DISCUSSIONS

I left my last job and sued my former employer with other co-workers together for gender discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and a toxic work environment.

Anonymous Image

Anonymous

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I left my last job and sued my former employer with other co-workers together for gender discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and a toxic work environment. My former employer could not deny in front of the evidence we put together. Instead of going to court, they chose to go through the mediation process. We settled the case eventually.

Part of the settlement agreements included a confidential agreement. We are prohibited from discussing the case with people (other than life partners, attorneys, accountants, etc.). Now, I am about to start job hunting. I sincerely seek advice from all of the talents here in the forum. When asked why I left my last job, what would be a good and professional answer without mentioning the true reason? Thank you all in advance.

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Like

49 comments

Share

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

49 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    I left my last job in a little bit of a similar situation. In my case, it was age discrimination, passed up for a promotion because I didn't have quite the runway they were looking for. They hired someone much younger and with much less experience than myself. I got a settlement from them and same as you wasn't able to speak about it. So, when asked why I left the job I just said I was looking for other opportunities to further my career. I wanted new challenges, that after having been in the same role for almost 9 years that it was feeling stagnant. I wanted to face new challenges, I wanted to bring my experience to help the potential company grow or excel in their industry.

  2. Anonymous

    I always so that the company was going through a transition and I left because my job was no longer the job I had accepted.

  3. Anne Krook

    Almost any of the replies in the other comments will work, except the one recommending falsehoods: DO NOT DO THAT. If the news of your former employer's settlement is known to your potential new employer, who says something like "I heard there was a case over there; were you part of that?" (and yes, of course they should say and ask no such thing, but...) consider what you should say. When you decide on a response, run it by either your own attorney if they are experienced in employment law or one of the attorneys from your case.

  4. Anonymous

    Only mention that the job wasn't a good fit or your company was moving in a direction no longer aligned with your career goals.

  5. Anonymous

    The usual vague answers--it was time to move on, lack of advancement, no room for growth, not a good fit.
    Just please don't mention the words toxic, discrimination, or lawsuit EVER unless you want to immediately be labled as an accident waiting to happen

  6. Anonymous

    "It wasn't a good fit." or "I left to focus on looking for a position more closely aligned with my career goals."

  7. Anonymous

    The first 2 are too specific and blatantly untrue in this case, and possibly verified as not being true, so not sure I'd use those 2. The 3rd has no issues.

  8. Anonymous

    Here are some ideas:

    -The company owner sold the firm, and your position was eliminated

    -Your position was eliminated due to a round of layoffs

    -Your old employer is going through bankruptcy proceedings and your position was eliminated as a result

    You don’t have to tell the truth about why you left your old employer. Just come up with a reason that would sound like it was reasonable decision to a recruiter and not the result of personality flaw. To a recruiter, the only good reason to leave a company is because of layoffs or company financial troubles. If it was anything other than that, then it must’ve been your fault, in their heads. Stupid, I know.

    Alternatively, you could leave this company off of your resume. If you were there for a long period of time (>6 months), then fill in the gap with education, volunteer work, or (if applicable) a friend/family member’s business. You’re not allowed to have gaps on your resume, if you want to get a new job.

    Good luck! ??

  9. Cheryl Wilburg

    Falsehoods are NEVER a good option

  10. Anonymous

    Please don't do this. Lies like this are SO easy to uncover and can get your offer rescinded.

  11. Patty Beck

    Restructuring and downsizing are good.

  12. Anonymous

    How ever you phrase it, try to keep it positive and professional as in regard to your career path. "I decided I wanted to explore new opportunities to expand my skill set and continue forward on my career path." "The company was going in a different direction than I felt I wanted to travel in my career." What I would advise against is saying anything that could be construed as a falsehood.

  13. Anonymous

    I assume you have a mutual non-disparagement clause in the mediation agreement that does not allow them to say anything about you but for dates of employment. Be sure that this also includes their response to regretted vs non-regretted. Which basically means a company checking your references can ask that and their response in the negative would be non-regretted meaning they would not rehire you. Here is some wording that you can use: "After being with my former employer for XYZ (time period) I decided the alignment with my career aspirations and the company direction no longer aligned. In speaking with my former leadership team I chose to leave their employ to focus full time on my search for XYZ (what you are passionate about doing next- take info from their job description to fill in here). In my opinion I don't like to take time away from my role for my job search which is the ethical thing to do."

    See how that nicely wraps it up and shows that you won't take a paycheck when looking for work.

    Also as a caveat consider yourself lucky to have settled as most cases can drag on for years and your reputation gets put into public record and view and can harm more than hurt.

  14. Anonymous

    I would say that you were looking for career growth and you felt that you weren’t growing your skills and learning at the pace you would like to

  15. T. Dennis

    This is good. Another option is to state your skill set exceeded the opportunities being provided at your previous place of employment

  16. JoAnna Black

    If you filed anything with the courts, even if it ended up going to mediation, it will probably be very easy for a potential employer to find this out. Whatever you do, do not go with the suggestions here to lie. Something vague but positive is better than a lie that is easily found out.

  17. Anonymous

    I do not have advice for you since I do not have experience in this area. But I am just commenting to congratulate you and provide my sincere empathy towards you and your group. I understand how hard it is to stand up for yourself and stand up against a corporate system. You did the right thing and you all are a great example to so many of us. <3 <3

  18. Mislyn

    Congratulations! If only more people would step up and defend themselves against toxic employers. Most employers know they can get by with it so they do it. I put up with a lot of harassment, intimidation techniques, vulgar language and vulgar actions from an employer and let me say it will never happen again. He ruined my family and my life. Good for you for taking a stand.

  19. Anonymous

    It depends on how long it's been since you left that company.

    Do you need to close/explain a career gap?

    If only a short period has gone by (less than a year), then the Exit statement would go in one direction.

    You will eventually need to produce (usually 3) references for the background check on future offers. Is there anyone from this co who you would trust to speak highly of you? All references don't need to come from the last employer, however at least one is helpful.

    How long did you work there? Any promotions?

    Was there a change in leadership within 2-3 years of your departure?

    Was your manager the same one who hired you?

    Quite a bit of information is necessary to create a solid reason for leaving for you!

    Without a fuller picture, I hesitate to produce a statement for you, but would be happy to if I knew more.

    We never say/hint at anything negative at a past company or manager. You have it on your side that the company cannot speak about you.

    In the background check, your old company will be contacted, and all they will share is your start/stop date, and last job title - and that's it. No mention of your performance (either negative or positive), your salary, or if you're eligible to be rehired.

    If i know more, I can help you best.

    (Exec coach with 25+ years exp in F500 companies)

  20. Anonymous

    Can't background checkers get around this by asking if the candidate is eligible for rehire? I've heard of candidates being taken out of the running, offers rescinded, etc. because of this.

  21. Yana Myaskovskaya

    As somebody who has interviewed hundreds of candidates, I will reiterate – please do not lie about why you were let go.

    I also don't particularly love the advice of being vague about career growth or misalignment. This is something a lot of interviewees do and trust me – it does you no favors.

    Instead, be specific and true. You might say something like, "In past roles, my project management skills helped me increase my company's project revenue by 180%. In my last role, I really hoped to continue focusing on project management, as this is something where I know I truly benefit the team I am working with. Because my role did not enable me to leverage this as much as I hoped, I am looking for a position where my strong project leadership skills can substantially grow the project revenue. This role felt like a better fit for the kind of success I know I can deliver on."

    Additionally, it's outdated advice that you are not allowed to have gaps on your resume. In a world where so many folks are able to work for themselves, get laid off due to economic reasons, or simply need a break from the workforce for a bit, it's not unusual to see gaps of over a year.

    This is especially true if you're more than 6-8 years into the workforce – women in particular often choose to be SAHM for a period of time, and that is becoming far less of a stigma.

    Instead of being embarrassed by the gaps, focus on the work that you did while you were not traditionally employed. I saw a fantastic LinkedIn profile recently where a CMO had "Co–Chief of Household & Mom" on her resume with bullet-points highlighting the work she's doing structured in real, compelling terms around project management, prioritization, and organization.

    Of course not every company will go for that, so it's important to know your audience. In all cases, I would have a clear story for your gap and focus on what you did during the gap (any education, networking, etc.) to make yourself a great candidate for the role you are interested in.

  22. Sarah

    I have a question for you about the resume gap. If you truly needed a break from the workforce and you aren't networking or taking classes, what do you put on resume? I was laid off but I'm truly burned out. I've been taking a real break and focusing on my mental health. I know I'll have to get back eventually (soon) but it's been 9 months. I have 18 years of professional experience and a professional license.

  23. Yana Myaskovskaya

    There will likely be people who disagree with me, and it somewhat depends on your industry, but with 18 years of experience, I would simply say that you had an opportunity to take a break between roles to evaluate your next steps.

    As a hiring manager, I wouldn't think twice about this since you have a long history of successful work performance.

    If it's true, you can add that you had the financial ability to be really thoughtful about your next role and then talk about why this particular position excites you. This makes it about your choosiness and desire to find the right fit, rather than about your inability to land a role.

    If needed, you can elaborate by describing what you really enjoyed about your last position and list how some of your successes from previous jobs will help you be successful in this new role.

  24. Katherine Gilraine

    Easiest and more diplomatic way to say this is that you agreed to part ways and there is an NDA signed.

    If they want to know more, they can read the legal record.

    Further question, though: does your agreement also state a neutral reference clause?

  25. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    That's a tough one -- you have a "gag order."

    I respect you and your coworkers for making sure that your voices were heard; however, there can be a downside. Like, being put on the do-not-hire list (ballbacked).

    To protect yourself, you may want to reach out to an employment attorney (can you talk with the attorney who handled your case?) and ask them the best way to handle this matter.

    Wishing you the best as you move forward!

  26. Anonymous

    You can mentioned you are looking to expand in your career and looking for new opportunities

  27. Anonymous

    How did you find the lawyer?

  28. The Williams Wedding

    Start with the EEOC

  29. Heather Haaland

    without discussing the case you can honestly say it didn’t align with your values. Then list your top values of a workplace.

  30. BeaBoss988740

    You could say, I am really proud of my accomplishments and contributions there (and then mention a few) and say that you are looking to contribute in a more significant way to an organization, such as….. and feel that a position such as this one would be a great next step for me.

  31. Anonymous

    You say you left to look for a better opportunity that provided a solid growth path.

    They may ask if your previous job didn't provide that and you could say, not really, but add "there were some really great people there, but I didn't see opportunities for growth." I'm sure you had colleagues you liked very much, so it's not a lie. I also like what others wrote, that it didn't align with your values. The only issue is, they may then ask what those values are, which leads to a slippery slope.

    I'm so sorry you are in this predicament. So many of us find ourselves in bad situations, but we always feel we need to stay mum as much as possible. It isn't right. So much for equal opportunity.

  32. Sue Baldock

    Last job was not a good fit and did not provide all the opportunities I was looking for....

  33. Anonymous

    Settling via mediation allows for perceptions. Moving forward? First, caution you bringing in the bias you may carry with you to the next employer, it's only natural but give them a chance. I would highly recommend, to use something like I am looking for growth and to bring with me my experience to continue my career path and grow in another company. Continue to abide by the settlement agreement.

  34. Anonymous

    Sounds like my previous employer.
    I left the position after 3 months because it was toxic. Not only that, it discouraged me from seeking the same type of position with another company. I couldn't collect unemployment because it was my choice to leave such a hostile work place. So I was out of work for 3 months and took a part time job just to have some type of income. The entire experience was awful. I'm still working the part time job and conducting my search. Now "I'm seeking a position that better aligns with my goals and objectives."

  35. Michelle Turner-mccollum

    Following

  36. Anonymous

    Contrary to some of the advice I see here, I definitely do not recommend you saying anything that alludes to a legal agreement. Potential employers tend to shy away from employees bringing potential legal issues whether it's fair or not. It is completely true and ethical for you to say that you had a good run at the former workplace but you're now taking your career in a different direction. Usually that's enough to pivot the conversation to the job for which you're applying.

  37. Anonymous

    Say that you left your last job looking for advance in your career and better opportunities.

    I left my last job for a toxic environment, hopefully, I will find a better place and be again the happy person I am.

    I wish you the best.

  38. christine louise

    HI I am in the same position as you, about to sign a settlement for harrassment, breach of contract and now a sham redundancy. The whole thing is so sad. been there five years, i think am going to say I needed the change and a new challenges. Solidarity with you its a very tough situation to go through

  39. Anonymous

    I would just say , it wasn’t a good fit. I sued my large retail company for harassment and an injury on the job they didn’t take seriously that required 2 surgeries. The harassment was a result of them manipulating me to do things that I wasn’t supposed to do while injured, that caused the 2nd fall. I won my case ……. I still shop there because well, idc. And I was also threatened by a mgr in a meeting that I had nothing to do with. A few of the mgrs in said meeting told me. Tbh idc it’s done they were wrong. I was terrified through the whole process but, it’s over after almost 2 years.

  40. Uju

    Simple! If you left your job, I'm assuming you sent a resignation letter. Then, all you need to say is "Resigned" no need to go into detail. In an interview, speak nice abt your former employers even if it's the opposite..

  41. Jocelyn DeMaio

    Keep it positive. I resigned to give myself time to reflect on the type of work I enjoy doing. That is why I'm here, applying for this position.

  42. Lisa Perez

    I would say, "I resigned from my employment because it was no longer a good fit for me." or "the growth potential just wasn't there." In both reasons it wouldn't be lying since being toxic environment wouldnt be a good fit and with discriminating management , the opportuniny to advance in your carreer would be very hard to achieve.
    Also, assuming that you signed a "non disclosure " agreement so its not like you can talk about it anyway.

  43. Anonymous

    I filed with the EEOC against my former employer several years ago for wrongful termination due to disability and a few other related charges. I was job hunting before I had to sign the agreement, and therefore I was able to ask the person that was assigned to my unemployment claim how to best handle things when it came to thar question. What I was told was to always put on any applications was to say ypu prefer to discuss in person, and then when you do discuss it in person to never throw the former employer under the bus but instead if asked why you left to say something like it was mutually agreed that you were no longer a good fit for the position and to leave it at that, since most states in the US don't allow a potential new employer to ask a former employer anything other than: (1) did you work there, (2) what was your hire date, and (3) when was the last date thar you worked there; most states in the US do not allow a former employer to say whether or not you are considered rehirable or not.

    In my case as part of my settlement agreement, my former employer is only allowed to tell potential new employers the dates that I worked there and that I worked there, and they cannot give them anything other than that or I can sue them for additional damages.

  44. Marcelle Bryant

    I am looking for new opportunities that better align with my career goals. Do not mention the lawsuit.

  45. Sara Simon Gonzalez

    I would simply say it was not a good fit.

  46. Anonymous

    I filed an EEOC complaint against my former employer for wrongful termination based on the fact that I was disabled and they knew that I was disabled when they hired me, but fired me anyway because they didn't want to provide a reasonable accommodation for me (a chair for me to sit on due to being in a full walking boot due to an old ankle injury that had resulted in complications that made it difficult for me to walk or stand for more than a few minutes at a time) this accommodation had already been approved by both the store HR and the Corporate office, however, the store management team didn't want to comply with it, because they claimed that "it made customers uncomfortable". I was also bullied and harassed on a daily basis to the point that I'd end up going home early on a regular basis due to panic/anxiety attacks and at one point I ended up at the walk in clinic with chest pains due to the harassment and bullying, when I already have a congenital heart condition.

    Before I went through the mediation process with the EEOC, I confided in the person that had been assigned to my case for unemployment benefits in my state, and they worked one on one with me to help rebuild my confidence and help me on how to properly handle putting a positive spin on what happened without letting them know I was wrongfully terminated.

    After I wasn't able to find another job, and I had settled my complaint against my former employer, I ended up taking my settlement money and started my own small bookkeeping firm. I'm much happier now, and I can set my own schedule and work at my own pace, which works really well for me. I also get to have full control over who I take on for clients, which is really important to me.

    If doing what I did isn't possible, than I'd recommend saying something like it was mutually decided that I was no longer a good fit for the position, and leave it at that. If they want you to go into more detail than that, then I'd just decline and end the interview.

  47. LORI-ANN BURLINGAME

    You should be proud of yourself! You faced a challenging situation, walked through it, and came out srongeer.

    I am sending you positive energy that your bookeeping business thrives. (Positive Affirmation -- "I am making more money everyday" say it several times a day.)

  48. Wanda Shaw

    You could mention that you left to pursue other opportunities.

  49. Anonymous

    I am looking for an attorney for similar reasons.
    Can you all make recommendations for Illinois?

Browse recent posts

sgeaeg
Ready to land your next sales or marketing role? 🚀💜
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
The Great American Job Hunt is on. Despite advanced hiring technology, thousands of qualified candidate's report being rejected before a human interview.
I am looking for remote opportunities so that i can stay at home with my grandkids.
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members