How to Explain Leaving a Job Due to a Rude Boss in Your Next Interview?

Dear Sir,

If a person leaves their recent job due to misbehavior or rude behavior from their boss, what should they state as the reason for leaving during a new interview?

Please answer.

Regards

Well, normally, you need to tell people what they want to hear. For example, in an interview, HR people still ask the same questions used since two decades ago and are happy hearing the same standard replies, even if there isn't an iota of truth, as HR interview Q&As are easily available.

So, coming back to your question, the answer would be, "Since I was looking at growth opportunities where I could handle greater responsibilities somewhere down the line, I felt like I needed to explore new opportunities which would enrich me with new challenges and experiences. Nevertheless, I am looking for something that would help me progress in my career and be in sync with my profile at the same time."

The normal words people like to hear are "growth," "medical issue," "sickness & bed rest," "self-sabbatical," and "taking time out for sorting personal/family issues."

If you want to speak the truth (or maybe in a lighter vein), it would be as follows: "I had this Hitler kind of Indian HARI SADU type of a boss who never thinks beyond himself and believes he is the king, while I see myself as a poor peasant asking him for alms. So, one day, I decided to get rid of the daily begging for mercy and planted the seed of self-respect in me to grow. Since I could not kick him, the only option I had was to kick the job with him. Now, I want a better boss, one who has worked his way up and is a guide to me, someone who sees himself as an employee too. If you have such people, then be assured I would work for your company for sure."

Being an HR myself, I know one thing: make candidates undergo any tests (even a lie-detector polygraph). There is no hard and fast rule to select them, retain them, or remove them. Instead, have an informal relaxed discussion acknowledging that it's the need which meets the deed, and you can judge candidates better!

Regards

Dear,

It is always good to tell the truth, if you are not at fault and still harassed by your boss. Say frankly in the interview, no need to worry about your qualifications, experience, and attitude. If we are clear and right, we need not have to hide.

I just did the same thing. My boss was behaving like Hari Sadu, I was looking for an opportunity and got one. Clearly in the interview itself, I have told the reason for leaving my previous job. So always try to tell the truth; it will hurt initially but would be good in the long run.

Regards,
Sidman

According to me, "I am not currently seeking a change, but if I come across a better option that enhances my profile and financial situation, I would consider it. Yes, I am content with my present company, but for future prospects, I am open to opportunities."

Never disclose that you are facing problems or threats in your current company.

In reality, you have to tell the truth, frankly. However, as mentioned by our fellow members above, even though people appreciate honesty, they may struggle to accept it if it is negative. Frankness or truthfulness is well-received only when it is positive or good. Therefore, when preparing for interviews, you should be equipped with engaging content that is pleasant, like good music to the ears, and leaves a positive impression on the hearts and minds of the audience. I hope you understand the concept.

All the best,

CRK

Dear Nabanita,

An interview is your opportunity to highlight your strengths and offerings to a company for a future role. Hence, please concentrate on the same. Under any circumstances, please avoid badmouthing an ex-employer or an ex-boss. This gives a very wrong impression and shows low professionalism. Even if you are tricked into discussing any scam, please give the best reply without falling for it.

It's not about sugar-coated answers, but how you can focus on your strengths. The best way is to prepare yourself as per the role you are applying for. Suppose you are currently in a recruitment-based role, and you have applied for a generalist or a Payroll role. Share how this role can add to the learnings you are looking forward to and how your past experience has built you to perform in this future role. The current role will not allow you to move into this area; hence, it makes sense for you to take up a new job.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
(Cite Contribution)

Never ever talk about ex-bosses or managers. In the business community, you do not know who knows who, and words can come back to bite you in the future.

Even if you were treated badly, let it go. Do not damage your future career prospects by referring to it.

Focus solely on your strengths and future goals. As others have pointed out, if pressed for reasons for leaving your previous job, it is sufficient to state that you had achieved all you could in that position and that it was time to move to a new company offering greater challenges and a place where you could build on your skills and move up.

Hope that helps.

Hey, hold on... This is getting very complicated. Stick to the basics. Face the interview with a positive approach, leaving all that behind with Hari Sadu. In the interview, you're going to tell/assure them about the growth of the company, which is why they are hiring you.

Do you want to get rid of the issues with Hari Sadu as soon as possible, don't you? Then why are you airing it in front of strangers, forcing them to deal with it? Trust me, once you bring it up, you'll have to live with this old problem forever in this new firm as well. Guess what? Your new employer won't be paying you for long due to obvious reasons.

Cheers,
Velu NS

I believe talking truth at the exit interview is not right at all, as it may sound right or wrong or even offensive. However, it is an evergreen truth that in a country like ours where there is no justice or care for basic human rights, it is due to our lack of SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. But I also did not speak out the truth because of my own experience that HR is just a slave display of the management or the sales heads, nothing else. HR in India is not an independent display at all.

Hence, please understand: "Fix the problem, not the blame. A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit." - Arnold H. Glasgow

The Importance of Honesty in Interviews

The best option is to be honest. However, ensure you have good reasons to justify any misbehavior or rudeness towards your previous boss. Don't lie. Honesty is one thing most employers appreciate in candidates.

Regards