If you left your last job...
If you left your job because the circumstances weren’t the most desirable you aren’t alone, it happens!
Sometimes leaving a job suddenly due to a boss, co-workers, or overall work culture or even personal health reasons can leave you reeling. It can also feel especially stressful, but if you have a plan it doesn’t have to be. So here is how to be prepared as you search for a new job:
1- Update that resume I know, it’s not the most fun activity in the world but we ALL have to do it and it's necessary. Even if you’ve been at a job for a year you should continue to update that [resume] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/596c18f2-664b-5584-816e-ef1860520181?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity). Chances are you gained some new experiences and skills in your old position so be sure to add them in! Don’t discount the little things, but also highlight any major accomplishments such as awards, special projects, etc.
2- Ask the BEST people Be choosy when asking people to be your reference. The goal is to have someone who can speak VERY highly of you and what you did at your job. If they managed you even better, but if you didn’t get along with your manager consider asking a co-worker who you interacted with on a daily basis. Always contact them first and let them know that you have chosen them to be a reference and be sure to say thank you! Also, provide them with a copy of your resume.
3- Don’t repeat the past Avoid applying to the wrong companies by making sure to do your homework and research their culture first! Find out what the past employees are saying, what the company’s mission is, and how their customers view them. You can find these things by Googling the company’s name or check them out on Glassdoor. Make sure to ask the employer [these questions] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/d98a6946-b042-5278-8899-45b1326fd186) during the interview to find out even MORE!
4- Be prepared Your next employer will always ask what happened with your previous position. Can you blame them? Whatever you do, AVOID the negative and always take the high road! Even if the job was quite literally the worst thing you ever did start with a positive (yes a positive) about what you enjoyed there and then lead in with the reason you left, but soften it. So for example, “I really loved my co-workers and the projects I worked on but I was ready for a change.” Whatever the reason is, focus on the fact that you enjoyed a particular aspect of the job, but that you needed to leave. If you bad mouth your past employer the warning bells will go off and they will think you will one day do the same to them. Always take the high road because you're better than that!
5- Apply, apply, apply Make sure once your resume is set and you have found a few companies you love to NOT waste any more time! Submit that [resume] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/596c18f2-664b-5584-816e-ef1860520181?from=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.jobcase.com%252Fcommunity) and [cover letter] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/c4ba7a86-a1d9-5484-ae09-b9e408617965) right away and [follow up] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/3a2695c7-ced7-5bea-af4e-8789f758e97b) with them 3-5 days later (after interviews 1-2 days).
Good luck!! : )
Questions? Please comment below!
Ms Ashley, Thank you for that info. My problem is I worked at a drug testing lab, We handled urine mostly and blood. I worked there for 2 years, I became sick right before my 2 years, I started feeling sick from smelling so much urine everyday. I went to urgent care, I told them my symptons they gave me something for my nausia. A week later I got sick again with fever and chills, went to urgent care again this time they said I had a bacteria infection in my lungs. I had to quit with no notice. So how would I write this on my resume or application?
Thanks
Thank you !
I lefted a job after 10.5 years. The lasted two or so years there were very toxic, snitches and etc. I gave a 2 week notice. Told the CEO. I was taking a early retirement. In all reality I quite. I am back there on a as needed basics and my terms. Whole a lot now.
I got fired from Wendy's after my boss told me I was good for nothing...I snapped....& other jobs just don't seem to work out at all....but I'm hoping to score a job at the Coliseum and work my way up the corporate ladder.....but at the same time I start school in January
Also reach out to old friends and coworkers....it can’t hurt anything. You’d be suprised how many people will “ vouch for you”- and if you can, do something you really enjoy doing, so you will actually look forward to going to work!! I wish you THE BEST OF LUCK! Just keep pushing until you get where you want. It’s not gonna be easy.... but nothing easy is worth it.. right? Oh yeah, tweak up that resume when you get a chance! There is nothing you can’t handle.
Thanks so much for sharing this guide Ashley Wilson ! This will really help a lot of people out there navigate a potentially difficult situation!
Thanks for the tips! I hadn't thought about handing out my resume to my references. I suppose I could use the share function in Word, or attach it to an email to my references.