My previous job went virtual at the start of COVID.

Anonymous

March 28,2022 at 7:31AM UTC

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My previous job went virtual at the start of COVID. However, last summer we were instructed to go back to the office on very short notice (on a Friday we were instructed to go back to the office beginning the following Monday). Because of fears pertaining to COVID and pre-existing health conditions, I quit. Because going into the office for 2 weeks would have defeated the purpose of maintaining safety, I quit without notice. I'm about to graduate this summer with my PhD and will soon be hitting the job market. If asked, how can I explain why I left my previous job without casting myself or my previous employer in a negative light, or without going into detail about my health status? (If it is relevant, I did start another job, so this previous one in question is not the most recent job on my CV). Thank you for any advice.

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AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 12:24PM UTC
Places don't ask much any more as to why you left. Just say it was covid related.
AnonymousMarch 28,2022 at 1:04PM UTC
Agree.
I think places are more interested in why you are leaving a current job, not so much as to why you already left one.
Shenelle S. LaPierreMarch 28,2022 at 1:17PM UTC
If the question comes up, I would advise you were looking for better opportunities that didn’t sacrifice your health and safety or just better opportunities for advancement. You could also advise that there changes within your role that didn’t work with your lifestyle or schedule. Either way, there are tons of ways to answer that question without having to state anything negative about your former employer.
Megan LeasherMarch 28,2022 at 4:07PM UTC
I fully agree with this!! ^^^^^^^^
Kimberley Ferretti HammettMarch 28,2022 at 7:35PM UTC
If they ask, I would say that there were sudden changes to policies that made sense for the company's business needs but you didn't have time or ability to accommodate to your personal needs so it was no longer a good fit for you. Demonstrate that the decision was practical, not emotional, and it will remain professional. Most employers should understand that and actually being able to talk about it a little bit gives you the opportunity to gauge their reaction. If they seem judgmental or press too hard into personal questions it could be a red flag for an unsupportive environment.