Phone interview - what to say about why I left my previous job

shoozy76 · Nov 5, 2015

I wish I had wise feedback for you, but this is a tough question. I feel like you handled it well by saying that you'd like to discuss it in person. If someone is that pushy, it would be difficult to find the right answer. Frankly, I'd rather work for someone who respects my statement of "I'd rather discuss this in person" rather than someone who pushes me for an answer.

Twoyearnurse · Nov 5, 2015

I usually just say "I was no longer a right fit for the job and am seeking new opportunities"

all truth :)

allnurses Guide · Nov 5, 2015

When it comes to gaps in my resume I usually stick to the "It just wasn't a good fit" and leave it at that. When I was going back to work after the diversion program I had already been working for 5 years under monitoring - the job that fired me for diverting get's this explanation (though no one asks anymore) I had a lot of personal problems at the time and left to work on them.

Recovering_RN · Nov 9, 2015

Well I am amazed but the recruiter did actually call me back! After 2 days of not hearing from him I decided to call him, even though I was sure he'd already decided I wasn't a candidate for the job. I called him 3 times throughout the day but got his VM and didn't want to leave a message. I really thought he was screening his calls and wasn't picking up because he saw my number on caller ID and didn't want to deal with the awkward situation. On my 4th try he actually answered and claimed he'd gotten busy and hadn't realized that the hiring manager hadn't gotten back to him with interview dates. He said he'd call that manager and call me right back. Again, I didn't hear from him that day, (again I thought he was just avoiding dealing with the awkwardness of it) but I did get a call the next day to set up an interview!

i was positive that they weren't interested because of that question about why I left my last job.

So now my interview is Tuesday morning. Here's what I am planning to say, let me know what you think:

"Why did you leave your last job after 10 years?"

"They let me go because I failed a drug test. I tested positive for something I didn't have a prescription for. I made some poor decisions that I regret. I enrolled in tpapn, went to 2 months of counseling, I'm in a 12 step program, I quit drinking, and now I'm ready to get back to work"

What do you think? Do you think they'll ask me specifically what I did or if I diverted?

chare · Nov 9, 2015

When you tell the interviewer that you were terminated after a positive drug screen, i would be very surprised if he or she did not ask for further details. You have one chance to sell yourself during the interview. In my opinion, the only way to do this is by being completely honest in describing the circumstances surrounding your dismissal.

Wishing you the best of luck in your interview tomorrow.

Recovering_RN · Nov 10, 2015

Well the interview was rescheduled for Thursday. So two more days of stressing. But two more days of preparing myself, right?

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2015

The one thing that sticks out is that you say you had a positive drug screen and then say you you quit drinking. I would be wondering if you had two related problems, one with ETOH and one with prescription meds and I assuming it is a con tolled substance of some kind...is there anyway to clarify/minimize that? Can you first state your successes because tend to remember things they hear first

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2015

Ok what I was trying to say was to sandwich the negative between two positives. I have become a stronger and much better caregiver (nurse) because of some poor choices I have made recently ,then the choices, what corrective action you took and are taking. Then another positive, such as why you are a better nurse!

1sttime · Nov 11, 2015

Why not say I had to take time off for illness- leave it at that.

CSnyder823 · Nov 12, 2015

Formerly, I worked as an HR Recruiter in an unrelated field. I would suggest....

1) Keep it LIGHT. Happy people that are likable get hired.

2) keep it basic,.. Speak in generalities... what a great opportunity it was, how much yo appreciated them... blah blah.

When it comes to THE QUESTION.... I am not saying to *lie* but I am saying to remember this is your ONE SHOT to sell yourself against all the other people they could interview. SO, Be Cool, like the Fonz! Just say that while you were so grateful for the opportunity, you felt that it was important that you experience other opportunities... you could imply that you needed a new venue to feel new challenges, you wanted a change from the coproprate structures you came from, and needed the opportunity to embrace new concepts, new roles, new management styles...

Honestly, I once told a job the reason I left was that I saw things changing in a direction that did not work for me and as opposed to fighting and complaining, I quietly collected myself and left while the relationship was still friendly. What that manager undertstood was- this lady won't cause me problems.

Give them reasons to love you!! You can do it.

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2015

Maybe this is a stupid question but don't you have stips on your license? A good first impression only goes so far if you essentially can't do half of your job (you mentioned a hospital system so I am assuming you are aiming for acute care) for a period of time. It all has to come out eventually...