What is a polite way to say that you quit a job because it sucked?

[Bronco69]

I have an interview on Saturday for a job that I want really really bad! From January 2001 until June 2002 I worked at 3 different places. I can't really say that they were contract positions because they weren't and if this company likes me they will do an extensive background check and know that it is a lie. At one of the jobs employees would throw wadded up pieces of paper across the cubicles and then give a detailed description of each cubicle wall the paper hit on its way to the recipient. On one of the other jobs I wrote supporting documentation on 3 different computer programs in 2 weeks and was told that I needed to work faster LOL! I basically told him to go f**k himself. Somehow I need to explain why I left without saying they sucked. Also, has anyone ever had one of those extensive background checks? What is it like?

[da_chimperor]

1. Tell them that you felt your former company didn't suit you very well

Say that you felt that the professionalism of many of their employees was questionable and you left as a result.

[aden_nak]

2. What you need, my friend, is some Ari Fleischer style bullshit.

I felt that the work environment was highly unprofessional, the business model was a collecton of vague failures, and, to be quite honest, the compensation package was not even remotely on par with the sheer volume of work expected of each employee. I knew I could do better, at a company that takes itself and its workers seriously. That's why I applied here in the first place.

[Sanity Claws]

7. Dissing your former employer is not a good idea

Whatever reason you give, you should not dis your former employer, especially not all three of them.
It just makes you look bad, not the former employer. Really, that is how a prospective employer is going to view it.

[Spider Jerusalem]

3. Something like this...

"An uncongenial work environment and poor management led me to decide to terminate my association with the company."

[Bunny]

16. If management is interviewing you, you may want to watch

criticizing the management of the former company. Us management people are kinda touchy about that! ;)

[Spider Jerusalem]

23. Unreasonably so, if it's not YOUR management that's being criticised..

and, let's face it, some companies do, in fact, have poor management, which DOES frequently lead to people seeking other employment.

[Bunny]

26. Well, I was really just joking.

If you'll notice the smiley at the end of my post.

[Sanity Claws]

4. Possible benign excuses

The work was not what I had expected. I had expected to do ___ but they assigned me ---.

The next job offer was too good to turn down.

If different place geographically, you might want to say that you had always wanted to live in ___ and this was your chance. Unfortunately I didn't end up liking ___ as I thought I would.

[Technowitch]

5. Be honest.

"At the first place, it was a decidedly unprofessional environment--which I discovered only after working there for a time. In the second, there was a mismatch in expectations, leading to a mutual decision that I should seek opportunities elsewhere. I like to think I learn from my mistakes, and I've done considerably more research this time around. The situation here seems to be ideal, and it's my hope that you'll consider me."

[tridim]

6. I quit my last job because my boss was a liar

I used those exact words in the next interview and it worked out well. Potential bosses like honesty. Just tell them exactly why you quit, and use the phrase, "Unprofessional work environment".

[fob]

8. It sounds like what you've been doing is trying to expand your knowledge

base and looking for the type of work to which your skills are best suited, and that (insert company name of desired company) and the (insert position wanted with desired company) is the best fit for both you and (desired company).

That's my quick read, anyway

[lpbk2713]

9. Didn't challenge you enough.

Didn't make the best use of your potential.

[DemGa]

10. I try to think of anything positive I can say about the last job

and if asked, explain I wasn't quite suited for it, and be ready to say why I think I will do well at this job.

[forgethell]

11. Tell them that

you felt this wasn't a position that you wanted to stay in very long because there was no scope for fulfilling your potential.

[radwriter0555]

12. Say something nice, ALWAYS say something nice.

"I didn't feel my goals were in line with theirs" something like that... go nuetral, non-offensive, and complimentary. Say something they didn't offer that this new company does.... etc.

SELL YOURSELF. What would YOU want to hear from someone about why they left a company?

[sendero]

13. If you really don't want the job, say this....

"I couldn't believe what an asshat my boss was. I mean really, this guy made a bag of hammers look intelligent. He couldn't find his ass with both hands. There weren't enough tissues in a box of them to keep the drool off his chin for a hour. Plus, you would not believe what this shits were paying me. There must be some kind of law. No way could this place be as bad as there, no way."


It is always considered bad form to criticise a former employer. Make some vague statement about being a poor match for the job, and have some background in your head in case they ask more probing questions.

[Nay]

14. "extensive background check" -- it could be anything from a

quick check of your criminal record (were you fingerprinted?) to a full-blown set of interviews with your neighbors, former bosses and coworkers, etc.
So,
Were you fingerprinted?
Did you have to provide names, addresses and phone #s of references?

[Bronco69]

18. Yes, I will be fingerprinted when I go on Saturday.

That's not a big deal since I was also fingerprinted when I worked for a bank. I also will have to provide references with Names Addresses Phone #'s etc. I guess I'm just wondering how intrusive the "investigation" is going to be.

[Nay]

25. It completely depends on how anal they are about their security.

If they send investigators out to your neighbors, references, etc., be aware that those people are not the only people a good investigator will talk to. He will attempt to "develop" other people who know you by asking your initial references and neighbors to name other people who know you. The inv then goes to THOSE people, and may dig even deeper by getting other names from them.

If you are going to need a top secret or other high clearance, your references will be asked their opinions about what you would do in dicey situations.

If you were in the military, they will ask for, and get, your military discipline record if you have a less than honorable discharge.

But again, if they just want to weed out the obvious crooks, a good FP search (usually the FBI database) may be all they do.

[B Calm]

15. Tell your prospective employer you left because of the surroundings.

They don't need to know anything more!

[B Calm]

17. Past employers rarely will say anything negative about

your employment record for fear of lawsuits. Most ex-employers with any sense will only acknowledge that you worked there between certain dates.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

19. That's true

In my experience, if I received an inquiry about someone I supervised, I transferred the caller to HR.

People who suggest "didn't offer room for growth" and other neutral language are giving the best advice, IMO. Managers know what you're really saying, no need to gut your old employers.

[DainBramaged]

20. They didn't offer opportunities for advancement

It's that simple or

I did not feel that the direction they were headed in would benefit a long-term relationship, which I was looking for.

[BlueHandDuo]

21. They didn't utilize your full skill set...

...and you wanted a chance to exercise your talent for (you have to fill this in yourself -- sorry).

Good lord! Everything you type inside square brackets disappears! Changed to parentheses.

[Nailzberg]

22. "My last job blew goat nuts."

I'd hire you. I like honesty and a sense of humor around the office.

[Sgent]

24. Agree

My last job blew is ok to me.

My last boss sucked, or all three of my last jobs blew, sends up red flags to me.

I don't care why, but if someone has quite/been fired from 3 jobs in a year, I get concerned about their ability to "work well with others", their motivation, etc.

This assumes that it isn't contract work, or a temporary position.

[cubschicago]

27. I hope its not too late

Don't say anything negative about your last job. Ignore the subject. You will be labeled as a negative person.

Just say that you are leaving your current job to pursue a new and different challenge. Enough said.