Explain Why I Left

Dear Career Tips:  Explaining Why I Left

From Career Tips, 2020 Volume 6, June 2020

 

Every coach says to not say bad things about your last employer. But here I am wondering how to handle this.

 

I was at my company for 12 years, supported three C-level managers individually, at various times. I was even given the opportunity to support the former CEO as he was transitioning. They then spiraled downward and I took a position as executive assistant to the CEO and owner of a small software company.

 

The position continually expanded to include supporting the sales department, then the training department, then the event planning department, plus taking on the bi-weekly financial reporting, and running last minute personal errands. I was working 55+ hours (no paid overtime for anyone, including me) every week. The CEO/owner then came to me and told me he wanted me to start cleaning the corporate apartments on weekends. I was already in the office every Sunday afternoon to catch up on the financials.

 

I felt I needed to draw the line and told him I was sorry, I'd be delighted to call the apartment complex management office and have a cleaning crew go over right away and arrange for regular cleanings but I had my own personal responsibilities that I needed to take care of. He didn't want to pay for apartment cleaning. When I offered an alternative, which would cost him money, he fired me. I don't know at what point the "additional duties" would have stopped if I didn't start saying no.

 

How do I explain that in an interview for another company without bad mouthing the CEO?

 

Dear BadMouth:

 

If someone calls the company in a reference check, do you know what they will say about why you left? (For that matter, how long ago was this and did you ever talk to an employment attorney. Not to sue them, but to get an agreement that they will give you a good reference.)

 

Is there anyone else you worked for (eg, head of sales, head of training) who will serve as a strong positive reference?

 

One approach could be along these lines:

 

"After x years of very strong reviews, I was asked to do something that I considered inappropriate, and when I refused, was let go."

 

Then when pressed to explain, one possibility would be:

 

"I don't feel comfortable complaining about prior employers. Let me just say that up until that point I had received outstanding reviews, and I believe I can do similar quality work for your company. Can I ask what you would look for me to accomplish in the first 6 months on the job?"

 

And if you do have a strong reference (outside of the CEO), you can add something like

 

"I invite you to talk to xxx, whose department I supported for several months."

 

For further discussion of what to do after a termination, read these:

Dealing With An Unfair Termination

Explaining Why You Are Looking

 

Sign up for Career Tips and receive more articles like this every month!