After only a short period in a new job I realise I have made a bad career
move. I am becoming increasingly aware of poor practices in my organisation.
Would potential employers look unfavourably on a such a short-term period of
work, and how would I explain my reasons for wanting to leave at an interview
without being too negative about the organisation and breaking confidences?
Another facet to this, in such an organisation how does an HR manager maintain
her professional qualification while seemingly turning her back on such poor
practices?
Claire Coldwell, consultant, Chiumento
This is an unfortunate experience, but use it to really think about your
values and what type of company you will be happiest to work for in the future.
Before you make a hasty departure, you might try to raise your concerns
sensitively with your immediate manager and give some suggestions as to how you
would improve things. If this is one of a succession of short-term moves then
it may send out warning signals about your staying power; a single glitch is
unlikely to be viewed badly.
Having thought through what you’ve learnt from this, be straight with
potential employers that your experience did not match the picture you got at
your interview.
Talk about your achievements and skills you have learnt in your position.
The experience will provide better understanding of what you should be looking
out for with prospective employers. Next time use interviews to get as much
information as possible so you make the right next move.
Clive Sussams, recruitment consultant, Malpas
This is not a unique problem and many people have probably had one
unexpected and unfortunate job experience during the course of their career.
You must consider whether you feel you can influence the poor practices
which exist. Clearly your career prospects would be better if you had a solid
and consistent progression of jobs with reasonable service.
If you do not believe your present company or attitude of senior management
can change, you appear to have no option other than to look for another
position. It would look better on your CV if you stayed for approximately a
year as this would give a potential employer the impression you were committed
enough to see whether the situation would change and what efforts you made to
initiate change.
If you decide you have to leave now I would advise that you should behave as
positively as possible at interviews. Do not create negative feelings about
your current employer as this will be detrimental to you.
Warren Green, director, EJ Human Resources
If you have a fairly stable career background and this is the only position
you have been in for a short period, then there is less to worry about than if
you have a record of brief employment. I don’t think there is anything wrong
with telling prospective employers you felt uncomfortable with some of the
things you were asked to do. You should try and give examples of how you tried
to change these practices and attempted to introduce new ideas and methods.
