How do I quit a job I just started?
August 13, 2011 7:32 AM Subscribe
How can I make time to interview for new jobs after just taking a job that I don't like? And, how do I explain to new companies why my availability to interview is so limited?
I recently took a new job and after a few days, I am positive I do not want to be there. I am looking to move on ASAP. Unfortunately, I'm not in a financial position to simply quit right now so I need to find a new job first. But, of course, I don't want to list this job on my resume so how will I explain to new companies why it is so difficult to schedule an interview with me? Do I tell them the truth that I just took a job and don't like it?
I recently took a new job and after a few days, I am positive I do not want to be there. I am looking to move on ASAP. Unfortunately, I'm not in a financial position to simply quit right now so I need to find a new job first. But, of course, I don't want to list this job on my resume so how will I explain to new companies why it is so difficult to schedule an interview with me? Do I tell them the truth that I just took a job and don't like it?
I was under the impression that working anywhere less than six months doesn't really count on a resume. Is it possible to tell them that you have a temporary job? It's ethically wrong, but that might stave off questions from potential employers.
As a side note, I know that you said that you're positive you don't want to work at the current job, but why? And is it really that terrible that you already have a concrete opinion? Is it the work itself? Crazy racist/sexist/homophobic/whatever co-workers? Zero chance of intra-office transfer or advancement?
posted by zombieflanders at 7:57 AM on August 13, 2011
As a side note, I know that you said that you're positive you don't want to work at the current job, but why? And is it really that terrible that you already have a concrete opinion? Is it the work itself? Crazy racist/sexist/homophobic/whatever co-workers? Zero chance of intra-office transfer or advancement?
posted by zombieflanders at 7:57 AM on August 13, 2011
Response by poster: I was considering the temporary job excuse, but I think at most temporary jobs it's expected that you can get away to interview. Also, I'd have to possibly verify that employment and my position is obviously not a temporary one so I don't want to get caught up in that web of lies.
As for why I want out, the main reason is that it's a low level, grunt position with little to no opportunity to get exposed to anything interesting because few people even do anything I'd be interested in. I have a graduate degree in a marketable field and this position is just not suitable to someone with those credentials. I took the position because it is in the industry I want to be in and the title along with some of the description sounded like a good opportunity. I don't think the title is accurate in the least.
posted by daveindc at 8:05 AM on August 13, 2011
As for why I want out, the main reason is that it's a low level, grunt position with little to no opportunity to get exposed to anything interesting because few people even do anything I'd be interested in. I have a graduate degree in a marketable field and this position is just not suitable to someone with those credentials. I took the position because it is in the industry I want to be in and the title along with some of the description sounded like a good opportunity. I don't think the title is accurate in the least.
posted by daveindc at 8:05 AM on August 13, 2011
I interview a lot of people, and we regularly have to accommodate their work schedules (early mornings, late afternoons, at lunch, etc). I wouldn't worry too much about that.
posted by blue_beetle at 8:22 AM on August 13, 2011
posted by blue_beetle at 8:22 AM on August 13, 2011
It's unlikely you'll have to explain your availability or lack thereof.
posted by aloysius on the mixing boards at 9:50 AM on August 13, 2011
posted by aloysius on the mixing boards at 9:50 AM on August 13, 2011
I interview people all day long and I'm always happy to hear that they are devoted enough to their current job that their availability is limited. Ask for lunch hour or end of day interviews.
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:53 AM on August 13, 2011
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:53 AM on August 13, 2011
Seconding aloysius. Unless it gets to a point where you are literally unable to find a time, the company is unlikely to ask or care, and within reasonable bounds, it would be inappropriate for them to do so.
posted by threeants at 10:31 AM on August 13, 2011
posted by threeants at 10:31 AM on August 13, 2011
If I were your interviewer, I wouldn't be at all alarmed by the constraints on your availability.
What might throw up a yellow flag, however, is how you managed to interview so poorly that you couldn't dig a little deeper and find what was behind a title and job description that sounded like it might be a good opportunity.
Depending on the role I was interviewing you for, I might question your ability to gather information and make informed judgments.
posted by John Borrowman at 11:19 AM on August 15, 2011
What might throw up a yellow flag, however, is how you managed to interview so poorly that you couldn't dig a little deeper and find what was behind a title and job description that sounded like it might be a good opportunity.
Depending on the role I was interviewing you for, I might question your ability to gather information and make informed judgments.
posted by John Borrowman at 11:19 AM on August 15, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
You can ask to interview before or after hours and many companies will understand and accommodate this.
posted by tel3path at 7:48 AM on August 13, 2011 [1 favorite]