Resigning, what to say at future interviews?

[ScaryDog]

I'm part way through my sick leave (work related stress) and have decided to resign. I will return and offer to work notice. Been there a long time, with no problems previously.

I don't absolutely need to work but want to, as I enjoy being part of the work place. I'm bothered about how I might explain my resignation to any future interviewers.

Anyone been in this situation and if so, what did you say?

You don't need to offer any explanation to future employers. Leave with dignity and professionalism and look forward to the future. In my experience most employers do not ask why you left a previous role necessarily anyway they will generally ask why you want to work for them.

It's the same as applying for a new job when you are still employed, the job you are interviewing for will be more concerned why you would be a good match for them as opposed to why you're leaving your previous post.

Change in personal circumstances should cover it for applying for jobs. Vague is fine. I recently received cvs with so much detail re family death etc and although part of me admired their honesty, I found it over sharing in general.

In my experience most employers DO ask why you left your previous employer, but a stock answer such as 'career development' or whatever should suffice.
Under no circumstances say anything negative about a former employer in an interview!

I can't imagine an interviewer wouldn't ask why I'd resigned! Not sure how 'career development' would work, tbh. And 'personal circs' might cause more questions to be asked.

It's a quandary... ☹️

If you are having a break can you say time to be with family/ travel or something and state you had a good relationship with previous employer and praise them vaguely? People aren’t usually that bothered, just want to know no issues.

Not sure how 'career development' would work, tbh.

Of course this would work. Many people leave because they aren't getting the advancement or variety they need and there are no opportunities where they are.

The only explanation for leaving that is highly relevant is departure due to gross misconduct. Anything else is down to the individual's own motives which could be simple or complex but of little interest to a prospective employer less they are excessively intrusive. It isn't any of their business in fact.

Let's face it, who goes for an interview if they are in their perfect role and everything is going amazingly!

You need to style it out

In the last 15 years I don't recall ever being asked why I left/wanted to leave my previous role.

I think if you have been there a long time then the reason for leaving is less important. It is the people who do lots of one year jobs who need to justify it more.

Just popping back to update this. 🙂

I've had 2 interviews recently and both times was asked why I want to leave my job! 😆😆
I'm not entirely convinced my reply sounded natural (I'm not a born liar!). Ideally I want to tell the truth but negging my previous employer won't help, I know, even if it's true.

Anyway I have left work now, so it is what it is and fingers crossed I will be successful soon.

I think it’s ok to say that your job no longer suited your circumstances. Offer up a reason or two why. One dimensional, not recognising your skills etc. You can say that you needed a change of direction and new challenges. You could say that you wish to expand your knowledge by working for someone else and be positive about what you can bring to the organisation.

I think your bigger worry is if a new company asks about sick leave taken and a possible negative reference. Most employers recognise that people move on but they don’t like absence.

I'm in a similar situation to you OP.

I'm not sure of the ideal answer, but I would have thought if your overall employment history is pretty solid I.e. not jumping from job to job every couple of months and haven't been sacked etc. Then I don't see why employers would be put off. That said, until a few months ago I didn't realise how "bad" it was to leave a job without another to go to...

Are the jobs you're applying for the same or different? If different, you could say that you took some time to reflect on your career goals, then explain why this particular job appealed to you.

As far as the sick leave is concerned, you might have to go through occupational health. I'm not sure exactly what caused your work related stress, but if asked, if you make it quite specific and say what steps you've taken to improve your health etc hopefully it will be ok.

Yeah it sucks a bit doesn't it User? 🤔

I was basically managed out, had been there a long time (over 10 years) with no problems with previous bosses.

As for OH, my health has improved dramatically by leaving that company! 🙂

I guess if I can't get another job, I'll do some volunteering to fill my time.

I would just say that I was at a point in life where I needed to reassess my direction so took a break to (a) explore some training/courses options; (b) volunteer in a slightly different sector or (c) take some time out to explore new avenues without committing myself. And now I'm coming back with renewed vigour and motivation, fresh ideas and strategies - now when do I start?!?