[Eilene]

I was at my last position for almost 6 years. We had at least four Regional Directors, when the last one was hired she brought a lot of conflict into the office.

Prior to her hiring, I received excellent reviews and notes from the owner of the company saying: :"We all know who runs South Mountain Region, thank you for your loyalty", etc. I also received complimentary emails from clients and collateral's.

Six months before my yearly review was due, I was called into the Regional Directors office, and the first things she said to me was: "Darlene (State Director) wants you fired,and she wanted to come down and do it herself but I saved you from that. I know your resignation is on your computer, and you don't really need the money."

She went on to tell me that my co-workers were afraid of me because they thought I was homicidal, I yell at people on the phone, when I would call for information I would demand it. She also said that if I stayed I had seven days to improve.

All of this was a shock to me, although it shouldn't have been. There was a previous mass exit of upper management, and others had been fired.

Unfortunately, I know exactly what precipitated this, I know exactly who told the tales out of school, and why. It all boils down to the person I advocated for to fill a position was jealous of my relationships with those in the company, and her need to be the center of attention.

What I don't know is how to answer the question: "Why did you leave your last position?" I have been unable to find a job for over two years. I have excellent skills, I don't jump from job to job.
I know this is lengthy, but I needed to tell all of it in order to get a reply that is appropriate.

Thanks for your help.

Eilene Fryer

[LisaOlsen]

Eilene,
Wow. You certainly have been through the ringer! Sounds to me that despite your current job status, separating yourself from this type of toxic environment may be for the best.

If you are asked that question in an interview, always be positive. Never badmouth your boss or previous company or blame others in the company for sabotaging you. It happened and they don't need to know all the details. Here are some ideas for responses:

* Being cut loose was a blessing in disguise. Now I have an opportunity to explore jobs that better suit my qualifications and interests.
* My competencies were not the right match for my previous employer's needs but it looks like they'd be a good fit in your organization.
* The job wasn't working out so my boss and I agreed that it was time for me to move on to a position that would show a better return for both of us. So here I am, ready to work.
* After thinking about why I left, I realize I should have done some things differently. That job was a learning experience and I think I'm wiser now. I'd like the chance to prove that to you.
* A new manager came in and restructured. That was his right but it cleared my head to envision better opportunities elsewhere.
* I wanted my career to move in a different direction, and I guess my mental separation set up the conditions that led to my departure. But by contrast, the opportunity we're discussing seems to be made for me and I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility.

Practice in advance what you'll say. Then keep it brief, keep it honest. That way, you'll get past the sticky issue of getting fired and can move on to your skills and why you're qualified for the job.

Hope that helps a bit. Best of luck in your career search.

[Hanford Annie]

Eilene:

I was fired from my last job, but given the opportunity to resign which I took. Lisa's comments on responses to use were excellent. I did this, but I still did not get any of the positions I interviewed for. I began to wonder what my previous employer was saying about me to inquiriess from potential employers. I finally broke down and hired an employment checking agency who check references for you. I learned what my previous employer said about me and fortunately it was what I had been answering when asked the "Why did you leave your last job" question. So I knew that it was other issues that were keeping me from getting hired and I looked more closely how I answered questions and practiced answering questions that I knew would be asked plus analyzing my body language to be sure I wasn't giving off anger cues.

You will find another job and hopefully, it will be better.

[Jodith]

I'd tell them that your boss had left and a new manager came in, and the fit just wasn't right. I usually, in every interview, talk about how important the boss/assistant relationship is, and even if you're the best admin in the world, if you aren't a good fit for each other personality wise, it just isn't going to be successful. Tell them this pairing wasn't successful and you decided to move on to find a position better suited for you and allow your new boss to find someone best suited to her.

[Eilene]

Thanks for your input Jodith, I have no doubt that your reply is going to be a big help when I need to answer this question on an interview.

[Eilene]

Hi Lisa

Thanks so much for your reply, I am sure that your suggestions will help me along when I am asked this question.

I never say anything bad about the company or this manager, but there were several of us who were treated in this manner. Unfortunately, it's our word against theirs.

Again, thanks for your time.