left job - what do I tell new prospective employer?

[tink123]

Hi, I walked out of my job last week due to harrassment from boss. I want to apply for new job.

What should I put on application form for reason for leaving job and is it ok to put previous job down for ref. I only left other job a few months ago and was there five years.

I will be honest if offered an interview but I just need to know what to write to increase chances of being interviewed

is there anyone else there who would give you a reference?

if there is - i would just lie

Do you plan on leaving the job off your application entirely and pretending you've been doing something else for a few months? The only reason I ask is if you put your most recent job down but then don't allow them to contact that employer for a reference it rings massive alarm bells.

If you are going to put it down does the form actually ask reason for leaving?

In terms of a reference, obviously walking out (presumably) without working your notice period won't help you, but if there is HR at the company and they know why you went they may be happy to provide a reference if you direct a future employer to them rather than your ex-boss.

I didn't have to give notice as just on bank - not permanent. I just cancelled last few shifts.

The application form asks for last employer as a reference and reason for leaving. I was there for two years (almost left twice before finally leaving)

The person who would need to write my reference is the reason why I left. Half of staff have handed notice in this week too, so I don't know anyone who can give me a ref.

Is there not an HR department or something?

No, she is the HR dept. There is a chief executive but she does not get involved in HR matters

I would just say that the job wasn't working for me any longer. Five years is a good innings and in that time a lot of can change (i.e. boss, organisation, job spec, etc.) that can make you fall out of love with a job. There's nothing wrong with that and most people can relate to that.

Some people will admire your courage and others will think you're a damn fool! You just need to ignore the latter. Put a positive spin on everything (i.e. it was a great job for me up until the last six months, I learned a lot, etc. but the time had come for me to move on, etc.).

You'll be just fine...

Speckled the OP was only there a few months - potentially a bit more tricky to explain.

If you're going to mention the job at all tink you need to sort out the reference issue. If you were the one being harassed do you genuinely think this person would give you a bad reference? Would she not just confirm dates of employment or something? Can you ring and ask what the policy is on references and how she would respond in the event of being asked?

In terms of explaining your decision to leave on an application form the trouble is you're not going to be able to go into much detail at all. You could say something about the job not being as represented to you at interview or something. Or if there is something very different about the job you are applying for you could highlight that as being a reason to leave. Is there anything like that?

Crikey, I'm shocking!

Agree with Flowery that being oversold the job is a good one. You could add that you found your relationship with your line manager a difficult one and good relations are something that are very important to you (i.e. you really enjoy work and building relationships across a spectrum of clients, colleagues, etc.). Everyone makes a duff decision from time to time. If you have a decent interviewer they will understand that. Personally, I would respect you for knowing what you will and will not accept and also having the balls to leave with nothing to go. So many people put up with crap at work because they are too scared to leave.

I would be sparing with the truth but not lie. Always put a positive spin on things too and highlight the fact that you have high standards, were surprised that your previous environment was so hostile as you have been so lucky with nice colleagues and good jobs in the past, etc.

Is that any help?

I wasn't there only a few months. I was there two years as worked two jobs at same time.

Thanks for all your advice. I do have another job lined up so if push comes to shove I will work a few months in that job and ask them for a reference.