How to explain leaving a job after only 2 months

awal85

Have a couple of questions.. I'm scared to even ask because my username isn't exactly discreet but I don't know how to change it!

I started working for a new company 2 months ago. I am usually very easy going and successful wherever I work. However, my boss is verbally abusive, overly critical, overly demanding (if I leave on time I am told I am a lazy b*tch), swears at everyone (everyone is a pr*ck, b*ll*nd and worse), is openly misgonistic and racist to a huge degree, has thrown work outside onto the carpark that hasn't been up to his standards, has made people cry, and generally very unpleasant to be around. I kid you not, this is a real life boss! Unbelievable.

I have a job interview in a couple of days as I just can't handle it. How do I explain this to my interviewer that I am looking for a new job so soon? I know you should never talk badly of your current employer but I don't see another way of explaining why. I want them to know I genuinely want a job I can stay in for a long time and don't make a habit of looking so soon. Do you think being tactfully honest would be the best policy?

Also, whilst we're at it, does anyone know how you change your username?? If anyone saw this I wouldn't need to worry about my boss anymore as I'd be sacked!

jobbingmusician

This is a repost of a previous post to protect a user's identity.

The original post attracted some answers, which I have posted below to let people know what has been said, and to provide an audit trail for the forum team if they ever needed it. Thanks to all who responded to the original post.

stevemLS said

What sort of work is it? Is it the same type of work as you have an interview for?

I'm thinking of how you can try and make it a positive- have always wanted to work as xxxxxx and was really interested when I saw this vacancy?

That way you don't have to mention why you are presently unhappy at work.

The OP replied

Yes it is the exact same job title, but for a much bigger company. And truthfully I have applied for them before so it would be tellinbg the truth if I said I really wanted to come to work for them. I just worry they will have reservations as they will see on my CV I only started in my current position mid October, and may think I am unreliable and always looking for a better opportunity (I'm not - they came to me direct to see if I was interested, I wasn't actively seeking a new role even though I am very unhappy here).

Angry Bear said

I suspect opinion will be divided on this one, personally I would be honest but factual and calm. You could hedge around it or try to hint at the problem without bad-mouthing your current boss, but I suspect that is more likely to sound a bit like you're hiding something (like maybe you're the problem).

I'd tend to go for something like, "My current boss is unprofessional and rude to many of his/her staff and it is a very unpleasant environment to work in. I really don't want to speak badly of my current boss, but I also don't want you to think I've taken this decision lightly. "

Be prepared with a couple of specific examples in case they ask, but don't offer them. It would be better (in my opinion) if the examples didn't necessarily directly focus on you - again to make it clear that this isn't just an issue with you. e.g. "One day last month he threw another colleagues work onto the car park as he claimed it wasn't up to standard".

Re username change: unfortunately you can't. You could PM one of the forum team and they can change it for you.

adonis

Delete your post and re-register with a less obvious username is easiest.

jobbingmusician

Just to clarify - that's what the OP has now done

awal85

Thanks jobbingmusician!!

[Deleted User]

You say you made a mistake, tried and tested

Latest interview didn't even ask

I'd started to offer myself on trials before any offer which has been well received must say

Personally wouldn't mention work place problems, while I am 'fortunate' my job role gave me money worries over awful boss you bet I am going to need to practise saying that so it's easy I favour it's my mistake

It won't be as bad as you fear x

Snakey

I left a place after seven months once, having moved cities to take the job. Nobody's ever batted an eyelid, then or since. Interviewers do ask, but I just say I made a mistake - I got there and realised I didn't like it, I gave it a few months to get used to it and be sure, and then looked around and found somewhere I liked better. I've never been encouraged, much less expected, to start slagging them off or listing specific issues.

It does help if the new place has a significant difference from the old one (e.g. big company, small company) and then you can say you've learned that you prefer [smaller/larger] organisations or whatever it may be which gives off a nice positive "all's well that ends well" vibe.

It's a bit like relationships, really, if you have one dodgy ex everyone understands that these things happen, it's only when every single one of them turns out to be evil incarnate that people start to wonder.

Poppops

I think I would say that the new job sounds exactly what I've been looking for

awal85

Thanks everyone. Maybe I'm thinking looking after 2 months will be a bigger issue to a potential employer than it actually is.

jenniferjohn

i think you have tell to your boss what happen with you and also to interviewer. if they understand your situation you go easy way.

bugslet

I took someone on that had been in their previous job for 8 weeks. It wasn't working out for him, sometimes it doesn't; just explain it.