How to explain seeking a new job after only 6 months?

Anonymous

December 8,2023 at 2:57PM UTC

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How to explain seeking a new job after only 6 months?

i accepted a role 6 months ago in an industry very new to me, but with a skill set I'm very experienced in. Due to changes in org restructuring, the role is considerably different than i was led to expect from the interview process, and I wont get to grow my skills the way I thought, any time soon. Also the expectations of remote work are not what I expected, and the office is a very difficult place to focus in (I did not have an opportunity to visit the office before accepting the job). Due to these and other factors, I'm already looking for a new job. This current one is on my LinkedIn. How do I explain to any interested potential new employers why I'm looking again so soon? Saying 'it's nit what they told me' sounds... like I'm complaining? Comments, please. How would you approach this. (Please don't ask me if I've considered staying; I have and there are just too many 'no's' as to why I'd rather not. Parts of the job seem unsafe, general employee health wise, to me, as well).

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AnonymousDecember 8,2023 at 3:29PM UTC
I was in a similar situation last year. The short time in the new job didn’t seem to be a major factor - I got several interviews.
I think the way you framed it in your first sentence is the right approach. The organization is restructuring, and because of this the role has changed. You’re now seeking one that better aligns with your career goals/passions/skills you want to grow and what you’re looking to accomplish.
They just want to know you’re not an erratic weirdo. No need to give any other information and sounds like you know not to share anything negative about the company or leadership.
AnonymousDecember 8,2023 at 4:16PM UTC
Say the company has reorganized since I joined and my role is completely different.
While I love the company, I have other career ambitions I'd like to pursue....then describe the role they are offering.
AnonymousDecember 8,2023 at 4:17PM UTC
Sometimes white lies are needed
Lori SchmitzDecember 8,2023 at 5:02PM UTC
Be honest. That’s always the best case scenario. Don’t blame the currently employer too much, just explain that you took the job with certain expectations. Due to an unforeseen org change, the role is no longer suited to your interests & career goals.
AnonymousDecember 9,2023 at 1:32PM UTC
As long as you don't have a series of short tenures, a version of what you've posted here - and the advice already offered - is fine.FWIW - We're hiring a new team member and 2/5 candidates had been in their current roles less than a year. The hiring manager and I didn't ask about the short tenures because we understand that sometimes a job isn't the right fit. Both candidates offered (again, without us asking) a version of what you've said.
Alexis GladstoneDecember 9,2023 at 2:06PM UTC
What you shared with us in your post works great. There have been organizational changes since you joined and the role is different than what you were hired for. It no longer aligns with your career goals and you're seeking something that does where you can grow and develop.
AnonymousDecember 9,2023 at 4:09PM UTC
You can say, "It's not what they told me," without saying it. Something like, "Due to a recent company restructuring, the role I am in no longer aligns with my career goals," which happens in companies every day and is the truth without sounding like you are bashing.
AnonymousDecember 9,2023 at 5:41PM UTC
I’m in a similar situation. I was completely honest about my experience and skillset during the interview but was hired to do something completely opposite from what my acumen is - and honestly I’m just not getting it. I’ve only been in the role for 3 months and my search is on. Better to move now than to wait too late. More and more employers are understanding shorter stints on resumes. Be brave! Good luck!
AnonymousDecember 10,2023 at 6:12PM UTC
I left a job after 6 months because it just wasn’t a good fit. I was honest with them in the interview that I had some experience that they needed but not with some others. They assured me that they”would get me there”. Well they didn’t and were upset that I didn’t “catch on” in the first week. Not a welcoming atmosphere either.
AnonymousDecember 10,2023 at 6:19PM UTC
It’s okay to say you are leaving because it’s not a good fit. You can even say something like, “The role wasn’t a good fit; the job was significantly different from what I had been led to believe would be doing. After the org restructure, the role I was in did not even resemble the job I applied for. I am not interested in doing the job I am in and want to seek something closer to my skill set and interests.”
AnonymousDecember 10,2023 at 6:37PM UTC
Explain to prospective new employers that your alignment with the methods the company uses to do business in this field which is new to you are not aligned with your career goals. Then give a short example of misalignment that aligns with the new possible role you seek. End of story, keep it simple, and don't bash. Don't talk about remote work and office conditions they simply don't matter and will come across as whining. Do ask if you are able to see and come in person to the offices before being hired. If the response is no and you are expected to go in then it is a flag to consider when you get to the decision point. Good luck.
Ruth RobbinsDecember 10,2023 at 10:14PM UTC
Can you frame your current position as a consulting assignment and that it was a an exciting trial to see if a new industry would suit your skills. Then talk about how interested in and aligned your interests and skills are the company/industry/ situation that the interviewer offers.
Stay wary: ask questions, test out the office before your committo the next assignment. Now you know what you should avoid.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 11,2023 at 2:51AM UTC
Just say that there was a restructuring and the role is considerably different than the position you interviewed for and accepted.
AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 10:03PM UTC
Be kind to yourself. What I hear is a person who was courageous and took a leap. You experimented with something new and it didn’t work out.
I agree with Ruth’s post below.