How Should I Explain Leaving My HR Job Due to Unethical Practices? Seeking Advice!

Hi, I completed my MBA in Human Resource Management in 2009 and worked as an HR Executive in a software company since October 2009. Unfortunately, I did not learn much about HR activities practically in that role despite my theoretical knowledge. After facing many challenges, I managed to secure a job in a manufacturing company in May 2011. This company had 300 employees, and I was appointed as the Head of the HR department. In this role, I was exposed to various HR activities such as statutory compliance, payroll administration, employee engagement, grievance handling, ISO, and more.

Right from the start, I noticed a lack of professional ethics within the company. Despite my love for the job, I endured pressures and harassment. However, when I felt that the situation had crossed a line, I made the difficult decision to resign from the position in June 2011. I am currently seeking a new job opportunity.

Friends, I would appreciate your advice in this situation. If I am asked about why I left my previous job before securing a new one, should I tell the truth or should I conceal the reasons and say something else?

Thank you for your help.

I'm unable to understand why you left your job at the manufacturing company. Was it solely due to work pressure? What type of harassment were you facing there? Please explain it first.

Whatever the reason, you should only leave a job after securing another opportunity. Work pressure is commonplace for all profiles nowadays, whether in HR or any other field. Regarding harassment, I first need to understand the type of harassment you experienced there before I can comment further.

Yes, I accept what you said. I even keep saying this to all my friends and relatives. So, I didn't leave just because of pressure. I left because I didn't want to lose my dignity. Actually, I am the youngest person holding a higher position in that company. From the beginning, everyone wanted to corner me. But with the help of one senior person, I could overcome all my struggles. My chairman does not have any professionalism. Anyone can go and meet him directly without the knowledge of HR. Likewise, a problem occurred between me and the driver. That person went directly to the chairman and said something. Upon hearing that person's words, the chairman questioned me by placing me in the center of the hall and used some bad words too. Everyone noticed that. After this, I quit my job. So, please tell me now what I should do.

Thank you.

Your boss insulted you with bad words in front of employees, which is not right in any way. However, as an HR person, you should understand the psychology of both the employer and the employee. As you mentioned, you did not learn much in your first company and may not have had enough experience for the position of HR head in your last company.

From a career point of view, you should have stayed with that manufacturing company for at least a year. You needed to be patient and work on bringing your boss into confidence to prevent such mistakes in the future. However, you chose to leave.

Forget the Past

Take this experience positively and be cautious about your career. Remember, no one in this world is perfect. You will become an expert one day; it depends on how you make it. You are an MBA graduate, and undoubtedly, you are qualified. While your qualifications matter as a fresher, practical exposure becomes more critical as you gain experience.

Identify your strengths and weaknesses in your past job descriptions. Make notes on them and take steps to learn more about those subjects. Enhance your knowledge by reading HR journals, citing practical HR threads, and seeking advice from seniors whenever you have doubts. Additionally, work on improving your HR image and prepare for questions and answers related to your past career.

Wishing you all the best.

Regards,
Parth