I left my previous job due to hostile environment & bullying. When I get to the "reason for leaving" box, I draw a blank and almost always abandon the application. Should I just pull that job off my resume? Doing so will create a 2 year gap. Otherwise, how do I answer the question. It usually ends with a puddle of tears.

13 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 5:06PM UTC

   Just say the job was no longer a fit and you left to find a better fit

2. madisonian1981June 18,2024 at 5:47PM UTC

   I would not leave it off your resume; two years are important. I would also not mention the hostile work environment because it may put off recruiters. Say that you are looking for more professional growth or say something positive about the organization you are applying to and mention why you want to work there.

3. Cassie SpencerJune 18,2024 at 6:14PM UTC

   I agree with some of the other advice provided. Don't remove the role but your resume. Instead aim to focus on any positive answer you can provide. Things like you were looking for growth opportunities, wanted to utilize new or different skills, wanted to explore a different industry, etc. are all typically neutral and accepted answer

4. Nadia Ibrahim-Taney, MS. MA. M.Ed.June 18,2024 at 6:22PM UTC

   I agree with Coach Cassie! Just because the environment was hostile and bullying etc., does not reflect negatively on you but rather, the organization. As long as you explain it, and your interest and need to leave and move towards better work, folks will understand that! Heck, they might have even been in the same situation themselves at some point!

5. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 6:35PM UTC

   That's terrible! I would write a few explanations out and use it as your go-to answer. It's a common question companies put on applications to make sure they are not hiring someone that is going to be a problem for the company. I usually write how I left to allow myself time to reassess my career plans so I can better contribute and at the same time earn a higher income since I gained more experience.

   Be prepared to answer that question in an interview too.

6. Karen P. StoreyJune 18,2024 at 7:00PM UTC

   TO BELITTLE is to be little. Let it go. Reason for leaving?

   BETTER OPPORTUNITY!

7. JJJune 18,2024 at 11:59PM UTC

   Have you had another job after? Just note that you left to pursue new opportunities.

8. Wanda ShawJune 19,2024 at 10:19AM UTC

   Oh, I’m so sorry that you’ve had to endure this in a work environment. You could probably give the

   response if asked about your departure that you felt strongly that your goals weren’t in alignment with those of your previous employer.

9. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 12:52PM UTC

   Just personal reasons- you don’t have to go into detail.

10. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 1:14PM UTC

    simply answer 'resigned'. Get the interview and begin to prepare that answer IF it is asked

11. QJune 19,2024 at 3:01PM UTC

    The only correct answer is to reach down deep and find the underlying reason you left. The immediate reason was a hostile work environment and bullying, but ultimately, those two things were preventing you from having opportunities for any kind of development. Focus on that aspect when you answer the question, because it's the part of the answer that is applicable to any new workplace as well. For example, "I'm looking for a position that offers more opportunities for professional and personal development."

    If they dig deeper for specifics, think about exactly what you wanted to accomplish in your role that was blocked due to bullies and continue on that answering path. "My goal was to grow into a leadership position, and due to budget/structure of department/younameit, that was clearly not an opportunity that would be available in the near term."

    The goal is to answer honestly without pulling out details of an ugly scenario. Keep it focused on work. Did the bully put you in a position that greatly impacted your work life balance as you tried to cope? Focus on work life balance. Did the hostile environment pigeon hole you into a role where you felt demeaned or underutilized? Focus on career growth opportunities and next steps.

12. Christy JamesJune 20,2024 at 6:18PM UTC

    "I wanted a new challenge"

13. SPNN4 SJune 21,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

    "Not a fit" If they ask you to elaborate then all you have to say is that it was not a fit.