The Career Doctor™
by Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez
Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers?
Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist
specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of
your own, use our anonymous form, and she
might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here.
Contact information is here.
HOW DO I EXPLAIN TO INTERVIEWERS WHY I QUIT MY JOB?
Dear Career Doctor:
I went to a good college and took a job in a good company when I graduated.
The job turned out to be so boring that I just couldn't stand it. After
a year I quit and waitressed for a while to earn money to travel. I spent
a year in Australia traveling and waitressing to earn money. Now I am
back trying to get a good job. I am having no luck. If I get an interview
(rarely) they always ask, "Why did you quit and become a waitress?" I
don't seem to have an answer
that pleases them because I never get a second interview. What can I
do?
Elizabeth
Dear Elizabeth:
Always tell the most positive version of the truth in an interview.
I would say something like, "I quit because I didn't like the job.
I gave it a year, but it just wasn't right for me. I waitressed to
earn money to travel. I am a hard-worker and good with people, so
I always got good tips. I traveled for a year and really enjoyed it.
I am glad I did it while I was young, but I have sown my wild oats
and I am ready to settle down and get really serious about building
a career. So, I will guarantee to work really hard for you if you
hire me."
The Career Doctor
The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont
psychologist and career counselor, Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.
Her office is at 90 Beechtree Drive in Larchmont, 914-834-1982.
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