*TW-MH* Will I be asked reasons for leaving in interview?

[spaceme]

To summarise, I've left a job I was in for just over a year due to a whole list of reasons. I'd handed in my notice with no job to go to but only ended up working half of my notice period as I wouldn't have been able to take it any longer. The last day I was in the office, I left feeling genuinely suicidal.

I've got a few interviews coming up and wanted opinions on how best to frame this if asked, which I presume they will. I'd rather not dwell or speak badly of my former employer.

-Toxic office culture, team would whisper, pull each other for chats in private, speak badly of anyone else new joining team or office.

• Anxiety in mornings, daily panic attacks, crying down in the office.

-Was 3 team members down due to recruitment issues, long term sick, then funding being pulled on replacements. -Working 12 hour days, having to catch up at home. Was open with the fact I was struggling with workload, asking for support. -Taken on as an apprentice, would be given great feedback in 121s but publicly called out on small mistakes where the wider team would be looped in. This included on the work group chat when on days off AL/Sundays/Evenings (WhatsApp) -Being deliberately held back from progressing, manager would often ask me to do something and another senior member of the team would not let me, I'd ask to shadow, be shown etc, they would agree but then would do it without me under the guise of me being "too busy" -Asked to lie about what I was doing to an external awarding body as what I needed was not in my job role. -Being shoehorned into a role I did not sign up for & wouldn't have applied for at the 'needs of the business'

That's just to name a few. Worried that I'll receive a bad reference, my absence was being monitored due to me being off for 5 days last year. This was out of my control & I had been signed off for a min of 6 weeks and advised by the dr not to work.

But I digress, how am I best explaining this to interviewers? I understand it's not ideal and wasn't my proudest moment to leave.

I had something similar to you in my last job. I think I just mentioned about not feeling it challenged me enough and it not being the right fit for me.

I think it might be an idea to have a few points like that prepared as you may be able to gauge how much information they want by sensing the tone of the interview.

I'm sorry you've been put through such horrific treatment. It feels shit doesn't it?

I would say you left to have some time out and re-assess what you want to do career-wise, as you realised that your previous role was not right for you. That's true but doesn't give too much detail. If they ask why it wasn't right, say something which frames the role you are applying for as right.

Eg, previous role was more desk job and less hands on - I wanted to find something which offered more practical experience etc (but make it fit the role you're applying for)

@TidyDancer

Thank you for your response. I don't feel like I was being given the chance at progression in my previous role due to understaffing etc. I however don't want to raise alarm bells as it's another entry level role :(

@DavinaTheDonkey thank you!

I would just use the last point - you were appointed to one role, but then migrated into another role that wasn't what you wanted to do because the business need was greater for that role.

Sounds super similar to my situation but I would be general in your explanation of why you left. Something like "I left for better opportunities for career growth" something along those lines they need not know the actual details of the prior situation. And while most would empathize it could give vibes that are negative towards you even though that isn't the case.

You should not be asked at an interview. If they do, then you might want to consider if you want to work there! But if you are, give a bland answer. Never get dragged into bad mouthing your past employer no matter how bad they are. And never lie.

Turn the answer on its head... I found that the role didn't suit my skills and aspirations, and decided it was better to seek a role that did, which is why I'm looking too work with you because.... / the commute was complex whilst in this role.... / work- life balance is important to me, so I was interested in what you said about..../

You get the idea?

...you've always wanted to work at the new company and heap praise on them/the role

Don’t worry about the bad reference. Employers are generally terrified to give good or bad references in case they are sued. Even positive experiences with companies usually end with a reference that simply confirms your start and end dates.

In terms of what to say, basically anything except slagging them off. New challenge, wasn’t challenged enough, the job wasn’t what had been advertised, not enough work etc

Even the most successful people have had a bad experience in one job or another. Don’t sweat it, move on with your head up.