I’m applying for a job with the state of NC, and in addition to submitting a resume, I have to fill out an application. One of the questions is “Reason for leaving your current job.” Well, not to sound bitter, but I’ve got lots of reasons–low pay, lack of benefits, chronic understaffing, etc. I’ve also just found out that my current employer has looming financial difficulties. But it’s a very small box on the application, plus I don’t want to come across as negative or whiny. Any ideas on what I should give as my reason for leaving?
Limited opportunities for development.
“Impending downsizing” would work, as would “seeking better career opportunities” or some other corporatespeak sort of thing that makes you look good.
Thanks, y’all. I hate writing in that Corporate non-language, so it’s very helpful to get suggestions. I’m leery of “impending downsizing,” though, because the organization’s financial concerns are not general knowledge. I currently work for a small non-profit where I’m one of two full-time employees. So it’s more like “impending implosion” than “downsizing.”
Stick with Limited Opprotunities for Development. This says that you want to develop and will take action to do so.
Seeking better career opprotunites has a little of a negative quality to it and can say that you are unsettled.
Actually stay away from anything corporatespeak. It is not impressive but desperate.
Geewhiz, I’m not convinced that “seeking better career opportunities” sounds negative. To me it indicates the applicant is seeking to improve their situation because they want career advancement, as opposed to “limited opportunities for development”, which suggests they would’ve stayed there a hundred years and a day were it not for some problem in the current employment.
In brief: the first one suggests someone who is proactive, the second one suggests someone who is reactive. I’d prefer someone who gave a proactive response.
And yes, corporatespeak sucks!
Cheers,
Max.