What is a good response to "reason for leaving" on a job app about a job that you hated?

	What is a good response to "reason for leaving" on a job app about a job that you hated? If you just completley walked out on a job because it was sucking your life away, what would you write on your resume/job application for a new job? No, I don't want to dis my old boss or job, they were all nice people, it was just the job itself that sucked and I really couldn't take one more minute of it. And I don't want to write anything that says that it was a bad place, b/c obviously that would look bad on myself as well. I was just looking for something like "wanted to move on" but I'm not sure if that is acceptable for a job application. Haha. I think comments like "sucking my life away"" mean I am exactly the opposite of a typical 9-5 worker.... Asked By: Jareth Cutestory - 1/19/2009

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As someone that does interviewing, I would go a couple of routes. First i would look at your total history. If that was a first job, or seasonal job. Was it in a field that was related to what I needed you for. I never have a problem with someone telling me that a certain job was just not a good fit. Be prepared to follow up with a positive. "they are a company that is highly technical and i prefer an admin type company" etc will work. If someone gives me a positive, sincere answer, I would be ok. IF they said, they didnt get me, or they just didnt understand I have responsibilities, or other "ME first" answers, then they became non options. The best way is to take that question and work it to a positive. For example, "while i was there, i was doing x. I have found that doing Y is a far better fit for me as what i was doing for company B. That way you are turning a negative to a positive and leading them to ask you about your good reference. Just be sincere, respectful and do not get rattled. Good luck on your search, hope this helps. Answered By: tom m - 1/19/2009

Additional Answers ()

Moving Answered By: Da Dude - 1/19/2009

Disagreed with management? but if u didnt give your 2 weeks, that doesnt look good t future employers its worth it to stay the extra 2 weeks so u dont hve to answer why u didnt give your 2 weeks later on Answered By: Mr. Angry - 1/19/2009

Put something like "Want to learn new profession" or "Job was not challenging enough". Sounds more professional than "job sucked, so I quit!" Answered By: stacibates - 1/19/2009

You could say you wanted to find something that was more challenging and in line with your ideals. The last thing you want to do is to actually dis your boss or old job, even if it's true, it will make you look bad. Answered By: dolphingirl - 1/19/2009

This can be pretty hard. Your answer above clearly shows a high level if immaturity on your part and clearly this answer will assure you being dropped from consideration. If you left without a new job to go to it will be even harder for you to answer the question without creating a lot of suspicion - which is a disaster for you. Always try to put a positive spin on it if possible. If in fact there was a workforce reduction (which happens to all of us), say that. Remember employers will want to validate things and if you claim a work force reduction that did not happen they will find this out and drop you. If you found a different job and it looked very positive compared to the current one, then find positive words to define it. For example, "Company x offered me a position that enabled me to master new skills and abilities in a, b, and c which I wanted to do. As you see in my resume, I developed these well at company x and this is why I left the company I worked for before company x." Of course the track record has to show this as well. Comments like "sucking your life away" suggests to me that you are a typical "9 to 5" worker who wants to punch in and put in time rather than achieve things. This is likely to come out in an interview and this will sink you more than anything so polish your interview skills as well. Be positive. Show desire to assume responsibility and to be accountable. Show willingness to "go beyond the bare minimum" including more than just the minimal work day duration. If you resume reflects this and your interview supports this and your personal references further support this, you can succeed. However, any inconsistancies in this area will sink you. Work on the job search steps and be prepared for the probing questions you will be asked. Answered By: GTB - 1/19/2009

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