Interview Questions

Anonymous

November 28,2023 at 6:35PM UTC

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Interview Questions

I left a job 7 months ago after being there almost 9 years. The last 2 I did my best to tolerate an extremely toxic environment after a new supervisor was put in place. Verbal abuse, age discrimination, retaliation, bullying, just barely scratches the surface of the environment. It was taking a toll on my health, both mentally and physically. Long story short, I was able to settle with the company through an attorney (to avoid legal proceedings). I’m having a horrible time in interviews when they ask why I left. My explanation has been that “after a corporate restructuring, they began enabling behaviors that were not consistent with my values so I made the unfortunate decision to look for new challenges”. Im getting reactions that tell me they don’t believe me, almost incredulous looks and snarky comments from hiring managers. Obviously I’m trying not to bad mouth my previous employer but not sure how else to broach that subject — especially when they ask what I’ve been doing since then (looking for a job, LOL!?) I leave the interview feeling defeated, although my skills and resume are definitely getting me through to 2nd and 3rd interviews. Anyone gave any other suggestions or insights into this? Leaving without something else lined up was definitely not ideal, but I had to put my health first. I tried for too long to make it work over there.

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26 Comments

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Lisa EnglerNovember 28,2023 at 6:42PM UTC
Wow I’m in that same toxic environment right now and it only gets worse and my blood pressure is skyrocketing. Im trying to keep my job right now as I interview for others and in a different state because we don’t want to be house poor anymore. I just think I have way too much going on. ?
AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 9:22PM UTC
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. What I went through was the first time in my career I’ve seen management this bad and this abusive. I guess I’ve been fairly lucky until this experience. I’ll tell you this from my own experience— take care of yourself first! Sacrificing your health is not worth it. I tried for far too long to make it work because I loved my job and my coworkers. Eventually even my Doctor was telling me to get out. I wish you the very best in your search and your move out of state.
Ramona AloyoNovember 28,2023 at 6:43PM UTC
I was there for 9 years and, at this point, was looking for something new and challenging in a different way. I saw the ad for this position and thought I was a good fit based on what I was searching for.
KathyNovember 28,2023 at 6:43PM UTC
An acceptable vague response is you left for personal reasons. I wouldn't talk about the company or their culture. That is a red flag to the interviewer.
If you are pressed for the meaning of personal reasons just reiterate that they were personal. Change the subject talk about something else such as why you are interested in the job and your qualifications.
Practice, write a sample dialog and practice.
Most of us who have worked for any length of time have had toxic and negative experiences at work. There are so many bad managers out there. People promoted for all the wrong reasons.
Good luck.
AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 7:55PM UTC
"Corporate restructuring." Leave it at that.
If you have looked into gaining any new skills since you left, mention that when they ask what you've been doing.
AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 8:05PM UTC
Leave the explanation to a reorganization that impacted your position period.
Don't open yourself up to people reading their own versions of "enabling" "alignment " into your explanation. You want to provide as little as possible in the way of information and move the discussion forward.
AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 9:15PM UTC
Thanks everyone……..I see now where I was clearly opening myself up to different hiring managers interpretation of the situation — some clearly understood and left it at that, others—as I mentioned— expressed doubt or skepticism. It’s been a learning experience, for sure. In just the last hour, I got an email from a hiring manager letting me know to look out for the Offer Letter coming soon so I’m hopeful this will conclude my search for a while,
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistNovember 28,2023 at 10:18PM UTC
GOOD LUCK!
AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 9:37PM UTC
Not a good fit, trying something different
LeAnn Eckman SmithNovember 29,2023 at 2:28PM UTC
i worry about using the response, “not a good fit”, etc is that the employer will wonder if the same thing will happen at their company.
AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 10:56PM UTC
I also left a job after several years with no job to go to- I think it's ridiculous that so many people feel the need to have another job lined up to go to when leaving another one. For what? So the new firm can feel like they're "rescuing" you? You can try saying you were fortunate enough to have resources to take some time off and decide what aligns with your career goals and priorities. Anyone who judges you for leaving a toxic environment does not have your best interests at heart. If you were in an abusive relationship would they tell you you have to stay with your partner/spouse/s.o and you're being oversensitive?? Hope it works out for you.
AnonymousNovember 28,2023 at 11:37PM UTC
I left an abusive relationship long ago and criticized because "I deserved the abuse.....he loved me and I needed counseling to see his love ". Many told me to stay including a nurse. I left and stayed gone. Been over 15y.
People need to do what's right for them.
AnonymousDecember 4,2023 at 11:15PM UTC
Good for you and glad the relationship abuse analogy did not offend you.
AnonymousDecember 5,2023 at 3:52AM UTC
Nothing offends me anymore! I let it go because I can't deal with what's unnecessary :)
People wanted me to stay because of their beliefs
Erin VegaNovember 28,2023 at 11:09PM UTC
I wouldn’t explain about the restructuring but just merely tell them that the company went through a restructuring of departments and leave it at that.
AnonymousNovember 29,2023 at 1:13AM UTC
Less is more. Restructuring, a new opportunity: this opportunity.
As far as "what have you done since?", what HAVE you done to enhance your background since? Even tutorials from YouTube illustrates you want remain current in your field
AnonymousNovember 29,2023 at 1:10PM UTC
Never speak ill of a previous employer.
Say you were laid off, and that’s it. I was laid off in August and I’ve been doing a ton of training, although I haven’t been asked what I’ve been doing. But I offer it. I always train on a regular basis.
AnonymousNovember 29,2023 at 2:09PM UTC
TMI - they include that question to see if you can avoid a pitfall, and if you are honest in your answer, it shows a possible lack of EQ. So, just say “Restructure, and I was laid off.” After this immediately go into the tangible value you added, good reviews or accolades you received - and let it sit from there. Give no indication that there was a problem, other than the actual restructure, of course, you are looking forward to a new opportunity, and can’t wait to hear more about this company and the role you’d be taking on.
Answer, restructure, move on to making it a positive, and deflect to finding out more about the new oppy. This is what they are seeking when they ask this question. It’s a tick in a box - unless you are honest about it.
Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachNovember 29,2023 at 7:52PM UTC
Keep it simple. You were ready for a change.
AnonymousNovember 30,2023 at 12:40AM UTC
Do *not* reference anything related to the toxicity of your former employer or the settlement you negotiated.
Develop an uncontroversial response such as: “I wanted to work in a position that would allow me to develop my skills in/better utilize my strengths in (insert skill or experience important to new position), and opted for a full-time job search.”
Rosanna Raffaela PizzaNovember 30,2023 at 5:12AM UTC
I hate to say this: fib.. Tell them they wanted you to relocate, that they moved the position.
Sarah BojorquezNovember 30,2023 at 1:38PM UTC
Don't give them that much info. Just say there was a restructuring and it did not feel like the best fit for your skills and goals anymore and leave it at that. They don't really care why you left they just want to see what you will potentially say (because one day you will leave their company and they want to make sure you won't bad mouth them.)
Candace VelezNovember 30,2023 at 1:41PM UTC
You should just leave it at "the company restructured ... I was concerned my position would be eliminated" done, simple they don't need real in depth details I promise.
Regina BrownNovember 30,2023 at 4:06PM UTC
Why do you feel the need to provide in-depth information? Why can't you simply say, "I am looking for new opportunities to expand my learning in my profession."
Emily GoldenNovember 30,2023 at 8:04PM UTC
You are giving them too much information. Just say it wasn't a great fit.
AnonymousDecember 1,2023 at 7:08PM UTC
Let them know that after your 9 years of service at the company you decided to take a short sabbatical to focus on your next chapter and not on the companies dime. Then change the subject to what you want next and go into detail about it. If they go back to well did that not exist there, the response is I wanted to find a new employer where I could expand my experience in a different environment with new stakeholders and customers. Done!