Application Questions: Age/Stability/Reason for Leaving

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi, all,

I need some opinions. I guess I'm trying to write the perfect application, but it's really important to me and I don't want to get myself eliminated before I even get an interview (I tend to do well when I interview, so I'm less concerned about that).

1. My last two jobs were PRN and ended due to lack of work; one lasted almost 2 years, the other In other words: Would you include this 7-year secretarial job? (This position is with a previous employer, so HR knows my age, but I don't think they can disclose it to hiring managers in advance.)

2. My last job was basically "not a good fit". However, this has a clear negative connotation. I just don't know what else to put for "reason for leaving". Is "will explain in interview" a good choice, or does it sound just as bad as "not a good fit"? Any other suggestions?

Thanks so much your input and advice!

DeLana

"Will explain in interview" is better than "not a good fit", but still carries a negative connotation. However, if that is the only way to get your message across, you should consider it. I do firmly believe, though, that by putting qualifiers on your application, you are running a risk of getting your application canned without any outside help. I suspect this might have happened to me at one time. I would suggest putting down the most benign information possible and then take it from there.

As far as #2 goes, you said that you left both jobs b/c of lack of work. That, in and of itself, should be a perfectly acceptable reason for leaving. I wouldn't agonize too much about that.

Personally, I would include the 7-year job. I like that stability aspect - this coming from someone a little younger who has not worked anywhere more than 3 years... ;-) If you are really hesitant about listing it, don't. It might be a moot point, though, if the application asks for the past five employers, or something like that. You may have to include it anyway. I guess, ultimately, I would just suggest that you not sweat it. Follow up your applications with a note, phone call, or visit thanking them for their time and consideration, so that those making the decision have a positive and professional impression of you. Good luck!!

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Whats wrong with leaving to "explore another opportunity"? and then explain it as positively as you can in the interview.

"not a good fit" sounds bad..and you make the employee think twice about hiring you because they might think that you don't know what you want.

"Will explain in interview" is better than "not a good fit", but still carries a negative connotation. However, if that is the only way to get your message across, you should consider it. I do firmly believe, though, that by putting qualifiers on your application, you are running a risk of getting your application canned without any outside help. I suspect this might have happened to me at one time. I would suggest putting down the most benign information possible and then take it from there.

The problem is, it was a really weird situation. I was told, totally unexpected, that they would not offer me any more PRN shifts and that I was basically not what they were looking for (however, another nurse had unexpectedly returned from another unit she had recently transferred to; I'm sure this had a lot to do with it). I was not terminated, however, nor do I have any write-ups. Still, I can't really say that I chose to leave (although I sure don't miss that he||hole where teamwork is considered to be an "inconvenience to other nurses" - according to the charge nurse! The unit has a real bad rep in the hospital, which I'm sure other managers are well awere of). I don't know what HR were told, and I can't ask my former manager 'cause she is no longer there (also totally unexpected). The applications go through HR, so I have to be very careful as to what I put for a reason of leaving. If I were to apply elsewhere, I would use more positive terminology.

I hate this, but we have few hospitals here and this one is the one with the most openings; I feel that honesty (i.e., "Will explain...") would be best. Another option would be to leave the "reason for leaving" section blank, but I guess that wouldn be even worse (either I'm careless and overlooked it, or I'm trying to hide something). But when you were basically laid off, but not officially, just what can you put?!

I'm trying to be as neutral as possible, while avoiding negativity and dishonesty. For "expected salary", I'm putting "negotiable"; I hope that "Will explain..." will then sound similar. My thoughts were also that a "reason for leaving" like "Seeking better opportunity" can also have a negative connotation, especially after

Thanks for all the replies!

DeLana

+ Add a Comment