Comments

I agree with that, I left a company I worked for long term because I made a big mistake in switching departments to an even worse one (which is hard to believe!). Try and explain that to people! That it was either quit or seriously consider suicide from stress! I'm not that type of person, but yes, some places ARE that bad that they make you feel like a useless piece of sh*t. They thrive on that stuff because they are are insecure themselves and do it to make themselves feel important.

Anyhow, most people don't want to believe that there are people "that bad" out there and think you are whining if you are honest about it---and some people ARE too sensitive, so it will never help you if you say you quit because a job sucked. I try to "sugarcoat" that also if applying for a job; after all, even if it WAS that bad, you don't want to look like a complainer, so it's best to take the high road. Word gets around anyhow, about those companies, don't think they don't!

I've had the same experience when interviewing. I've learned that there is no way to criticize your former workplace or boss without sounding like you're hard to work with, or too sensitive. So now I try to find a positive way to explain why I've moved on. Here's an example:

"I enjoyed my time at (former workplace), it was a great group of people and they treated me well, but I got to point where there were no more challenges. I didn't see any chance of further growth. I'm most comfortable at work when I have plenty of opportunities to keep learning and growing, and become a better(job title)."

Is it a lie? Perhaps some of it is a stretch.
Is it necessary? Absolutely.

As someone who has done a lot of interviewing, both seeking work or hiring people, when you're interviewing, particularly if you are competing against several other qualified candidates, they are just looking for reasons to cross you off the list. The second you say, "My manager and I had some differences," or even if you express that idea in a more subtle fashion, you've given them a reason to eliminate you.

Good luck in the future.

7/11 is absolutely correct! As someone who also owns a small business (as well as working for others), I would agree that it is NEVER ok to bad mouth your old employer, no matter how honest it is! It's almost automatic to cross potential employees that I've interviewed off the list if they do that.....you don't know if it's honest of them or they're just a whiner...but you don't want to hire them to find out. Also, maybe they will quit working for ME someday and I don't need them badmouthing me either, so like I said, take the high road! That will always look good on you! Come here to say the bad stuff instead! ;)