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My last two roles did not end well so what is the best way to handle discussing those during interviewing? I'm finding that some interviewers are asking more detailed questions about gaps and leaving companies.

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Anonymous

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My last two roles did not end well so what is the best way to handle discussing those during interviewing? I'm finding that some interviewers are asking more detailed questions about gaps and leaving companies.

To be transparent, the oldest one, I asked to be let go as it wasn't a good situation even with receiving promotions during my three-year stint. The more recent one, I was excited about the role but realized soon after joining the company, they were using the role as a scapegoat for the company's problems.

Despite trying my best, I was let go after a year. The company restructured and merged with another organization soon after I left. A former colleague shared they were using me until the merger to make things work during the interim. My old role was never filled and I learned that three prior directors were let go before my term.

I'd appreciate your advice as I'm trying to position myself so I can be honest but not be ruled out for a new role. I'm having trouble creating a narrative that paints me in the best light. Before these roles, I didn't have job-related issues throughout my 15-year career.

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  1. Anonymous

    1st one: After several promotions, I ended up in a role that wasn't aligned with my interests and strengths. Then come up with a truthful explanation of what that looked like: e.g., you discovered that you weren't great at managing people and are much happier being an individual contributor on a strong team.

    2nd one: you weren't made aware of any issues prior to your departure, but a colleague reached out to you afterwards to explain the role had been planned as a temporary one during the transition period even though it was not billed as such when you interviewed. Given a number of other key departures shortly after yours, that did appear to be the situation.

  2. Anonymous

    Somply say that the companiew were restructuring and that last one was only a short term assignment due to their impending merger.

    It should appease the interviewers.

  3. Anonymous

    Chuck it up to NDA and not being able to discuss.

  4. Alexis Gladstone

    The first one: I was there three years with several promotions. I chose to leave when I didn't feel that I was able to continue to grow. The second one: The company went through a restructure and merger and my role, as well as others were not carried forward into the new org structure. I was able to help them...(fill in the blank).

  5. Anonymous

    For the first one, I'd be careful in case the company confirms that you were terminated vs resigning. You can't be sure how much info they'll provide, so better to be 100% truthful, but provide a feasible explanation. For the second one, I really like this wording.

  6. Anonymous

    Great advice and I appreciated the suggestion!

  7. Anonymous

    This comes from someone who currently going through a career change with a 4 year employment gap, in a late 40's mentality, body..Watch out for this person in question. Don't loose sight of the fact your coworker shares some of your negative feelings. I would be careful this doesn't turn into an age discrimination situation. Clearly manager is unwilling or uneducated from the sounds off what you're saying. She can't set aside emotions in order to communicate effectively or possibly being prejudice, has ill intent or using her position to gain power, and showing blatant disrespect. Please document everything the minute it happens so it's fresh in your mind. Show proof of the facts. Bring a witness with you when addressing your concerns. This way, you have leg to stand on should you have a discrimination case in your future. I wish you the best!

  8. Anonymous

    OP: Thank you and I appreciated everyone's advice. Have a wonderful holiday season!

  9. S Maisha

    I would say restructuring and layoffs for the most recent role, and lack of opportunities for growth in the older position. You left the old position which you had outgrown to seek an opportunity for career advancement, but layoffs prevented you from going further. Do role playing and look up questions employers usually ask an interviewee, so you’re not caught off guard. Good luck ??

  10. Anonymous

    it isn't unusual for a company to let staff go before they sell to, or merge with, another company. I'd just say you thought the position was a permanent one when you accepted it, but you were released (key word there- released) when your company was acquired. For the first company, I'd not share you requested to be let go. I'd say the position changed or something, and you went elsewhere. Use ChatGPT to help you figure out some good responses to this that make sense to your situation. good luck!

  11. Anonymous

    Another thing to remember is that it's work--not home. You can perform your job excellently and pleasantly without getting personally involved. You're there to do a job, and that does not have anything to do with your innate value as a human being. Be smart, be kind, and remember to breathe. Remember what Eleanor Roosevelt said: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." So the behavior change has to come from you because you are the only thing you can control. (I am speaking from experience here.)

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