Hi , I am a senior professional and was on a senior role . I did walk out of a toxic workplace about an year ago . I had differences with top management on their market and sales strategy plus lot of micromanaging and ill treatment ....eventually had to call it quits !!! Now , How do I tactfully explain to all the head hunters and my future employers so that they don't low ball the offer and value me for the skillsets . Your advice will help me navigate this situation .

10 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 15,2024 at 3:24PM UTC

   I would give another reason such as you want new challenges (and you do!) as to why you left. You could also say the company wasn't doing well or you thought you were locating and it fell through.

2. AnonymousJune 15,2024 at 4:11PM UTC

   Thanks so much

3. AnonymousJune 15,2024 at 4:44PM UTC

   It's not frowned upon to state that you believe both yours and some leadership values were not aligned to the high standard that you hold for yourself.

4. divya parameshwaranJune 16,2024 at 5:01PM UTC

   I appreciate your response

   Thanks for showing me the way

5. AnonymousJune 17,2024 at 1:32PM UTC

   Hi, I am in the same boat! Did some part time work in between but now I am being asked about my lack of full time work over the last 1 year despite having over 30 years of full time experience. Please suggest.

6. AnonymousJune 17,2024 at 6:30PM UTC

   I hear you. There are also great suggestions posted here. Either on your own, or with the support of a career coach, determine your market rate and you pitch.

   Say who you are and your value to the headhunters.

   If they low ball, put the ball in their court. Ask them why they presented what they did (the key reason is that they represent themselves and the companies - not you. They have quotas to fill.). Sometimes, this is a test to see your negotiating skills.

   Develop a relationship, as best you can with the headhunter (and potential employer)- you may work with them more than once.

   Some folks have high principles are consciously-minded and seek environments that value the social element of human capital. Some folks need to pay the bills and do not have as high a level of principles. Some folks say trending words, but don't live up to them. Some folks will have a limit and not cross it---but will negotiate lower than what they received in the past but still decent. Your situation may change over time.

   You may also need to consider when do you go into business for yourself.

   There's a lot of great advice online on how to 1. research your market value and 2. state your worth to employers and headhunters. If you have a career coach, have a role play exercise.

   My final thoughts- know your bottom line, ask for more, negotiate. Establish boundaries. Good luck.

7. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 7:12AM UTC

   This is really helpful , Thanks for sharing a detailed response and few action points too ...Appreciate your help.

8. Maggie SoldanoJune 18,2024 at 12:19AM UTC

   My recommendation: steer clear of criticizing leadership (comes across as arrogant) and just focus on the search for a strong culture fit. You're looking for a place where your contributions are valued, where you can work both collaboratively and independently, and put your XX years of experience to work.

9. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 7:11AM UTC

   thanks @maggie soldano

10. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 12:12PM UTC

    I would say the company was going through issues with strategy and had experienced some reorganization that signaled that it was a good time to start fresh somewhere new. You thought it would be awhile before they could get back on track.