Dear Sam: I recently chose to leave my job because I no longer saw a fit with my skills. I was hired 18 months ago, and there have been several layoffs since then. As a result of those layoffs, I have been asked to assume more and more responsibilities. I don’t mind adding functions to my plate, but what I have been asked to do doesn’t, in any way, resemble what I was hired to do. I was to the point that the job I performed had very little to do with my desired career path and the skills I hoped to develop. In addition, due to all of those layoffs, our corporate culture has taken a dramatic hit, and the workplace isn’t a positive environment. Due to these reasons, I decided to resign, and I am now engaged in a full-time job search.
I am concerned, however, that I have only been in that position for 18 months, and potential employers might see me as a flight risk. How do I communicate the situation without being seen as negative toward my past employer? Should I include the reason for my departure on my resume? – Confused & Concerned
Dear Confused & Concerned: I am so sorry you were in the situation; unfortunately, it is not uncommon. You can succinctly explain some of what you told me to a potential employer. While I would not include the reason for your departure on your resume, I would absolutely include it toward the end of your cover letter. You do not have to go into a terrific amount of detail in writing — save a little more of the explanation for an interview — but you can simply say that due to several recent reductions in force and extensive dilution and change of your role, you decided to pursue an opportunity that better aligned with your strengths, experience, education and career development goals. As this is not uncommon, someone in your hiring audience will likely have gone through a very similar situation or, at the very least, understand exactly what you are explaining.
You can provide more detail during an interview without disparaging…
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