I m a mid- senior level executive and I m desperately looking to leave my toxic job.

6 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 10,2022 at 4:12PM UTC

   Learn as much as you can for where you are applying to and tailor your answer to make it about how your skills can add value to the job. It shows you did your homework learning about the company and that you want to grow in that environment as well as grow others if you are seeking leadership

2. Dalia LourençoJuly 10,2022 at 4:51PM UTC

   Definitely don't mention the toxicity of your current job (as you know!)

   Focus on what that company has to offer. If it's tech explain why you've decided to pivot to tech and how it's the next logical step in your career.

   The key is to create a storyline that focuses on what your experience will bring to them and on your next goals.

   Keep the emphasis on the future. No need to mention the toxic job (which you're in the process of putting in your past) even if that was the catalyst that got you to the interview.

3. AnonymousJuly 10,2022 at 5:14PM UTC

   I get what you want but "lower title and flat pay" may not work out to your desire.

   My job is insane and not what I signed up for in it's entirety but I'm learning to accept it "as a job"- it's high level and has potential but definitely not what I signed up for.

   I know money isn't everything (blah blah blah) but with inflation, reality of interviews, etc, sadly (or thankfully?) I learned to deal with it as best as sanity will allow. I want to retire and travel and my salary helps with this goal (I save every extra penny)

   How do you know you won't go from toxic to super-toxic?! I asked myself that as well.

   Do some soul searching for yourself. I don't blame you in the least for looking - keeps us going! But don't quit with nothing to fall on.

   We should all hang in there! I'm 49 and my goal is retirement. I'm getting too old for this interview crap.

4. Barb HansenJuly 10,2022 at 10:40PM UTC

   "While I've enjoyed my time in Industry A (or job title A, I've reached a point in my career where I'm looking to expand my horizons in Industry Z (or challenge myself in job title B)."

5. AnonymousJuly 10,2022 at 11:00PM UTC

   *Never* discuss your current toxic environment with a prospective employer, as you likely know.

   *In addition, don’t rule out jobs at/ above your current level of seniority.

   Good reasons for applying for a job in a new industry or at slightly lower title:
   *Strong interest because of growth opportunities in industry/new company that are an excellent match for your existing skills/experience.
   *Strong interest in new industry/company because it gives you the opportunity to leverage your experience more fully in the XXX arena.
   *Strong interest in new industry/company because of new professional goals (explain new goals.)
   *Admiration for new company’s business approach/ leadership/ product or service line.

6. AnonymousJuly 11,2022 at 2:46PM UTC

   Leave your current issues out of all discussions. Never point to toxicity as the basis for any decisions.

   I would concentrate on you and your career plans. Your response should be along the lines of " I am looking for a new challenge and a better fit"