• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

What's the best way to describe quitting a job on a resume or interview?

A

Arkitech

Diamond Member
I just recently quit my PC repair job about 2 weeks ago due to the owner not paying me a complete check. It's happened at least once before along with some other unfavorable things, in the end I could'nt work for someone I could'nt trust to pay me what I had earned. So I'm really not sure how to handle this when it comes to writing my resume or how to answer questions about it in interviews, all of my previous jobs I left on good terms.

This sucks, I really need a job.
 
You could say exactly why you quit... That sounds pretty just to me. Owner doesn't pay you full amount, so you quit. In an interview that would work anyway.

Don't bother stating why in an resume.
 
Arkitech said:
I just recently quit my PC repair job about 2 weeks ago due to the owner not paying me a complete check. It's happened at least once before along with some other unfavorable things, in the end I could'nt work for someone I could'nt trust to pay me what I had earned. So I'm really not sure how to handle this when it comes to writing my resume or how to answer questions about it in interviews, all of my previous jobs I left on good terms.

This sucks, I really need a job.
Click to expand...

I would leave the details out of the resume. If brought up during an interview, you can be honest about the employer's shady practices as your reason for leaving.
 
I never put the reasons why I left a job on my resume.

Leave that for the interviewer to ask you about it. And, you can be honest. Just don't be negative when describing it.
 
Cool, that's good to know. I thought any unfavorable talk about a previous employer was a no-go in an interview.

I have some email correspondence that actually verifies what took place (to an extent anyway).
 
You don't put anything like that on your resume. When asked about it say "wanted to pursue other opportunities" or "I had hit a ceiling and wanted to advance my career".

And you're correct, you don't bad mouth former employers in an interview, makes you look bad.
 
Any suggestions on the fastest way to get back to work in IT again? I've tried a couple of IT recruiters maybe about 5-6 months ago but it did'nt pan out well. One of the recruiting companies had a pretty good reputation but the person I worked with seemed sketchy to say the least. During my interview with her she was scratching her arms and neck non-stop, she literally looked like she just came off a weekend binge of some kind of substance (wild hair, red eyes, chipped fingernail polish, etc..). Is it possible to request a new recruiter without negative repercussions?
 
spidey07 said:
You don't put anything like that on your resume. When asked about it say "wanted to pursue other opportunities" or "I had hit a ceiling and wanted to advance my career".

And you're correct, you don't bad mouth former employers in an interview, makes you look bad.
Click to expand...

What if they press for details?
 
Just thought of another question, I'm currently working for myself doing PC repairs. How should I write that up on a resume or should I leave it out?
 
I would try to avoid implying that you left with grievances against your previous employer. Even during the interview I would play it down as much as possible if I were asked. You don't want to come off as someone who creates drama in the workplace.
 
SlitheryDee said:
I would try to avoid implying that you left with grievances against your previous employer. Even during the interview I would play it down as much as possible if I were asked. You don't want to come off as someone who creates drama in the workplace.
Click to expand...

point taken
 
You could simply put down "resigned" in the resume, and if you get asked about it say something like, "my personal financial situation didn't permit continued employment".
 
Last edited:
xanis said:
You could simply put down "resigned" in the resume, and if you get asked about it say something like, "personal financial situation didn't permit continued employment".
Click to expand...

You don't even need to put "resigned"

Just put:

<Company Name>........<dates worked>
<Job title>
<bullet points of what you did>

As for what you should say if you get an interview and they ask about it, I would just be honest b/c your reasons for quitting are completely legit and should not be looked upon you in a negative manner.
 
Schfifty Five said:
Just put:

<Company Name>........<dates worked>
<Job title>
<bullet points of what you did>
Click to expand...

This is what my resume has always looked like. Nobody ever asks why I'm no longer at those jobs. They might ask if the dates are unusual like Jan-Feb then Feb-Mar so it looks like you're jumping around every month. If you're at Job A for 2 years then Job B for 3 years, it's probably fair to assume that you were not fired from Job A. People who get fired are often fired within a couple months.
 
When putting dates on a resume do you include the month and year or just the years?

For example on my resume I had a 10 year run with one company, so instead of months I just put the different years of when I went from one position to the next in that same company. On this last job I started in May 2010 and left in August 2011, but I didnt include those months on the resume. Should I have added that in? Or can I just explain when asked in an interview?
 
If asked in an interview just say that financial hardships at the company resulted in them not being able to pay your salary, so you resigned.
 
Arkitech said:
When putting dates on a resume do you include the month and year or just the years?

For example on my resume I had a 10 year run with one company, so instead of months I just put the different years of when I went from one position to the next in that same company. On this last job I started in May 2010 and left in August 2011, but I didnt include those months on the resume. Should I have added that in? Or can I just explain when asked in an interview?
Click to expand...

I would just the months regardless. Why risk any ambiguity that could be clarified with a few key strokes? You don't want to undercut yourself with how long you've worked and you don't want to try to inflate the time you worked either.
 
I usually go with:

I left that bitch ass place because my previous boss was a total asshat, then i hopped in my car and did a killa burnout in the parking lot, you should have seen the vtech kick in yo!


Seriously though the truth usually works best 🙂
 
I wouldn't bother with "resignation" details. If they ask, tell them the truth, but don't be so willing to divulge information, as to steer the interview into a negative light.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top