What to say--resigned for ethical reasons
Hi guys:
I was wondering if I can get some advice from you on what to say in future interviews if someone resigned for ethical reasons (didn't agree with previous firm's behaviour). Obviously it's a small industry and I don't want to burn bridges, but when I was at my former employer, there were some areas that I saw that I did not agree with. I want to avoid retaliation, and would appreciate your advice on what I can say during future interviews that allow me to move on.
Thanks!
1) Don't mention it unless they ask. Focus on why you want to join the new firm and why you're a good fit, not why you left the last firm. Even if the interviewer asks why you left, you can say something like "I was looking for a better opportunity."
2) Personally, I would not mention ethical concerns, because if you bring it up they will immediately ask for examples, which can only go in an awkward direction.
Keep in mind your interviewer comes away with only a brief snapshot of you and is most likely comparing you against many other candidates. If the most memorable part about you is something about ethical concerns at your previous company, it's not going to bode well for your candidacy.
Quit job a while back for ethical reasons - now have to explain (Originally Posted: 02/18/2015)
I worked at a job where there was a growing pressure for me to do something that was in no way illegal but certainly morally questionable. It was a side of their business that they expected their research analysts / consultants to do as part of their other work. I found it morally disgusting, insulting to the clients, and a bad business practice, so I avoided doing it for as long as I could get away with and focused on the rest of my job which I enjoyed. Eventually, the pressure grew for me to do this stuff, I couldn't get away with paying it lip service, and I left. I went and studied a language overseas for a year. (bad career move, ladies & gents).
Fast forward a job. I'm starting to interview for new positions and I am having trouble explaining this situation without making myself sound disloyal or like a brat. Here's the choice:
1) Explain that the company had its priorities wrong, but risk throwing them under the bus 2) Explain simply that I wanted to study a language for some time.
Both, to my ear, sound bad. What's the right way to explain this? I should point out that I'm pretty good but not great after this year spent overseas. I wasn't fired.
I would go with #1
However, make it sound less like you're throwing the under the bus and not like you're talking crap about a previous employer. #2 makes you sound like you would leave on a whim and less trustworthy
I agree. #2 sounds like you were not serious about your career. But be very careful with the way you explain #1. Anyone who talks negatively about their previous employer is a big turn-off to a lot of people.
Or you could combine the two. "I wanted to take my career in a different direction and when this opportunity to see the world came up, I thought this would be great to blah blah blah.
Again, be very careful about not making it sound as though you are talking shit about your previous company.
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