I need job interview advice about the situation I am in and how I should explain this to the interviewer...?

Question

Hi,

Last year I quit University before I completed the first year of the degree I chose. The main reason for this was because I realised that the career I had chosen was not right for me and I would prefer going into the field of work.

Soon after leaving University, I managed to get a part time job that paid minimum wage (even though I wanted a full time job) but the boss there tried to exploit me by increasing my duties drastically but not paying me more. He wanted me to do full time work but on paper, he would still write part time just so that legally, i wont be eligible for sick-pay when i'm ill. I could not stay there any longer so within 2 months, I had to quit.

How can I get the employer to understand that I was forced to leave without me sounding like a quitter who can't work when it gets a little tough?

Answer 1

I wouldn't put a 2-month part-time job on a resume (CV) unless it's the only one I ever had.  Is that the case here?

Your fear is right, so far from the information you've provided, you do sound like a quitter.  The best way to avoid that perception is to think of real-life examples where you did not give up.  Did you stay in a calculus class throughout the school year, even though it became increasingly difficult and students dropped out right and left?  If so, focus on telling the interviewer how you stayed in and why.

Did you once save up your earnings from part-time jobs to make a major purchase, such as a car or a trip of a lifetime?  If so, tell that story.

If you cannot come up with a "winner" story, due to lack of work experience, that is understandable but not ideal for a young adult.  

Explain that you are finding your path in life, and how you believe that the employer's industry is what you want to have a nice, long career doing.  You simply need help getting started.  Express your strong desire to work there, your good work ethic, your ability to learn quickly, and your desire to learn and make this industry your specialty.

I hope this helps, best of luck to you!

Answer 2

what i did was list it on my resume and explain that the fit wasn't quite right and that you left because you didn't want to waste their time when they can get someone in there that would be happier.  make it out that you were looking out for that company.

Answer 3

What reason did you give them on the app form? Tell them the truth, theres only gonna be a problem if they would like to be able to do the same thing. but in saying that most employment contracts would say they are entitled to change duties. If they are the same kind of company as your previous then dont bother yourself. Remember they are employing you for your qualities, because you are unique. If they don't fit 'your' bill, don't take the job. Unless they double the wage!  

Answer 4

Ok, you were at uni but felt you were not on the right course for you, and you wanted to get into work straight away - your first job was only part time, so you feel that you ought to move on to a full time career.

Answer 5

explain that you realised unfortunatley that your employer was not adhereing to the legalities of employment law.  If they ask you to elaborate just explian without rambling on and just sticking to the facts

Answer 6

Bait and Switch the oldest trick in HR!

    Once the fish has taken the bait, additional responsibilities are given, your job description has changed, hired to do this but ended up being asked to do something else!

     Just don't put it on the Resume, just start on a clean slate.

Join a skill oriented college with good coop programs. Its alright, University is not for everyone, but this should not mean that you stop acquiring skills.  

Answer 7

Explain exactly your situation regarding quitting University.

Then say you were keen to work so took a part time job.  Explain that you had to quit because of because the boss was making the situation untenable because of irregular employment practices.  Do not go into further explanations because this might rebound on you.  Your old employer could claim you were slandering him.

Tell any prospective employer that you are trying to be as tactful as possible, that you do not want to cause problems and that all you want to do is work, earn money and better yourself.  

If you can get away without giving details of your previous employment, so much the better.

Best of luck.