Question: "Why did you resign from your previous job?"

Submitted by Don Smythe
in
Career Management

MTers,

Would love your advice on how I might answer the "resignation" question.  My reasons for resigning were as follows:

  • Company made extremely deep cuts which killed morale (toxic environment) & doubled workload of remaining employees (just to keep business afloat)
  • When I realized company had no plans of staffing up again, I began a job search; however, because I was working late nights & wknds (due to the cutbacks), I was unable to do a proper job search
  • (So I resigned and have taken on some part-time consulting work while I conduct my full-time search)

I'm trying to find a way of communicating this in a terse manner w/o appearing negative or saying anything negative abt the company - but I also don't want to say something so vague that it sounds like fluff or bs (e.g., "it was a bad fit"). 

I would love to hear your suggestions & thoughts. 

Thank you so much!

Dr/1900.

Submitted by Don Smythe on Monday February 15th, 2010 5:19 pm

Yes I have, John - someone else in the community recommended it.  Thank you!  It was a very solid podcast, very helpful.
Thanks again!

Submitted by John Hack on Monday February 15th, 2010 8:49 pm

First, don't dwell on it.  Lots of folks lost their jobs in the last 18 months.  It's unlikely to be a big red flag.  And you don't need to mention the why's during "tell me about yourself."   
If they ask you, simply explain that you didn't see a future for yourself at the firm, following a round of layoffs and no growth on the horizon.  You chose to take on independent consulting, while searching for a new opportunity. 
Most recruiters can read between the lines.  They don't want to know the gory details, and they'll appreciate that you won't dis your ex-employer.  If they press for more detail, tell them the truth:  the workload inherited by the remaining staff made it impossible to conduct a proper search, and you chose to invest in your career's future by resigning. 
John Hack

Submitted by Jerel Bonner on Tuesday February 16th, 2010 7:42 am

D1900
Ans- I was approached by some companies and asked to be a part-time consultant. The projects were very interesting to me and worked towards my core strengths, plus I would have a better work life balance, with some spare time to learn or research XYZ (you fill in the blank).
So simple when you know the game. Now practice it.
JHB "00"

Submitted by John Hack on Tuesday February 16th, 2010 8:29 am

Be careful: you don't want to come across as fickle, jumping ship as soon as anything interesting comes along.  
JHB's advice should be taken only if it's true:  if you approached them, don't say they approached you.  If you didn't take the time to research XYZ, don't make something up.  A reputation for honesty is a great asset, as it takes years to build.  It can be undone in 5 seconds.  
You don't have to say who approached whom.   
John Hack