What should I tell a prospective employer when they ask me for the reason I left my previous job?

Question

I filed a harassment complaint with my previous employer via HR, following internal procedures, and they started to retaliate against me making my daily life miserable that I did not have any other option by quitting (Constructive Dismissal). I am actually reporting this issue to the EEOC (but this is another story). I have 3 interviews set up for the upcoming week and I have extensive experience in the my field. The issue is that people are not understanding sometimes. What should I tell them when they ask why did I leave?

I really do not want to mention the harassment issue since I have mentioned the issue very lightly in other interviews and they never called me back. I may look like a threat when in reality I am a real victim! Please help! I've been without a job for almost 5 months.

Answer 1

Just say something along the lines of it just wasn't working out.

Answer 2

You could always give them the generic, "I wanted more of an opportunity for growth but there was no pathway open to me there.  After a number of discussions with my supervisor and our HR department, we all agreed that my career interests would be better served in another company."

It's a tough situation.  Don't mention the sexual harassment at this stage.  Keep your explanation brief.  If they call back to HR where you used to work and read back to them the exact words you say, your HR group would have a hard time denying that 1- the company wasn't going to offer you any further opportunities and 2- even HR agreed that you should move on to another job.

Good luck.

Answer 3

THE TRUTH..!!!!!! You may be surprised at the  amount of perspective employers who appreciate a person with a moral backbone,its better than being caught in a lie..! Automatic disqualification by most "Good  and respectable  companys "  Your secret weapon is "EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE  " Good Luck.....

Answer 4

Don't mention the harrassment issue. It is a red flag to prospective employers. You are suing one employer. What is going to stop you from suing them sometime in the future?

Why did you leave? To seek better opportunities and to advance in my career.

Your former company cannot retaliate against you in your job search.

Legally, they can only reveal three things about you.

1. The day you started work.

2. Job title.

3. Your last day of employment.

Anything derogatory or anything that might prevent you from getting another job is illegal.