Reasons for leaving 1

[kchayfie]

The thread on explaining why you're resigning has set me thinking - I have a job interview next week and I don't know what to say if they ask why I'm thinking of leaving my current job. I'm looking around for two reasons:
1) I was put forward for promotion but then a couple of colleagues were given the promotion I wanted in order to persuade them to stay after they resigned. Now my boss says his boss won't promote anyone else because there are too many at senior level.
2) A couple of projects I've been involved in are in trouble. At project start-up, those of us working on the projects spoke to the management and wrote e-mails and tried to point out that the system wasn't working and the projects couldn't be delivered like that. Now the management are conducting a witch-hunt to identify why things went wrong but they are insisting the lessons learnt sessions focus on technical things that could be done better with no acknowledgement that the designers were in an impossible position from day one.

When it comes to the interview, if a candidate gave me reason 1, I'd suspect that the job interview was just to get ammunition to force the promotion (I think it might be - I don't know if I am ready to leave this place yet but that's a story for another thread). And I can't think of a way to phrase reason 2 without sounding petty and petulant and like I'm throwing the blame on everyone but myself.

I'd appreciate advice about how others would handle the situation.

 

[GregLocock]

I've never been asked in an interview why I left a previous company. Maybe that's because I'm working in a dying industry!

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[Comcokid]

When asked "Why are you leaving" never get into the details, or you will turn you interview into a soap-opera.

Your two reason sum up to:
1) Lack of recognition.
2) Looking for fresh technical challenges.

And, I wouldn't say any more about it.

After all, surviving a witch-hunt is not the type of challenge anyone wants, and certaintly doens't fit my idea of a "technical challenge".

You post sounds much like a situation two friends of mine are going through right now. If your specialization had "electrical" instead of "chemical", I would have thought this post was about their situation.

 

[kchayfie]

Its one of the questions often asked at the place I'm working now - I've only ever interviewed at one other place so I'm trying to make sure I've got an answer for everything I can think of!

 

[TStaples]

kchayfie,

Whenever I interview someone who is currently working somewhere else, I always ask why they are considering leaving.

I would answer that question with your general reasons, but with different wording (positive spin). Here are my suggestions:

1) I am searching for an opportunity with an organization that has more room for career growth and advancement. My current organization does not present me with that type of opportunity.

2) I am searching for an opportunity to work on projects that have high, but achievable, expectations, that will challenege me and will allow me to grow as an engineer.

I hope this helps.


-Tony Staples

http://www.tscombustion.com

 

[ctopher]

"I don't see it as leaving, I see it as promoting myself".

Chris
SolidWorks 06 5.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 02-10-07)

 

[atlas06]

Change in leadership.

 

[MadMango]

I'm with TStaples, I would go with his examples. There is no need to bring-up anything about your situation with your "problem projects." If they ask a question like, "Can you describe a situation you've had in the past, that you now consider as a positive lesson, but at the time did not?" maybe you could use it as an example.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[mshimko]

If I were doing the interviewing, the "why are you leaving" question would be secondary to looking over your work history, and seeing if you seem to be a "job hopper" or one who stays with a company for a while.

If I got the impression you were a job hopper (that is, never staying with a company very loong, or always looking for a switch, etc) I may be inclined to ask you "why", as I have no desire to hire someone who will most likely be moving on in 18 months.

 

[kchayfie]

Thanks guys for the input. TStaples' examples were exactly what I was looking for. I've been too wound up about the situation to think clearly about it!

 

[joekm]

I would answer that question in as positive a light as you can, something like, "I'm looking for more opportunities for personal/career growth" or something to that effect. Whatever you do, don't slam your former employer or emphasize negative aspects of your prior work environment. In every workplace, there will be those that whine about management, etc. While they may or may not have good reason, those who can focus more on the positive will probably been seen in a more positive light.

"I wish to grow my career, and I see more opportunites with your company" is a better answer than, "I didn't like the management at my former employer, so I left".



--
Great Spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds
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