)

2) I have worked over there and the culture and JD isn't challenging. I want to challenge my self.

When I had started working with www.purewholesaler.com they asked me the same question and I stated I am interested to work with local social business for digital marketing that is why i am willing to work with you.

 

[Godot]

Tell them what they want to hear

"While I like working at Acme Asbestos company, when I heard of the great opportunity open at Richmond Slave Auctions, I couldn't resist applying for this fine career opportunity".