THis scenario is not necissarily true…(or might be)
Lets say I were looking for a new job and the prospective employer asks the inevitable “why do you want to leave your current position?”
The real answer might be “because I believe the management is misusing government money and requiring me to ok it; which I think is at least unethical and possibly illegal.”
Should one actually say such a thing in an interview? I would think that prospective employers would suspect the prospective employee is not a “team player” or there is trouble brewing that they would rather avoid.
Or should one just wimp out and give some lame reason like “I’m looking for a better opportunity for advancement.”
Basically should I be completely truthful or fib a little to improve my chances of employment?
Like I said; this is a hypothetical question (for now), please don’t call the govt…:rolleyes:
I never ask that question in interviews, it seems pretty stupid to me, but an answer like, “My present employer is engaged in activities that I consider unethical and I will not be party to them,” would at the least provoke my interest.
IMHO: You wimp out and say something positive. Preumably any whistle-blowing you’ll do is unrelated to the new job. Harping on your previous job or employer never comes off very well.
Never lie, but I think you’d be introducing too much drama (and a negative impression) to go into all the details. Find a more broad way to express your reasons for leaving. Something along the lines of, “I didn’t feel that the direction the company was moving in was the direction I wanted to take.” or, “I’d like to find a position that is a good match for my skills, as well as my goals, and I don’t think my current job is it.”
If you go into too much detail with someone you have presumably only known for a short while, they are going to wonder what kinds of things you might say about their business to complete strangers, true or not. When you get the job, then you can talk to your manager to tell them how much you appreciate the ethics of their company, and go into some detail about why you left. That will show them you’ve got the right attitude towards ethical responsibility, and that you’re willing to take action based on what you think is right.
I wouldn’t say one damn word about the actions of my current employer being possibly unethical or illegal, either in the interview or afterward. You’re opening yourself up to a defamation suit in addition to all the other drama. If you think your employer is breaking the law, report it to the appropriate police or government agency. Don’t spread it to other people.
Wow. I’ve never left a company without having my next job offered to me, so I’ve only had to answer the “why did you get canned from your last job” question.
How about: “I’ve been there for a while and feel that I have gone as far with that company as I’m likely to be able to. I’m looking for a new opportunity and a chance to broaden my skills and knowledge.”
Don’t say anything you don’t want to show up on your next job interview.
Had an employer who was engaged in very dodgy practices, basically (but not restricted to) defrauding Customs and Excise. After leaving (and reporting him) I did say at my next interview that I’d left because he was encouraging me to engage in illegal activities. No more was ever said, but I assume that my stance was appreciated.
You should be completely truthful-by giving a litany of why you want to work for them, rather than be completely truthful by giving a litany of crimes that your current company is committing.
If you do decide to rat out the old company, ask the new company what their policy is on whistleblowers!