Dear Witty talks to Escape Artist

Dear Witty,

I quit a job due to a hostile work environment that was toxic for several years. I left a company that is touted as one of the best employers in Oregon, if not the world. How best to answer the "why did you leave" job interview question? 

- Escape Artist

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Dear Escape Artist,

We’re so glad you left that toxic environment! That is unfortunate and likely more common than we think. Since the company appears to have a prestigious reputation, it’s logical to prepare for the “why would you leave?” question from folks unfamiliar with the organization’s toxic culture. While it’s never a good idea to lie, it may not be in your best interest to tell the truth (i.e. mentioning it was toxic and hostile). Let’s look at some possible options for turning this to your advantage.

Here is the real situation we are dealing with: recruiters don’t want to hire someone who speaks negatively about a previous employer. Sadly, this reflects poorly on you rather than the organization (especially if their reputation precedes them). If you’re coming in with what could be perceived as negativity or an embittered attitude, that is a red flag. So — what can you do instead?

Keep things positive by shifting focus to the new organization! What are some of the many exciting aspects of the new role(s) you’re interviewing for? 

Consider the following:

For one, if your interviewer veers the discussion to your previous employer on a topic you would rather not elaborate on, you don’t need to supply all the details. Instead, you can mention that you are not able to speak about details but would be happy to provide an overarching view from your perspective. It might be helpful to note that often companies have non-disclosure agreements or delicate client relationships. Here are some examples for using this approach:

I want to explore a different industry!

Perhaps your expertise has hit its peak at your previous organization in some way. Expound on your interest (or previous experience, if applicable) in this new industry. This is very common and a viable reason to move companies.

I’ve exhausted my career goals in my previous organization.

This one is tricky — some organizations have ample opportunity to move laterally, upward, or across departments. Some do not. Some roles are siloed. We are not sure what your role is, but it’s entirely possible that you did some research and didn’t see a desired future at your company (from a career goals perspective). Tread lightly on this  one — if your work is niche, it could work. If you have a family or do not want to move, it’s totally understandable that you wouldn’t want to work in a stretch role that happens to be across the country or world.

I’m ready for a new challenge for my personal and/or professional growth.

This one is good and vague — which could work really well depending on how you spin it. Perhaps this new organization has something special or new (to you) about it — focus on that and make sure you do your research. It should sound like you’ve specifically found the organization a match for this particular reason(s) — whether it be a stretch role opportunity, a different aspect to your work, a new location, different values, a unique culture, etc. The more specific to the company, the better!

I’m looking to move and my commute is too long from my desired neighborhood.

Depending on where your current and potential future organizations are located, you can use this one, too! A lengthy commute can be a deal-breaker no matter how great the gig. Perhaps logistically this new organization is closer to where you live or where you plan to relocate. 

We hope you can use one or more of these to help position you as an ideal candidate. Good luck with the job hunt and interviews! We hope your next employer has an awesome culture and environment to match.

If you have suggestions for Anonymous, please comment below! We would love to hear from you.

In solidarity,

WITTY

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