JT & Dale Talk Jobs: Leaving A Toxic Work Environment – Arizona Daily Star

Dear J.T. & Dale: What should I say in a job interview about why I’m leaving my current position? The truth is I’m leaving because it’s very toxic. And I can’t say that I’m leaving for “career growth,” because the job I’m applying to is the exact role that I’m in now. — Corey

J.T.: In my experience, what you think is toxic may not be toxic to everyone else. That’s why the best answer is an objective explanation. I would tell them that when you joined the company you thought that it had a certain set of values and beliefs, especially the manager you were reporting to. However, now you’re looking for a place where it’s a better cultural fit. Be prepared to give an example — like the boss is always yelling and micromanaging. Then add that you value a more hands-off environment where they trust you. End on a positive note and tell them you’re excited to interview with them because you know you can do the job and you realize their organization is a better fit in terms of values and beliefs.

DALE: I’m not sure about that approach. I would skip straight to the positive note. You want a change because of pull, not push. That is, you’re not running from a bad management, you’re looking for a good environment. Just say that you’re looking for a chance to be part of an excelling team, one with real camaraderie.

Dear J.T. & Dale: Because I’m really worried about age discrimination, I’ve taken all dates off my resume that can make me look old. I’m 60 years old, but everyone tells me I look 40. Even so, companies are requiring me to apply online and when I do, there’s always a mandatory date in there that will of course tell them what my age is. How can I get around this? — Petra

DALE: The first thing I’d tell you is not to worry about age discrimination. I know it exists and can be a big obstacle. Only 50% of hiring managers would even consider hiring someone your age. But here’s the real problem: What percentage of online applications get a serious look from a hiring manager? 1%? .01%? Your real obstacle is not getting to the 50% who’d consider you.

J.T.: Plus, when it comes to applying online, skipping answers usually results in you being disqualified. Forget about applying online altogether. Instead, find people who work at the company and ask if they would pass your resume directly to a hiring manager. Hopefully, you can get a conversation going and they can fall in love with you, so that when they eventually tell you that HR requires you to fill out the online application, it won’t matter at that point. I understand your concern, and it is really unfair, but honestly, people of all ages get disqualified online all the time, so the method I’m suggesting really works for any age.

Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a career coach and the founder of the leading career site www.workitdaily.com. Dale Dauten is founder of The Innovators’ Lab and author of a novel about HR, “The Weary Optimist.” Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.