How to explain during job interview why you're leaving current position after only few months?

Question

I graduated from a univ with a degree in engineering and took a role as a sales engineer.

I flat out hate the job. I think my coworkers can sense it too. I dislike what I do on a day to day basis, and I dislike the people around me, the work culture, everything. I've worked enough jobs - mainly summer gigs at research or engineering companies to know what is and isn't decent.

While I'm looking to secretly get out and go into something more technical or IT related, how do I explain why I want to leave after only a few months? I know potential employers will raise an eyebrow and worry about the flight risk if and when they find out about this. Truth is - like everyone else - if I enjoy what I'm doing, I'll stick around for a long time to come. But that may not be convincing enough for them

Answer 1

Just be honest.  Explain that you took the job thinking it would be something that it wasn't.  Also make sure that you can articulate what exactly it is that you are looking for, and relate that back to the company that you are interviewing with now.

One mistake is not bad.  Not learning from it is.

Answer 2

I think that, as long as you aren't applying for another sales engineer position, you should just tell the truth - that you have realized this type of position is not for you - it's not technical enough, etc.  Tell them that you have attempted to adjust to the position but that you know yourself well enough to know it's not going to work out.  

I wouldn't mention hating the people around you though.  =)

Good luck.

Answer 3

This is easy. Tell them you're not a sales person!

Yeah, I'm an engineer and I can't do sales either!! LOL!! "Sales Engineer" is an oxymoron! The words contradict each other!

It's no surprise most engineers don't make good sales people. Engineers typically think in a straightforward, disciplined, methodical style. Most sales people are, <gulp!>, liars, manipulators, embelishers, ... Engineers and sales/marketing types don't easily mix.

IN the interview just tell the hiring manager you don't like the sales side of the position and are looking for something that's just engineering. Trust me, an engineering manager will understand! (LOL!)

I sure do!

-- Liam

Answer 4

About all you can say if they ask is something like 'It just isn't a good fit", that you are looking for something more technical. Don't go into detail about disliking the people around you and the culture.

Good luck.