I need help...I have interview

26 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 8:58PM UTC

   I would say it is not a good fit. Don't elaborate on the details.

2. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 10:54PM UTC

   Never. Ring up any negative aspects just say you are looking for a new challenge more closely aligned with your career track and goals. All that a company cares about is that you perform well at their establishment so have plenty examples on how you saved the day at your current job based on similar skill sets for what you are applying for and sell the heck out of it

3. AnonymousJuly 15,2022 at 10:57PM UTC

   I would say my current employment is contingent and that I am looking for a full-time role with stability and benefits. Saying "Its not a good fit" is too vague in my opinion. It opens the door to probing for negative experiences that should not be shared in an interview. Unless, you would like to be upfront and say. "I do not like this position for XYX reasons" and avoid being hired into another similar environment.

4. Crystal HowellJuly 16,2022 at 12:31PM UTC

   They will ask about your status, you can say you are leaving to pursue other business interests aligned better with my talent, as this position will accomplish my goal.

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 16,2022 at 5:23PM UTC

   Suggest?

   If asked why you're looking to make a move so soon, just say the position has turned out to not be the right fit for you. If they drill down asking why it's not the right fit, you can say the job didn't turn out to be what you were lead to believe during the interview process, the culture is not a fit for you, the company's values don't align with yours - whatever you want to say.

   Do not talk bad about the company, do not say they're treating you badly. Provide the shortest possible explanation and move on. The more you try to explain what's going on, the bigger deal you'll make it.

6. Beth HarrisonJuly 17,2022 at 12:53PM UTC

   When asked (because they WILL ask) let them know what you are looking forward to with the new role and focus on that. Mention the current job isn’t what was as expected but keep the spin on what you are driving to; not what you are leaving from. LinkedIn has some really good prep questions for interviews that include the difficult one (free). Good luck!!

7. AnonymousJuly 17,2022 at 6:54PM UTC

   Never say anything negative about your current or former employer.

   Do talk about how the new job/company aligns with your career track, goals, aspirations. Focus on what you’re moving toward.

8. Deb HornerJuly 18,2022 at 11:45AM UTC

   Absolutely focus on the ideas and energy you bring to the table and how it benefits the company. Tell them that you've heard amazing things about the corporate culture, and how it aligns with your own (if that's accurate). Never mention negatives, just say "their culture does not align with my own" and move on.

9. Mary KerdashaJuly 18,2022 at 12:22PM UTC

   I agree with all of the previous comments and I wish you good luck!! Have an excellent interview focusing on the positive!

10. Cyndy TrivellaJuly 18,2022 at 12:29PM UTC

    Congratulations on the job interview!

    If you're in a senior role, I'm guessing you have interviewed at least a few times in the past and have some familiarity and level of comfort in doing these.

    If there's ever a time in one's life when holding your composure and focus is needed, it's during a job interview.

    I have worked with job seekers and candidates for years, and I always return to this advice. Act like you are in a court of law and under direct examination. Never avoid a question if asked. Be honest, but do not linger with long explanations that might take you down a path from which you cannot gracefully or reasonably recover. Answer the question, then move on.

    And though this goes without saying, interviewers do not expect to hear only the good. They know that people interview for new jobs because they are looking for a better opportunity for whatever reason that is. The balance here is to frame your responses in such a way that your remarks are straightforward and not bitter. This is where practicing in front of a mirror (I know this can be uncomfortable) helps people to see their body language and facial expressions, which can tell a story you don't wish to share.

    I wish you the best!

11. Mo Faul, Founder, CEO, Exec CoachJuly 18,2022 at 12:35PM UTC

    Be direct and soul centered on the fact that you are looking for a role where you can contribute at a higher level- always bring what you are desiring to do for them- and then have 3 specific example of what you’d like to do more of- always focus on more not the problems ! All the best!!

12. Dawn S. CrossJuly 18,2022 at 12:36PM UTC

    Don’t bring up the treatment. Make it point blank that you are looking for a role that fits more with what you desire to do and this one is it.

13. GirlBossanova934974July 18,2022 at 12:43PM UTC

    You have been with your current employer for 3-4 months. Regardless of how you explain it, there will be some explaining to do as to why you wish to leave after such a short period of time. What you thought you signed up for, did not turn out to be the case. A significant misunderstanding between the parties.

14. Gretchen SkalkaJuly 18,2022 at 12:52PM UTC

    As others have commented - never (like never ever) disparage the current employer in any way.

    If the question is asked - why are you interested in this job - you answer with specifics about THAT job, not the one you're in or how it compares to your employer.

    If the question is asked - why are you looking to leave your current employer - you answer with the research you've done that indicates the new company is a closer match on skill, opportunity and values for you ... again, NOT comparing to your current employer in any way but being specific about the job for which you are interviewing.

    Good luck today!!!

15. KileyJuly 20,2022 at 8:35PM UTC

    Good and sound advice!

16. AnonymousJuly 18,2022 at 1:27PM UTC

    I'm in the exact same position now (only I'm now in month 9 at my current employer as I didn't want to forego some bonuses negotiated). I'm actively interviewing and I always say "the reality on the ground does not match what was presented to me in the interview process" and then follow up with a question to the interviewer on, for example, culture or something related to how this job is more closely aligned to my own goals etc. Pivot is my best advice, especially in an interview for a senior role, it should always feel like you are having a contructive conversation rather than being under examination. I do work with recruiters for these roles and I've always received positive feedback from the interviewers about the fact that I was clear in what I wanted and didn't shy away from a difficult answer and instead answered tactfully.

17. AnonymousJuly 18,2022 at 1:50PM UTC

    I am sitting in your same shoes. However having previously worked HR I know it is an absolute turn off to disparage your current employer. In my case, life circumstances (the need to step back and be more attentive to my family) is the primary reason I’m using, because it’s true. Also, do your homework. If their company values, mission, objective, company reputation, or brand recognition are appealing to you, focus on that and be prepared to say why. Don’t pivot- unless you’re really good at spin. If you’re not, the interviewer will feel like you’re being less than honest. I repeat, fInd the things that attracted you to the position and highlight them. Good luck.

18. Rachel WeisbergJuly 18,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

    I might be an outlier here, but so think it’s pretty simple to just say “things didn’t work out the way I’d hoped” and move on. That’s a short tenure so clearly there WAS something, but if we’re not going to bash current/former employers, then less is more. Be vaguely honest and segue into what you’re drawn to in THIS role.

19. Austin GarnettJuly 18,2022 at 2:13PM UTC

    “My current position is not a good fit for me and it would be unfair to myself and my employer to try to stick it out until an arbitrary amount of time has passed.
    There is a person out there that will enjoy that environment!”

20. Bradford McCormickJuly 18,2022 at 2:14PM UTC

    Emphassize the positive. Stick to your wanting the advantages of the new positon, That it' s just too good an opportunity to pass up. You have been treated fine in your current position; just the growth potential is limited and the new position offers much better opportunity for growth and to have a bigger impact contributing to the new company]s business...

    .

21. Angela LeidheiserJuly 18,2022 at 2:44PM UTC

    This! Absolutely this!

22. Nancy DamossJuly 18,2022 at 3:07PM UTC

    Check out this career coach, Linda Raynier. I have successfully used her techniques for interviews:

    https://youtube.com/c/LindaRaynier

23. AnonymousJuly 18,2022 at 4:05PM UTC

    Keep it positive. Mention what you expect of an employment situation, not what you don't currently have. "I'm seeking a position with mutual respect and appreciation for my skills; one where my opinion is asked for and considered." Whatever is lacking in your position now is what you should say you want.

24. Krystin MorganJuly 18,2022 at 5:26PM UTC

    I advise focusing more on why you want to go TO this new job, instead of FROM your current job. What excites you about the new job/company? Talk about that - "I was really excited to see this job because XYZ and I am thrilled to have a chance to work on ABC."

25. Corinne McCloudJuly 18,2022 at 9:36PM UTC

    If asked find some good to talk about. Never talk bad about a company. This reflects on you and how you handle situations. Stay positive and give answers on thing that went well. How you changed something. Or you learned something. May e even something you realized about your self from having g this experience.

26. AnonymousJuly 26,2022 at 10:36AM UTC

    I left a job after six months and have been at my current employer for just a year. I just hit that recently. When I’m asked about my six month stint, I explain that I was informed during my interviews that the role was going to be one way and it wasn’t and that sought out another role more aligned with my skills. For my current situation, I was honest. This just isn’t a good fit. I am used to working independently and I focused on what I could bring to them as a future employee.

    At the end of the day, it’s not a good fit. Most hiring managers get this.