Reason for leaving employment

Gingernutter

I left my ex-employer after a working there a week. My reason for doing so was that I made a mistake; the organisation and the job were in hindsight totally wrong for me. Staying whilst trying to find another job wasn't an option because the inability to take time off for interviews etc. Fortunately I was in the lucky position of being able to afford to do so.
My problem now is when I'm applying for new jobs what do I say my reason for leaving was? Do I play on the fact that I have had some caring responsibility for an ill relative, or do I tell them the reason above?
Many thanks

JimmyTheWig

I think you'd have to tell the truth. And explain how the experience has helped you find out what you wanted to do.
If I was an employer, I would be worried about you doing the same thing to me. So your explanation needs to explain (without labouring the point) why it was a one-off.

SomeBozo

Don't lie.

If you were only there a week, why mention it? Presumably you are not asking for a reference from this role?

Bozo

Got2change

A job lasting only a week is hardly worth mentioning (could be counter-productive TO mention it actually). Will it make a great difference to simply airbrush it from history and only make reference to the job before it....?

SomeBozo

"Reason For Leaving : Reward for completing my degree, would YOU want to work there for your whole life?"

Check out the big head on him.

Bozo

Crap_with_money.com

ts_aly2000 wrote: »

"Reason For Leaving : Reward for completing my degree, would YOU want to work there for your whole life?"

The completely disinterested ones that say to me, "Oh can you send on your CV?" I just turn round to and say, "No, sorry, you can have it afterwards if we click, as I'm not supplying you, as someone I don't know, with all of my personal information."

Years ago during a recruitment drive when I used to give my CV to anyone and everyone, I ended up with loads of T-Mobile contracts taken out in my name. ANYONE can set up an agency.

And do you really find that works for you? I wouldn't imagine most people would find a whole lot of success being that arrogant! Particularly in the current climate where I'd imagine there are more candidates than there are jobs!

If I were the OP - I just wouldn't mention it unless it was really, really relevant!

If you absolutely have to put it on your CV, then you should definitely be honest, just put a positive spin on it, and explain why it didn't suit you, and that you felt it best to leave and find something more relevant before the company had invested any more time and money in inducting you into their company.

xx

SandC

I wouldn't mention it at all, erase it from my CV and use the previous employer as the last one.

angellotz

Another vote for leaving it out here

If you do really want to put it on, i think crap_with_money.com has hit the nail on the head re investing time and money.

Scousebird_2

Personally, I would put this week down as a work trial (which is time for both parties to decide if they have made the right decision) or work experience, in which case-dependent on your age doesn't have to be on your CV.

Leave it out as it's only a week and focus on what you really want to do.

flutterbyuk25

I'd leave it out too.

When I finished uni I was working full time in a clothes shop whilst looking for a "proper" job. Applied for loads of jobs, had interview for 2 in a week. I was offered Job A and handed notice into clothes shop to start Job A in 2 weeks.

The day I started at Job A I got a letter saying I had got Job B as well but start day was 4 weeks away. As Job B was much much better, I worked Job A for the 4 weeks, left and started Job B.

I have never included Job A on my CV or in job applications.

x

briona

To the OP, I'd advise ignoring EVERYTHING ts_aly2000 suggests! OMG! Talk about getting off on the wrong foot, and the bit I've quoted below just smacks of having a really vile, snobby attitude! Personally I'd chuck that application stright in the bin! :eek:

ts_aly2000 wrote: »

For a supermarket that I worked at through college and university for 8-years I always put, "Reason For Leaving : Reward for completing my degree, would YOU want to work there for your whole life?"

My only concern with not even mentioning the week's work is that your P45 will tell a different story, as they will be the named employer on it. Perhaps as someone suggested you can indicate that it was a work-trial or a week's temping or freelancing... I have a three week job on my CV which I've put down as a freelance postion.