any HR people wanna help

2moms2twins · January 2012

I am in the middle of filling out applications for a new job hopefully.

I used to work for a police department as a 911 dispatcher I LOVED THE JOB but really did not fancy the people. It was clicky and very anti gay and well the women (they were all women) were over worked and jaded ( mandatory overtime) and well they did not want to be bothered with training someone .. anyhow I was the last of 5 trainees to leave and they have not retained a trainee in 2 years so - When filling out new applications I an never sure on what to write for Reason for leaving ?

Any suggestions .. Personal reasons seems like a cop out. I hated everyone guts will surely not get me hired and there is never enough room to explain ?

just wondering

leapgirl8 · January 2012

(I am not an HR person, but Jen is.)

Focus on what you went toward, not what you left behind. What did you do afterward? If you went to another job, you can just put something like "I was ready for a new challenge" or "Took a job with better advancement opportunities." If you took time off to travel, take care of family members or do something else (legal ), put that.

2brides · January 2012

I agree with Leap.

Kershnic · January 2012

I'm not in HR, but I am currently hiring people. (HR does very little of this at my work).

I agree with Leap, for the most part. If the jobs you're applying to are quite different from that one you could also say 'not a good fit.' If the jobs are similar I'd definitely seek a chance to explain better.

2moms2twins · January 2012

so helpful ... but the truth is I left because the people were horrific and it made for a crappy morale working with them .. I loved the job and gave up an excellent salary and benefits... I had nothing lined up I mean it was a Law enforcement job with LE pay ( good MONEY ) so whats better than that... this is my dilemma.

- J

cookiemonster03 · January 2012

Leap is right. You left because the job wasn't the right fit. That encompasses everything, including lack of fit with coworkers. This may not matters tons anyway, depending on how similar it is to the new job...

2brides · January 2012

Interviewing/applying for jobs isn't about the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Stick out tongue There can be some room for interpretation. If I was hiring I would be leery of an applicant who was badmouthing a previous employer...warranted or not.

I left my previous job after 5m. I didn't have another job lined up but I had to get out of there. It was an extremely toxic environment with a really nasty/demeaning boss. When I applied and interviewed for other jobs, I would just say "it wasn't a good fit" or I was looking to get back into medical social work or whatever. I never gave specifics about how I was treated, or my co-workers, etc. I was offered 3 other jobs aside from the one I have...and I didn't tell my supervisor about that experience until I had been here for several years and she would know that it was the behavior of the other people and not my work ethic/my performance/me that would have prompted what happened at my other job.

lethalmermaid · January 2012

I also agree with "not a good fit".

I also agree that you don't want to say anything negative about previous employment/ers on the application or in the interview.

MommieBear · January 2012

::butting in:: thanks! I have been wondering about this issue for a long time. Now I have an idea- at least something I can work with.

Now, it's my turn to ask a question - how can I get current references letters if I haven't worked in three years? (school and stay at home mom)

Kershnic · January 2012

MommieBear:
Now, it's my turn to ask a question - how can I get current references letters if I haven't worked in three years? (school and stay at home mom)

If you're in school, get a reference from a professor. Also, get a reference from your most recent employer, even if that's not "current." and/or from any employers who you've stayed in contact with. Even if your'e not in contact now, contact those people and update them on what you've been up to. If asked about it by a potential employer, offer a concise explanation for why you don't have a current professional reference - no one can expect you to conjure one out of the air.

Kershnic · January 2012

MommieBear:
Now, it's my turn to ask a question - how can I get current references letters if I haven't worked in three years? (school and stay at home mom)

If you're in school, get a reference from a professor. Also, get a reference from your most recent employer, even if that's not "current." and/or from any employers who you've stayed in contact with. Even if your'e not in contact now, contact those people and update them on what you've been up to. If asked about it by a potential employer, offer a concise explanation for why you don't have a current professional reference - no one can expect you to conjure one out of the air.

TaylorandMel · January 2012

cookiemonster03:
Leap is right. You left because the job wasn't the right fit. That encompasses everything, including lack of fit with coworkers. This may not matters tons anyway, depending on how similar it is to the new job...

I don't know for sure if I would put "not the right fit," because the job you are interviewing for is going to ask you why it wasn't the right fit, and you will have to explain it to them. Maybe you could just say, you left because you were seeking different work experience that would benefit your career in the future? Good luck!

2brides · January 2012

MommieBear:
Now, it's my turn to ask a question - how can I get current references letters if I haven't worked in three years? (school and stay at home mom)

I would avoid letters from previous employers. When I have hired people, reference letters mean very little because they basically all say the same thing "XYZ is great!" I would contact those previous employers via phone or e-mail, let them know you are looking for employment and ask if they would serve as a reference for you. Then provide that contact information to wherever you are applying. I always like to ask specific questions of previous employers to try and get a bit more information.

2moms2twins · January 2012

TaylorandMel:
cookiemonster03:
Leap is right. You left because the job wasn't the right fit. That encompasses everything, including lack of fit with coworkers. This may not matters tons anyway, depending on how similar it is to the new job...
I don't know for sure if I would put "not the right fit," because the job you are interviewing for is going to ask you why it wasn't the right fit, and you will have to explain it to them. Maybe you could just say, you left because you were seeking different work experience that would benefit your career in the future? Good luck!

yea I wonder this too ... because it was the right fit I loved it and i would go back sans the people.

2brides · January 2012

2moms2twins:
TaylorandMel:
cookiemonster03:
Leap is right. You left because the job wasn't the right fit. That encompasses everything, including lack of fit with coworkers. This may not matters tons anyway, depending on how similar it is to the new job...
I don't know for sure if I would put "not the right fit," because the job you are interviewing for is going to ask you why it wasn't the right fit, and you will have to explain it to them. Maybe you could just say, you left because you were seeking different work experience that would benefit your career in the future? Good luck!
yea I wonder this too ... because it was the right fit I loved it and i would go back sans the people.

But co-workers/bosses/work environment if all part of the "fit"

citygirl311 · January 2012

anti-gay? really? another one looking for special "rights" or whatever. i think the problem is you. what if they just didnt take to you because of you...ever think not everyone is going to like you or not every organization is going to be the right fit for you. what does gay have to do with anything. give me a break lady...

my boss is gay, but you know why no one here likes her? because shes annoying, cant manage people, and just comes across unintelligent. there is no anti gay anything here...we just dont like her for HER. get over your gay self

Want a personalized experience?

any HR people wanna help

Re: any HR people wanna help

Choose Another Board

Search Boards