"Not a good fit" - or what?!

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

Hi, all,

what do you write on an online application (which won't let you leave anything blank) for "reason for leaving", when the job/unit was just not a good fit? I'd like to apply for another position at the same hospital, and the unit in question has a well-deserved bad reputation (so it should be no surprise to anyone), but I still wonder how this sounds, especially to a hiring manager.

Have any of you used "not a good fit", for something similar (what?), and how was it perceived? Any suggestions as to what I might use instead?

Thank you so much!

DeLana

[angela ellis]

interested in whatever the other specialized area is ex: moving from surg to l&d just say you are more interested in moving your career more toward this specialized area...thats what i would say..hope its helpful

[fungez]

I leave it blank, as I think they would frown on writing "job sucked" or "I want more money" or "I hated my boss" which would be my honest answers.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

if they require no blanks, then write something like "want to challenge myself with new experiences" or some such.

if you state "no fit" it may create preconceived bias or at the least they may ask uncomfortable questions. I would be as benign as possible on the documentation, but may discuss in interview. Not really a good idea to point fingers.

[Mulan]

"personal growth"

"professional growth"

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

Those types of questions on applications are so full of crap that I don't even know why they are on there. Some people do honestly change jobs for professional development reasons, but a lot of others change for more money, or because they don't like where they are now...and no one in their right mind would be honest on the application because of it. So, why do hiring people continue to put that on applications? They also know that a goodly portion of their applicants' answers are blowing sunshine.

I once tried to change departments in my former career because there was more money offered to me. When my boss asked my why I switched (company policy to inform current managers of an employee's app to a different dept.), and I said "It has more opportunities there." Within 24 hours, I was offered quite a bit more money to stay right where I was. I took the money.

Both I and they knew my verbalized answer was total ********.

[PedsAtHeart, LPN]

I would say something to the effect of "advancing career"

[caliotter3]

I use something like "professional growth". No negative connotation.

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

I use something like "professional growth". No negative connotation.

Yep I like that one. If you don't like that dig up all positive things about the unit to which you are applying -- then choose one. Essentially use a looking forward answer rather than looking back.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Whatever you decide, be prepared to discuss it in the interview. So, don't say something you are not prepared to elaborate on.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I leave it blank, as I think they would frown on writing "job sucked" or "I want more money" or "I hated my boss" which would be my honest answers.

Kudos because we've all SOOOOOOooo been there at least once... :smokin:

[SitcomNurse, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN]

in my worldy experience, i found that paper and face to face are different. on paper, i wanted expand my knowledge base. face to face, i told my don i was bored. i needed a greater challenge. i told her that i could do this job too easily, it wasnt challenging, and really needed to look elsewhere if she couldnt come up with something more exciting.

how about a 10% pay raise, and start up a new department?

official record, expand knowledge, face to face..bored! but, i knew my "interviewer".