Interviewing for an academic position after abusive department chair in previous academic position
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
In my faculty job, I was bullied for a long time by a chair of the department (at a US state university on the West Coast). This included:
- Giving me bad schedules and classrooms
- His secretary telling students to avoid my classes
- Denying me operational information
- Excluding me from department committees
- Falsifying university documents
- Stealing my course materials and giving it to his supporters
- Filing bogus charges against me that I never saw in writing
I understand it's hard to judge who was in the wrong, but I really had neither motive nor means to fight with the department chair. Worse, he eventually got many of the other department members on his side.
After being bullied and harassed and my working environment sabotaged for very long time I resigned. Now I am looking for a teaching position at a different university in the USA. I know the number one rule in an interview is “Do not say anything bad about your former employer”. But, under the circumstances, I'm not sure how to answer the question “Why did you leave the position where you achieved a high rank?” What would be a a good way to answer this question?
teaching harassment
asked Nov 24 at 7:37
user2712329
693
add a comment |
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
In my faculty job, I was bullied for a long time by a chair of the department (at a US state university on the West Coast). This included:
- Giving me bad schedules and classrooms
- His secretary telling students to avoid my classes
- Denying me operational information
- Excluding me from department committees
- Falsifying university documents
- Stealing my course materials and giving it to his supporters
- Filing bogus charges against me that I never saw in writing
I understand it's hard to judge who was in the wrong, but I really had neither motive nor means to fight with the department chair. Worse, he eventually got many of the other department members on his side.
After being bullied and harassed and my working environment sabotaged for very long time I resigned. Now I am looking for a teaching position at a different university in the USA. I know the number one rule in an interview is “Do not say anything bad about your former employer”. But, under the circumstances, I'm not sure how to answer the question “Why did you leave the position where you achieved a high rank?” What would be a a good way to answer this question?
teaching harassment
asked Nov 24 at 7:37
user2712329
693
1
I suggest that you also take a look at the questions The Workplace; they have a lot of good advice when it comes to interviews. For instance, with a quick search I could find workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/4056 and workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/106519 .
– Federico Poloni
Nov 24 at 9:05
4
I think some cultural context would help here - in what part of the world are you applying for jobs? My experience in the US is that "why are you leaving" is a question that is not usually asked. On the flip side, letters of recommendation are also important here, and it is pretty common for recommenders to address reasons why the applicant is on the market; coming from a more "neutral" third party, it can be more credible.
– Nate Eldredge
Nov 24 at 16:44
I would be a little more specific, but approach the answer from the standpoint that the environment made it difficult to achieve success.
– Stuart
Nov 24 at 19:58
1
I request that this question is reopened. This question is extremely important to me and seems like some people do have some knowledge on this issue that I would like to hear. I have clarified some of the issues that were raised about my question. I added information based on the comments asking for more information. I clarified some issues that I felt were misunderstood. I had no weapons to be jerk and to attack the chair, or to deny him information (information flows from the top), or to steal his classes, or to exclude him from a committee or to steal his course materials.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:12
Yeah, I think your edits made it much more academic-oriented. Voting to reopen; I also modified your post a bit to make it more readable; feel free to edit if I messed anything up.
– cag51
Nov 25 at 8:28
add a comment |
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
up vote
13
down vote
favorite
In my faculty job, I was bullied for a long time by a chair of the department (at a US state university on the West Coast). This included:
- Giving me bad schedules and classrooms
- His secretary telling students to avoid my classes
- Denying me operational information
- Excluding me from department committees
- Falsifying university documents
- Stealing my course materials and giving it to his supporters
- Filing bogus charges against me that I never saw in writing
I understand it's hard to judge who was in the wrong, but I really had neither motive nor means to fight with the department chair. Worse, he eventually got many of the other department members on his side.
After being bullied and harassed and my working environment sabotaged for very long time I resigned. Now I am looking for a teaching position at a different university in the USA. I know the number one rule in an interview is “Do not say anything bad about your former employer”. But, under the circumstances, I'm not sure how to answer the question “Why did you leave the position where you achieved a high rank?” What would be a a good way to answer this question?
teaching harassment
asked Nov 24 at 7:37
user2712329
693
In my faculty job, I was bullied for a long time by a chair of the department (at a US state university on the West Coast). This included:
- Giving me bad schedules and classrooms
- His secretary telling students to avoid my classes
- Denying me operational information
- Excluding me from department committees
- Falsifying university documents
- Stealing my course materials and giving it to his supporters
- Filing bogus charges against me that I never saw in writing
I understand it's hard to judge who was in the wrong, but I really had neither motive nor means to fight with the department chair. Worse, he eventually got many of the other department members on his side.
After being bullied and harassed and my working environment sabotaged for very long time I resigned. Now I am looking for a teaching position at a different university in the USA. I know the number one rule in an interview is “Do not say anything bad about your former employer”. But, under the circumstances, I'm not sure how to answer the question “Why did you leave the position where you achieved a high rank?” What would be a a good way to answer this question?
teaching harassment
teaching harassment
asked Nov 24 at 7:37
user2712329
693
asked Nov 24 at 7:37
user2712329
693
edited Nov 25 at 19:19
asked Nov 24 at 7:37
user2712329
693
asked Nov 24 at 7:37
user2712329
693
asked Nov 24 at 7:37
user2712329
693
693
1
I suggest that you also take a look at the questions The Workplace; they have a lot of good advice when it comes to interviews. For instance, with a quick search I could find workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/4056 and workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/106519 .
– Federico Poloni
Nov 24 at 9:05
4
I think some cultural context would help here - in what part of the world are you applying for jobs? My experience in the US is that "why are you leaving" is a question that is not usually asked. On the flip side, letters of recommendation are also important here, and it is pretty common for recommenders to address reasons why the applicant is on the market; coming from a more "neutral" third party, it can be more credible.
– Nate Eldredge
Nov 24 at 16:44
I would be a little more specific, but approach the answer from the standpoint that the environment made it difficult to achieve success.
– Stuart
Nov 24 at 19:58
1
I request that this question is reopened. This question is extremely important to me and seems like some people do have some knowledge on this issue that I would like to hear. I have clarified some of the issues that were raised about my question. I added information based on the comments asking for more information. I clarified some issues that I felt were misunderstood. I had no weapons to be jerk and to attack the chair, or to deny him information (information flows from the top), or to steal his classes, or to exclude him from a committee or to steal his course materials.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:12
Yeah, I think your edits made it much more academic-oriented. Voting to reopen; I also modified your post a bit to make it more readable; feel free to edit if I messed anything up.
– cag51
Nov 25 at 8:28
add a comment |
1
I suggest that you also take a look at the questions The Workplace; they have a lot of good advice when it comes to interviews. For instance, with a quick search I could find workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/4056 and workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/106519 .
– Federico Poloni
Nov 24 at 9:05
4
I think some cultural context would help here - in what part of the world are you applying for jobs? My experience in the US is that "why are you leaving" is a question that is not usually asked. On the flip side, letters of recommendation are also important here, and it is pretty common for recommenders to address reasons why the applicant is on the market; coming from a more "neutral" third party, it can be more credible.
– Nate Eldredge
Nov 24 at 16:44
I would be a little more specific, but approach the answer from the standpoint that the environment made it difficult to achieve success.
– Stuart
Nov 24 at 19:58
1
I request that this question is reopened. This question is extremely important to me and seems like some people do have some knowledge on this issue that I would like to hear. I have clarified some of the issues that were raised about my question. I added information based on the comments asking for more information. I clarified some issues that I felt were misunderstood. I had no weapons to be jerk and to attack the chair, or to deny him information (information flows from the top), or to steal his classes, or to exclude him from a committee or to steal his course materials.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:12
Yeah, I think your edits made it much more academic-oriented. Voting to reopen; I also modified your post a bit to make it more readable; feel free to edit if I messed anything up.
– cag51
Nov 25 at 8:28
1
1
I suggest that you also take a look at the questions The Workplace; they have a lot of good advice when it comes to interviews. For instance, with a quick search I could find workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/4056 and workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/106519 .
– Federico Poloni
Nov 24 at 9:05
I suggest that you also take a look at the questions The Workplace; they have a lot of good advice when it comes to interviews. For instance, with a quick search I could find workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/4056 and workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/106519 .
– Federico Poloni
Nov 24 at 9:05
4
4
I think some cultural context would help here - in what part of the world are you applying for jobs? My experience in the US is that "why are you leaving" is a question that is not usually asked. On the flip side, letters of recommendation are also important here, and it is pretty common for recommenders to address reasons why the applicant is on the market; coming from a more "neutral" third party, it can be more credible.
– Nate Eldredge
Nov 24 at 16:44
I think some cultural context would help here - in what part of the world are you applying for jobs? My experience in the US is that "why are you leaving" is a question that is not usually asked. On the flip side, letters of recommendation are also important here, and it is pretty common for recommenders to address reasons why the applicant is on the market; coming from a more "neutral" third party, it can be more credible.
– Nate Eldredge
Nov 24 at 16:44
I would be a little more specific, but approach the answer from the standpoint that the environment made it difficult to achieve success.
– Stuart
Nov 24 at 19:58
I would be a little more specific, but approach the answer from the standpoint that the environment made it difficult to achieve success.
– Stuart
Nov 24 at 19:58
1
1
I request that this question is reopened. This question is extremely important to me and seems like some people do have some knowledge on this issue that I would like to hear. I have clarified some of the issues that were raised about my question. I added information based on the comments asking for more information. I clarified some issues that I felt were misunderstood. I had no weapons to be jerk and to attack the chair, or to deny him information (information flows from the top), or to steal his classes, or to exclude him from a committee or to steal his course materials.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:12
I request that this question is reopened. This question is extremely important to me and seems like some people do have some knowledge on this issue that I would like to hear. I have clarified some of the issues that were raised about my question. I added information based on the comments asking for more information. I clarified some issues that I felt were misunderstood. I had no weapons to be jerk and to attack the chair, or to deny him information (information flows from the top), or to steal his classes, or to exclude him from a committee or to steal his course materials.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:12
Yeah, I think your edits made it much more academic-oriented. Voting to reopen; I also modified your post a bit to make it more readable; feel free to edit if I messed anything up.
– cag51
Nov 25 at 8:28
Yeah, I think your edits made it much more academic-oriented. Voting to reopen; I also modified your post a bit to make it more readable; feel free to edit if I messed anything up.
– cag51
Nov 25 at 8:28
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
12
down vote
You can honestly say that the former position was "a bad fit" personally and professionally and that you seek a "more compatible" environment. I've been in enough strange situations that I suspect people are aware that they exist. There are enough similar questions here to indicate that academia isn't utopia.
You needn't speak ill of the former head. But if the "environment has become less conducive to personal and professional growth" it is likely a fair assessment.
Also, just having been promoted is an excellent time to "look for other, more challenging, opportunities."
answered Nov 24 at 12:36
Buffy
32.5k6100167
4
The danger is that "bad fit" is also just what somebody would say as a euphemism for "I pissed everyone off and left."
– David Richerby
Nov 24 at 17:05
3
@DavidRicherby Any good reply to this question also gets adopted by people who pissed everyone off and left. You can say something that implies there was personal conflict, but there's nothing you can say that communicates "oh, by the way, I was right and the people there were jerks" as opposed to "I was a jerk" because most jerks are not self-aware and self-aware jerks can lie.
– Misha Lavrov
Nov 24 at 18:53
There is no good reply that addresses the truth in this situation. One needs to lie in a way that eliminates doubt of the problem existing again.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 19:58
@ASimpleAlgorithm, I disagree that you need to lie. You just don't need to get into things that aren't relevant to your new position. Leaving some things unsaid isn't the same as telling untruths. You don't need to say you were bullied - nor is it productive to do so.
– Buffy
Nov 24 at 20:02
@Buffy Whether a strategic omissions of facts reaches the level of a lie or not is a semantic argument. The point is if the explanation conveys any of the important facts-the person quit impulsively (spitefully?) over drama with the administration--this will be very bad. People will always wonder if there's another side to the story and view it as a risk. But I would go further; a non-explanation ("I needed a change") may also be viewed suspiciously. The best answer is an alternative explanation that eliminates such doubts.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 20:19
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
“Looking for further or different opportunities” is one
“A change in personal circumstances” is another...
Often, in a given situation, there are multiple strands and actions are completed based on the cumulative effect.
answered Nov 24 at 7:46
Solar Mike
11.6k52246
1
I don't think these are good ways to answer that question. First of all, they are a lie, and secondly they raise more questions instead of providing answers. I would be very suspicious of such vague answers. The answer probably depends on the culture or person assessing the candidate (voting to close), but personally I would be perfectly happy with an honest answer, even if it breaks the "number one rule" (No idea who made that rule, but I disagree).
– louic
Nov 24 at 8:56
And of the linked answers from the workplace, one is “it was obvious I would not reach my full potential” so that meets your criteria then??
– Solar Mike
Nov 24 at 9:31
1
I am the OP. First, everyone thanks for your response. Unfortunately “Looking for further or different opportunities” or “It was obvious I would not reach my full potential” is hard to explain since I reached a full professor rank just before the chair got unhinged. But I could not take the bullying that lasted very long time. And he created a whole gang to do the dirty job.
– user2712329
Nov 24 at 10:26
@louic I am not sure how to ask for this question to be taken off hold. I am asking you because your name is up there. I am not sure how I can contact you for that directly so I am asking here. How do I ask to make this question active again? I tried to address some of the issues people raised.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:45
@user2712329 Once you edited your question the moderators will look at it and if it has enough votes (within 5 days) to re-open it will be re-opened. This is also how questions get closed: it needs quite a few close votes before it gets closed.
– louic
Nov 25 at 8:37
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Last year was a particularly stressful period for my family, so despite a successful career in blah… blah… and an optimal rapport with colleagues, [if they weren't at all involved in the mobbing] it was just the right time for me to look further afield and begin a new chapter in my life.
The stressful period you suffered also affected your family, so that is telling the truth and explains why a change was necessary.
answered Nov 24 at 19:20
Mari-Lou A
15216
He might have read the paper on mobbing by Heinz Leymann because he used almost all the attacks on the list. So yes, I was victim of mobbing the way Heinz Leymann defined it.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:33
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
12
down vote
You can honestly say that the former position was "a bad fit" personally and professionally and that you seek a "more compatible" environment. I've been in enough strange situations that I suspect people are aware that they exist. There are enough similar questions here to indicate that academia isn't utopia.
You needn't speak ill of the former head. But if the "environment has become less conducive to personal and professional growth" it is likely a fair assessment.
Also, just having been promoted is an excellent time to "look for other, more challenging, opportunities."
answered Nov 24 at 12:36
Buffy
32.5k6100167
4
The danger is that "bad fit" is also just what somebody would say as a euphemism for "I pissed everyone off and left."
– David Richerby
Nov 24 at 17:05
3
@DavidRicherby Any good reply to this question also gets adopted by people who pissed everyone off and left. You can say something that implies there was personal conflict, but there's nothing you can say that communicates "oh, by the way, I was right and the people there were jerks" as opposed to "I was a jerk" because most jerks are not self-aware and self-aware jerks can lie.
– Misha Lavrov
Nov 24 at 18:53
There is no good reply that addresses the truth in this situation. One needs to lie in a way that eliminates doubt of the problem existing again.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 19:58
@ASimpleAlgorithm, I disagree that you need to lie. You just don't need to get into things that aren't relevant to your new position. Leaving some things unsaid isn't the same as telling untruths. You don't need to say you were bullied - nor is it productive to do so.
– Buffy
Nov 24 at 20:02
@Buffy Whether a strategic omissions of facts reaches the level of a lie or not is a semantic argument. The point is if the explanation conveys any of the important facts-the person quit impulsively (spitefully?) over drama with the administration--this will be very bad. People will always wonder if there's another side to the story and view it as a risk. But I would go further; a non-explanation ("I needed a change") may also be viewed suspiciously. The best answer is an alternative explanation that eliminates such doubts.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 20:19
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
12
down vote
You can honestly say that the former position was "a bad fit" personally and professionally and that you seek a "more compatible" environment. I've been in enough strange situations that I suspect people are aware that they exist. There are enough similar questions here to indicate that academia isn't utopia.
You needn't speak ill of the former head. But if the "environment has become less conducive to personal and professional growth" it is likely a fair assessment.
Also, just having been promoted is an excellent time to "look for other, more challenging, opportunities."
answered Nov 24 at 12:36
Buffy
32.5k6100167
4
The danger is that "bad fit" is also just what somebody would say as a euphemism for "I pissed everyone off and left."
– David Richerby
Nov 24 at 17:05
3
@DavidRicherby Any good reply to this question also gets adopted by people who pissed everyone off and left. You can say something that implies there was personal conflict, but there's nothing you can say that communicates "oh, by the way, I was right and the people there were jerks" as opposed to "I was a jerk" because most jerks are not self-aware and self-aware jerks can lie.
– Misha Lavrov
Nov 24 at 18:53
There is no good reply that addresses the truth in this situation. One needs to lie in a way that eliminates doubt of the problem existing again.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 19:58
@ASimpleAlgorithm, I disagree that you need to lie. You just don't need to get into things that aren't relevant to your new position. Leaving some things unsaid isn't the same as telling untruths. You don't need to say you were bullied - nor is it productive to do so.
– Buffy
Nov 24 at 20:02
@Buffy Whether a strategic omissions of facts reaches the level of a lie or not is a semantic argument. The point is if the explanation conveys any of the important facts-the person quit impulsively (spitefully?) over drama with the administration--this will be very bad. People will always wonder if there's another side to the story and view it as a risk. But I would go further; a non-explanation ("I needed a change") may also be viewed suspiciously. The best answer is an alternative explanation that eliminates such doubts.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 20:19
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
12
down vote
up vote
12
down vote
You can honestly say that the former position was "a bad fit" personally and professionally and that you seek a "more compatible" environment. I've been in enough strange situations that I suspect people are aware that they exist. There are enough similar questions here to indicate that academia isn't utopia.
You needn't speak ill of the former head. But if the "environment has become less conducive to personal and professional growth" it is likely a fair assessment.
Also, just having been promoted is an excellent time to "look for other, more challenging, opportunities."
answered Nov 24 at 12:36
Buffy
32.5k6100167
You can honestly say that the former position was "a bad fit" personally and professionally and that you seek a "more compatible" environment. I've been in enough strange situations that I suspect people are aware that they exist. There are enough similar questions here to indicate that academia isn't utopia.
You needn't speak ill of the former head. But if the "environment has become less conducive to personal and professional growth" it is likely a fair assessment.
Also, just having been promoted is an excellent time to "look for other, more challenging, opportunities."
answered Nov 24 at 12:36
Buffy
32.5k6100167
edited Nov 24 at 14:07
answered Nov 24 at 12:36
Buffy
32.5k6100167
answered Nov 24 at 12:36
Buffy
32.5k6100167
answered Nov 24 at 12:36
Buffy
32.5k6100167
32.5k6100167
4
The danger is that "bad fit" is also just what somebody would say as a euphemism for "I pissed everyone off and left."
– David Richerby
Nov 24 at 17:05
3
@DavidRicherby Any good reply to this question also gets adopted by people who pissed everyone off and left. You can say something that implies there was personal conflict, but there's nothing you can say that communicates "oh, by the way, I was right and the people there were jerks" as opposed to "I was a jerk" because most jerks are not self-aware and self-aware jerks can lie.
– Misha Lavrov
Nov 24 at 18:53
There is no good reply that addresses the truth in this situation. One needs to lie in a way that eliminates doubt of the problem existing again.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 19:58
@ASimpleAlgorithm, I disagree that you need to lie. You just don't need to get into things that aren't relevant to your new position. Leaving some things unsaid isn't the same as telling untruths. You don't need to say you were bullied - nor is it productive to do so.
– Buffy
Nov 24 at 20:02
@Buffy Whether a strategic omissions of facts reaches the level of a lie or not is a semantic argument. The point is if the explanation conveys any of the important facts-the person quit impulsively (spitefully?) over drama with the administration--this will be very bad. People will always wonder if there's another side to the story and view it as a risk. But I would go further; a non-explanation ("I needed a change") may also be viewed suspiciously. The best answer is an alternative explanation that eliminates such doubts.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 20:19
|
show 4 more comments
4
The danger is that "bad fit" is also just what somebody would say as a euphemism for "I pissed everyone off and left."
– David Richerby
Nov 24 at 17:05
3
@DavidRicherby Any good reply to this question also gets adopted by people who pissed everyone off and left. You can say something that implies there was personal conflict, but there's nothing you can say that communicates "oh, by the way, I was right and the people there were jerks" as opposed to "I was a jerk" because most jerks are not self-aware and self-aware jerks can lie.
– Misha Lavrov
Nov 24 at 18:53
There is no good reply that addresses the truth in this situation. One needs to lie in a way that eliminates doubt of the problem existing again.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 19:58
@ASimpleAlgorithm, I disagree that you need to lie. You just don't need to get into things that aren't relevant to your new position. Leaving some things unsaid isn't the same as telling untruths. You don't need to say you were bullied - nor is it productive to do so.
– Buffy
Nov 24 at 20:02
@Buffy Whether a strategic omissions of facts reaches the level of a lie or not is a semantic argument. The point is if the explanation conveys any of the important facts-the person quit impulsively (spitefully?) over drama with the administration--this will be very bad. People will always wonder if there's another side to the story and view it as a risk. But I would go further; a non-explanation ("I needed a change") may also be viewed suspiciously. The best answer is an alternative explanation that eliminates such doubts.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 20:19
4
4
The danger is that "bad fit" is also just what somebody would say as a euphemism for "I pissed everyone off and left."
– David Richerby
Nov 24 at 17:05
The danger is that "bad fit" is also just what somebody would say as a euphemism for "I pissed everyone off and left."
– David Richerby
Nov 24 at 17:05
3
3
@DavidRicherby Any good reply to this question also gets adopted by people who pissed everyone off and left. You can say something that implies there was personal conflict, but there's nothing you can say that communicates "oh, by the way, I was right and the people there were jerks" as opposed to "I was a jerk" because most jerks are not self-aware and self-aware jerks can lie.
– Misha Lavrov
Nov 24 at 18:53
@DavidRicherby Any good reply to this question also gets adopted by people who pissed everyone off and left. You can say something that implies there was personal conflict, but there's nothing you can say that communicates "oh, by the way, I was right and the people there were jerks" as opposed to "I was a jerk" because most jerks are not self-aware and self-aware jerks can lie.
– Misha Lavrov
Nov 24 at 18:53
There is no good reply that addresses the truth in this situation. One needs to lie in a way that eliminates doubt of the problem existing again.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 19:58
There is no good reply that addresses the truth in this situation. One needs to lie in a way that eliminates doubt of the problem existing again.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 19:58
@ASimpleAlgorithm, I disagree that you need to lie. You just don't need to get into things that aren't relevant to your new position. Leaving some things unsaid isn't the same as telling untruths. You don't need to say you were bullied - nor is it productive to do so.
– Buffy
Nov 24 at 20:02
@ASimpleAlgorithm, I disagree that you need to lie. You just don't need to get into things that aren't relevant to your new position. Leaving some things unsaid isn't the same as telling untruths. You don't need to say you were bullied - nor is it productive to do so.
– Buffy
Nov 24 at 20:02
@Buffy Whether a strategic omissions of facts reaches the level of a lie or not is a semantic argument. The point is if the explanation conveys any of the important facts-the person quit impulsively (spitefully?) over drama with the administration--this will be very bad. People will always wonder if there's another side to the story and view it as a risk. But I would go further; a non-explanation ("I needed a change") may also be viewed suspiciously. The best answer is an alternative explanation that eliminates such doubts.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 20:19
@Buffy Whether a strategic omissions of facts reaches the level of a lie or not is a semantic argument. The point is if the explanation conveys any of the important facts-the person quit impulsively (spitefully?) over drama with the administration--this will be very bad. People will always wonder if there's another side to the story and view it as a risk. But I would go further; a non-explanation ("I needed a change") may also be viewed suspiciously. The best answer is an alternative explanation that eliminates such doubts.
– A Simple Algorithm
Nov 24 at 20:19
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
“Looking for further or different opportunities” is one
“A change in personal circumstances” is another...
Often, in a given situation, there are multiple strands and actions are completed based on the cumulative effect.
answered Nov 24 at 7:46
Solar Mike
11.6k52246
1
I don't think these are good ways to answer that question. First of all, they are a lie, and secondly they raise more questions instead of providing answers. I would be very suspicious of such vague answers. The answer probably depends on the culture or person assessing the candidate (voting to close), but personally I would be perfectly happy with an honest answer, even if it breaks the "number one rule" (No idea who made that rule, but I disagree).
– louic
Nov 24 at 8:56
And of the linked answers from the workplace, one is “it was obvious I would not reach my full potential” so that meets your criteria then??
– Solar Mike
Nov 24 at 9:31
1
I am the OP. First, everyone thanks for your response. Unfortunately “Looking for further or different opportunities” or “It was obvious I would not reach my full potential” is hard to explain since I reached a full professor rank just before the chair got unhinged. But I could not take the bullying that lasted very long time. And he created a whole gang to do the dirty job.
– user2712329
Nov 24 at 10:26
@louic I am not sure how to ask for this question to be taken off hold. I am asking you because your name is up there. I am not sure how I can contact you for that directly so I am asking here. How do I ask to make this question active again? I tried to address some of the issues people raised.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:45
@user2712329 Once you edited your question the moderators will look at it and if it has enough votes (within 5 days) to re-open it will be re-opened. This is also how questions get closed: it needs quite a few close votes before it gets closed.
– louic
Nov 25 at 8:37
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
“Looking for further or different opportunities” is one
“A change in personal circumstances” is another...
Often, in a given situation, there are multiple strands and actions are completed based on the cumulative effect.
answered Nov 24 at 7:46
Solar Mike
11.6k52246
1
I don't think these are good ways to answer that question. First of all, they are a lie, and secondly they raise more questions instead of providing answers. I would be very suspicious of such vague answers. The answer probably depends on the culture or person assessing the candidate (voting to close), but personally I would be perfectly happy with an honest answer, even if it breaks the "number one rule" (No idea who made that rule, but I disagree).
– louic
Nov 24 at 8:56
And of the linked answers from the workplace, one is “it was obvious I would not reach my full potential” so that meets your criteria then??
– Solar Mike
Nov 24 at 9:31
1
I am the OP. First, everyone thanks for your response. Unfortunately “Looking for further or different opportunities” or “It was obvious I would not reach my full potential” is hard to explain since I reached a full professor rank just before the chair got unhinged. But I could not take the bullying that lasted very long time. And he created a whole gang to do the dirty job.
– user2712329
Nov 24 at 10:26
@louic I am not sure how to ask for this question to be taken off hold. I am asking you because your name is up there. I am not sure how I can contact you for that directly so I am asking here. How do I ask to make this question active again? I tried to address some of the issues people raised.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:45
@user2712329 Once you edited your question the moderators will look at it and if it has enough votes (within 5 days) to re-open it will be re-opened. This is also how questions get closed: it needs quite a few close votes before it gets closed.
– louic
Nov 25 at 8:37
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
“Looking for further or different opportunities” is one
“A change in personal circumstances” is another...
Often, in a given situation, there are multiple strands and actions are completed based on the cumulative effect.
answered Nov 24 at 7:46
Solar Mike
11.6k52246
“Looking for further or different opportunities” is one
“A change in personal circumstances” is another...
Often, in a given situation, there are multiple strands and actions are completed based on the cumulative effect.
answered Nov 24 at 7:46
Solar Mike
11.6k52246
answered Nov 24 at 7:46
Solar Mike
11.6k52246
answered Nov 24 at 7:46
Solar Mike
11.6k52246
answered Nov 24 at 7:46
Solar Mike
11.6k52246
11.6k52246
1
I don't think these are good ways to answer that question. First of all, they are a lie, and secondly they raise more questions instead of providing answers. I would be very suspicious of such vague answers. The answer probably depends on the culture or person assessing the candidate (voting to close), but personally I would be perfectly happy with an honest answer, even if it breaks the "number one rule" (No idea who made that rule, but I disagree).
– louic
Nov 24 at 8:56
And of the linked answers from the workplace, one is “it was obvious I would not reach my full potential” so that meets your criteria then??
– Solar Mike
Nov 24 at 9:31
1
I am the OP. First, everyone thanks for your response. Unfortunately “Looking for further or different opportunities” or “It was obvious I would not reach my full potential” is hard to explain since I reached a full professor rank just before the chair got unhinged. But I could not take the bullying that lasted very long time. And he created a whole gang to do the dirty job.
– user2712329
Nov 24 at 10:26
@louic I am not sure how to ask for this question to be taken off hold. I am asking you because your name is up there. I am not sure how I can contact you for that directly so I am asking here. How do I ask to make this question active again? I tried to address some of the issues people raised.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:45
@user2712329 Once you edited your question the moderators will look at it and if it has enough votes (within 5 days) to re-open it will be re-opened. This is also how questions get closed: it needs quite a few close votes before it gets closed.
– louic
Nov 25 at 8:37
add a comment |
1
I don't think these are good ways to answer that question. First of all, they are a lie, and secondly they raise more questions instead of providing answers. I would be very suspicious of such vague answers. The answer probably depends on the culture or person assessing the candidate (voting to close), but personally I would be perfectly happy with an honest answer, even if it breaks the "number one rule" (No idea who made that rule, but I disagree).
– louic
Nov 24 at 8:56
And of the linked answers from the workplace, one is “it was obvious I would not reach my full potential” so that meets your criteria then??
– Solar Mike
Nov 24 at 9:31
1
I am the OP. First, everyone thanks for your response. Unfortunately “Looking for further or different opportunities” or “It was obvious I would not reach my full potential” is hard to explain since I reached a full professor rank just before the chair got unhinged. But I could not take the bullying that lasted very long time. And he created a whole gang to do the dirty job.
– user2712329
Nov 24 at 10:26
@louic I am not sure how to ask for this question to be taken off hold. I am asking you because your name is up there. I am not sure how I can contact you for that directly so I am asking here. How do I ask to make this question active again? I tried to address some of the issues people raised.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:45
@user2712329 Once you edited your question the moderators will look at it and if it has enough votes (within 5 days) to re-open it will be re-opened. This is also how questions get closed: it needs quite a few close votes before it gets closed.
– louic
Nov 25 at 8:37
1
1
I don't think these are good ways to answer that question. First of all, they are a lie, and secondly they raise more questions instead of providing answers. I would be very suspicious of such vague answers. The answer probably depends on the culture or person assessing the candidate (voting to close), but personally I would be perfectly happy with an honest answer, even if it breaks the "number one rule" (No idea who made that rule, but I disagree).
– louic
Nov 24 at 8:56
I don't think these are good ways to answer that question. First of all, they are a lie, and secondly they raise more questions instead of providing answers. I would be very suspicious of such vague answers. The answer probably depends on the culture or person assessing the candidate (voting to close), but personally I would be perfectly happy with an honest answer, even if it breaks the "number one rule" (No idea who made that rule, but I disagree).
– louic
Nov 24 at 8:56
And of the linked answers from the workplace, one is “it was obvious I would not reach my full potential” so that meets your criteria then??
– Solar Mike
Nov 24 at 9:31
And of the linked answers from the workplace, one is “it was obvious I would not reach my full potential” so that meets your criteria then??
– Solar Mike
Nov 24 at 9:31
1
1
I am the OP. First, everyone thanks for your response. Unfortunately “Looking for further or different opportunities” or “It was obvious I would not reach my full potential” is hard to explain since I reached a full professor rank just before the chair got unhinged. But I could not take the bullying that lasted very long time. And he created a whole gang to do the dirty job.
– user2712329
Nov 24 at 10:26
I am the OP. First, everyone thanks for your response. Unfortunately “Looking for further or different opportunities” or “It was obvious I would not reach my full potential” is hard to explain since I reached a full professor rank just before the chair got unhinged. But I could not take the bullying that lasted very long time. And he created a whole gang to do the dirty job.
– user2712329
Nov 24 at 10:26
@louic I am not sure how to ask for this question to be taken off hold. I am asking you because your name is up there. I am not sure how I can contact you for that directly so I am asking here. How do I ask to make this question active again? I tried to address some of the issues people raised.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:45
@louic I am not sure how to ask for this question to be taken off hold. I am asking you because your name is up there. I am not sure how I can contact you for that directly so I am asking here. How do I ask to make this question active again? I tried to address some of the issues people raised.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:45
@user2712329 Once you edited your question the moderators will look at it and if it has enough votes (within 5 days) to re-open it will be re-opened. This is also how questions get closed: it needs quite a few close votes before it gets closed.
– louic
Nov 25 at 8:37
@user2712329 Once you edited your question the moderators will look at it and if it has enough votes (within 5 days) to re-open it will be re-opened. This is also how questions get closed: it needs quite a few close votes before it gets closed.
– louic
Nov 25 at 8:37
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Last year was a particularly stressful period for my family, so despite a successful career in blah… blah… and an optimal rapport with colleagues, [if they weren't at all involved in the mobbing] it was just the right time for me to look further afield and begin a new chapter in my life.
The stressful period you suffered also affected your family, so that is telling the truth and explains why a change was necessary.
answered Nov 24 at 19:20
Mari-Lou A
15216
He might have read the paper on mobbing by Heinz Leymann because he used almost all the attacks on the list. So yes, I was victim of mobbing the way Heinz Leymann defined it.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:33
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Last year was a particularly stressful period for my family, so despite a successful career in blah… blah… and an optimal rapport with colleagues, [if they weren't at all involved in the mobbing] it was just the right time for me to look further afield and begin a new chapter in my life.
The stressful period you suffered also affected your family, so that is telling the truth and explains why a change was necessary.
answered Nov 24 at 19:20
Mari-Lou A
15216
He might have read the paper on mobbing by Heinz Leymann because he used almost all the attacks on the list. So yes, I was victim of mobbing the way Heinz Leymann defined it.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:33
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Last year was a particularly stressful period for my family, so despite a successful career in blah… blah… and an optimal rapport with colleagues, [if they weren't at all involved in the mobbing] it was just the right time for me to look further afield and begin a new chapter in my life.
The stressful period you suffered also affected your family, so that is telling the truth and explains why a change was necessary.
answered Nov 24 at 19:20
Mari-Lou A
15216
Last year was a particularly stressful period for my family, so despite a successful career in blah… blah… and an optimal rapport with colleagues, [if they weren't at all involved in the mobbing] it was just the right time for me to look further afield and begin a new chapter in my life.
The stressful period you suffered also affected your family, so that is telling the truth and explains why a change was necessary.
answered Nov 24 at 19:20
Mari-Lou A
15216
answered Nov 24 at 19:20
Mari-Lou A
15216
answered Nov 24 at 19:20
Mari-Lou A
15216
answered Nov 24 at 19:20
Mari-Lou A
15216
15216
He might have read the paper on mobbing by Heinz Leymann because he used almost all the attacks on the list. So yes, I was victim of mobbing the way Heinz Leymann defined it.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:33
add a comment |
He might have read the paper on mobbing by Heinz Leymann because he used almost all the attacks on the list. So yes, I was victim of mobbing the way Heinz Leymann defined it.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:33
He might have read the paper on mobbing by Heinz Leymann because he used almost all the attacks on the list. So yes, I was victim of mobbing the way Heinz Leymann defined it.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:33
He might have read the paper on mobbing by Heinz Leymann because he used almost all the attacks on the list. So yes, I was victim of mobbing the way Heinz Leymann defined it.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:33
add a comment |
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I suggest that you also take a look at the questions The Workplace; they have a lot of good advice when it comes to interviews. For instance, with a quick search I could find workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/4056 and workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/106519 .
– Federico Poloni
Nov 24 at 9:05
4
I think some cultural context would help here - in what part of the world are you applying for jobs? My experience in the US is that "why are you leaving" is a question that is not usually asked. On the flip side, letters of recommendation are also important here, and it is pretty common for recommenders to address reasons why the applicant is on the market; coming from a more "neutral" third party, it can be more credible.
– Nate Eldredge
Nov 24 at 16:44
I would be a little more specific, but approach the answer from the standpoint that the environment made it difficult to achieve success.
– Stuart
Nov 24 at 19:58
1
I request that this question is reopened. This question is extremely important to me and seems like some people do have some knowledge on this issue that I would like to hear. I have clarified some of the issues that were raised about my question. I added information based on the comments asking for more information. I clarified some issues that I felt were misunderstood. I had no weapons to be jerk and to attack the chair, or to deny him information (information flows from the top), or to steal his classes, or to exclude him from a committee or to steal his course materials.
– user2712329
Nov 25 at 1:12
Yeah, I think your edits made it much more academic-oriented. Voting to reopen; I also modified your post a bit to make it more readable; feel free to edit if I messed anything up.
– cag51
Nov 25 at 8:28