BlueJays2591 profile picture
BlueJays2591 profile picture

BlueJays2591

Federal Business Dev Director

Politicker
Executive
Valued Contributor
+9

How to explain short stints in an interview

I was with a company for several years before being laid off last year. Since then, I've had several short stints with companies due to various reasons. Previous job was 6 months and left due to horrific management. Been with my current company 3 months and found some less than legal things happening, prompting me to look elsewhere. Doesn't help my resume with these short tenures. How do I explain/overcome this?

👥 Hiring
🗣 Interviewing
15

16 comments

Sort by:
CuriousFox
WR Officer
9
🦊
So many people are going through this. Covid happened, and is still happening. Be transparent and end with a positive spin of what you learned or how you grew each time.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
6
Sales Rep
Its important to be transparent with what went wrong so they know what you are looking for in an employer. The negatives should be brief and to the point, dont want to seem like you are bashing all of your past companies
BlueJays2591
Politicker
1
Federal Business Dev Director
Glad I'm not the only one dealing with it. Strange times. They definitely have been learning experiences dealing with some interesting situations
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
6
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
Doing 2 short stints in a row is never a good look, but as long as you frame it as management hiding product or comp issues, you should be fine. Tell them that it is a focus for you when finding a new role.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
6
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
“I’ve been looking for a good fit since I parted ways with my long-term employer” or along those lines. These are weird times, and there’s been quite a bit of turnover all along the way. I recommend you avoid too many details about management or shady dealings - best to paint it as not a great fit. Have the topic be why you want to work for the new company more than why you are leaving/have left the recent companies.

Have you started submitting your resume yet?
BlueJays2591
Politicker
1
Federal Business Dev Director
I like this idea. Sounds like a good way to put it. I've submitted to a few but am starting a full time search tomorrow.
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
4
☕️
1) How’s your duedil process when interviewing?
2) Be honest and direct.
Angusmacg
Valued Contributor
2
Territory Account Mgr.
I don’t list any position less than 6 months on my resume. If there is a gap then I explain it as I took some personal time. Hopefully your resume isn’t littered with short stints because this wouldn’t work then.
SaaSyBee
Politicker
2
Founder
Be honest. Because it's not just about getting the job, it's about getting a job you want with people who treat you the way you want. That may sound idealistic, but it's going to create open communication and a better work environment.

Edit: Be kind while being honest.
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
Jus the honest
Beans
Big Shot
1
Enterprise Account Executive
As long as your entire CV isn't a story of hopping, the last few years have been a disaster in the market, the VID, tech spiral down, etc.
snafu_sales
Catalyst
1
SaaS Sales
Remember to never be negative about previous employers in an interview - it can be hard when you are explaining reasons, but keep the focus on what you have learned from the experience and how that has shaped what you are looking for + why the company you are interviewing with is exciting to you!
Pachacuti
Politicker
0
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
First off, it sounds like the problem is you. It’s not for you to dictate whether or not things are shady or illegal, or whatever. That said if it’s clearly illegal, then maybe you should go be a whistleblower.

That aside, your résumé is whatever you say it is, within reason. You don’t lie on it, but you don’t need to tell the entire story. So if you have several short work stints, you don’t need to list them all. And make the dates as general as possible.
BlueJays2591
Politicker
1
Federal Business Dev Director
How am I the problem? How can employees not dictate if things are shady or illegal? Or am I misunderstanding what you're trying to say?
oldcloser
Arsonist
0
💀
Yeah, bro. Had to cut bait with that shit show. Management there was horrendous. I’m sure you’re good though. When do I start?
wolfofmiami
Opinionated
0
🐺
honesty is the best policy

Related posts

11

An interesting interview: How short is too short?

Discussion
😂
👥
🤝
19
8

How to justify short stints during interviews?

Question
👥
🎙
🚀
11
3

How to recover from short stints

Question
🧠
🗣
☁️
6
Bravado is a community of trusted sales professionals endorsed by their customers.
Apple Store logo
Products
The War Room Jobs Salary Guide Tech Sales U
Company
About Us How It Works Blog Bug Bounty
Contact
Press Careers
© 2024 Bravado Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy Legal and Privacy Center Sales Jobs
If you are hired as a contract sales rep by a Bravado customer, we may ask you to prove access to the employee email account provided to you by that customer. This data will be shared with customers to track your sales productivity; customers can use this data to confirm you meet the minimum activity requirements to pay out your ramp stipend and commission.