NFT: How to handle a certain interview question - advice needed

Seriously I don't believe there is a problem saying they misled you on the day to day responsibilities of the job and you are looking for something similar to what you were doing at Verizon.

Its that this new role is perfect for me.....

Tell them why this new opportunity at this company is best for you.

In comment 14590349 Zeke's Alibi said:

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Seriously I don't believe there is a problem saying they misled you on the day to day responsibilities of the job and you are looking for something similar to what you were doing at Verizon.

I wouldn't hesitate to say exactly this, but I'd say it diplomatically.

In comment 14590355 rnargi said:

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In comment 14590349 Zeke's Alibi said: Quote: Seriously I don't believe there is a problem saying they misled you on the day to day responsibilities of the job and you are looking for something similar to what you were doing at Verizon. I wouldn't hesitate to say exactly this, but I'd say it diplomatically.

Yeah its not like its the first time a smaller company misled people on job description to get someone in the door.


And I think you have to acknowledge it, some other posters said just concentrate that you really want this job. Well what if their is a job in 3 months that's the job you really, really want. I think you need to address the elephant in the room.

(insert reason here) ... and then tell them you loved your last job but life's circumstances brought you to where you are right now.

Then finish with this offer - "either your signature or your brains will be on the the signing offer letter but, this will be resolved today."

I tried ending an interview with that closing line once but, they called security and had me thrown out ... I guess I didn't sell it well enough and they called my bluff?


seriously ... Good Luck Tom.

something along the lines of

"I'm aware of how this looks to leave my current job after such a brief period of time. But I am not a jumper. I am an expert in software operations who relocated to Charlotte and only accepted my current position only because of a now-clear misunderstanding as to the role and functions.

And so I am willing to assume the professional risk because this long-term opportunity with Google is the ideal role for me. It matches my expertise. It is the work I want to do, the work I did back in NY, and the work I thought I was signing up for with my current employer."

I do agree that I have to address it. I am trying to find like someone said a more diplomatic response.

Maybe something like this.. might be a little wordy..

"While I appreciate the opportunity with xyzsoftware. After working there for 3 weeks the job that I accepted and the job that I am performing are not even remotely the same. With that said I appreciate and embrace change in my role at any company. Change was the very essence and necessity of my holding positions at Verizon for 31 years. The FTTH field is moving very fast and that is what I enjoyed the most about it. I always thought that the job you accept should at least be the job you perform."

In comment 14590380 PaulBlakeTSU said:

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something along the lines of "I'm aware of how this looks to leave my current job after such a brief period of time. But I am not a jumper. I am an expert in software operations who relocated to Charlotte and only accepted my current position only because of a now-clear misunderstanding as to the role and functions. And so I am willing to assume the professional risk because this long-term opportunity with Google is the ideal role for me. It matches my expertise. It is the work I want to do, the work I did back in NY, and the work I thought I was signing up for with my current employer."

I like yours better than mine... lol

Thanks!

frame the new opportunity as just that - a nw opportunity that fits your goals

In comment 14590372 short lease said:

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(insert reason here) ... and then tell them you loved your last job but life's circumstances brought you to where you are right now. Then finish with this offer - "either your signature or your brains will be on the the signing offer letter but, this will be resolved today." I tried ending an interview with that closing line once but, they called security and had me thrown out ... I guess I didn't sell it well enough and they called my bluff? seriously ... Good Luck Tom.

LOL.. I would be stupid enough to do that!

I am like Michael Scott when Pam tells him he has a call and she lets him do the practice run of answering before she puts the call through.. lol

say this (in quotes below). You sound like a complainer and as a hiring manager I think it would reflect poorly on you, even if the company misled you. I wouldn't hire you if you answered it this way in an interview with me. and why are you looking to leave is a bullshit question - one where no one cares about the answer or more it can't help you, but it can hurt you if you answer like you are suggesting.

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....the job that I accepted and the job that I am performing are not even remotely the same....

Just focus on the positive, you have admired Google for a long time, you love the innovation and the fact they are one of the most important companies on the planet - or some happy horseshit like this.

I'd say absolutely NOTHING negative about your current employer.

In comment 14590387 DC Gmen Fan said:

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frame the new opportunity as just that - a nw opportunity that fits your goals

Great advice! Thanks!

because you need to do a few things

1. Indicate that you understand the gravity of leaving a new job after only 3 weeks
(hence why I suggest acknowledging your willingness to take that risk)

2. Indicate that you aren't going to bolt from the prospective employer in a short period of time if a better opportunity comes up (stressing the long-term aspects of Google and throwing in your 31 years at Verizon-- you are not a "jumper")

3. Not bad-mouth your current employer
(try to find a tactful way to focus it being a "misunderstanding" of the role and funtions. And if you highlight your expertise in your field while bringing up that there was a misunderstanding of the job roles, then the subtext is that it puts the culpability on the current job without you having to explicitly blame them)

In comment 14590352 George from PA said:

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Its that this new role is perfect for me.....

This. Always this.

If they press you on "why so soon" you can tell the truth but mix it with some positive things:

- I like the company. The people are great.
- I like the work. I LOVE working in this field.
- The work content is not as challenging as I expected. Work is very important to me. I'm happy to do any kind of work but I'm happiest when the work is difficult.

Good luck.

In comment 14590403 markky said:

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In comment 14590352 George from PA said: Quote: Its that this new role is perfect for me..... This. Always this. If they press you on "why so soon" you can tell the truth but mix it with some positive things: - I like the company. The people are great. - I like the work. I LOVE working in this field. - The work content is not as challenging as I expected. Work is very important to me. I'm happy to do any kind of work but I'm happiest when the work is difficult. Good luck.

Thanks great advice!

Even if your previous employer was awful.

"My current employer offered me a great opportunity, and I've gained a lot of valuable experience in my short time there, but I feel that Google Fiber much better aligns with my ultimate career goals and what I would like to do as I progress forward".

I didn’t think I would leave, and probably wouldn’t for any other position, but this opportunity is a perfect fit for me. This is exactly what I want to be doing.

Thank you!

I agree with the not bad mouthing the current or any previous employer.

I know this will come up and the advice given here is going to be extremely helpful!

Would it be prudent to mention I never had intentions to leave this company but I received an email alert from linkedin for an opportunity with Google Fiber, a company and product that I hold in high regard, I felt like to try land this opportunity.

31 years at Verizon, you definitely won't be seen as a jumper and they'll be able to put two and two together as to why you are leaving your last job so fast.

keep it simple

to you, and give concrete examples. Ask them to verify that the job you are interviewing for doesn’t include those job descriptions. I think they will understand. Good luck!

the person doing the interview, any position at that level, it should have been incumbent upon you to nail down the specifics of what the position entailed. It doesn't appear that you did that. Now if they told you that the position was exactly what you wanted and that was untruthful then that's your out.

In comment 14590488 Jimmy Googs said:

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keep it simple

Thats right, tell them its all about the Benjamins

Blast the interviewer in the butt to assert authority.

it may be obvious that they will ask but don't pre-emptively address it. The hiring manager may need somebody badly (the job market is good!) and not want to bring up negatives anymore than you do.

but an opportunity with a flagship company with a culture like Google doesn't come along often and is too good an opportunity to pass up...

You did nothing wrong. Your a talented technologist with management experience and your time at Verizon shows you were a very valued employee. 31 years! I would highly doubt this company or any would see a negative.

Turn it into a positive. You made a big change in your life and recognized the opportunity was not maximizing your ability to have the type of impact you want to have for a company.

Rather than continue in the role you are exploring opportunities and this time you are going to better ensure the responsibilities are accurately represented. Maybe you can add in you rally had no experience in changing jobs but are now better prepared.

Hopefully you discussed this with your current employer as sometimes things can work out. If not, you want to still interview from a position of strength. Why not try to get a salary bump as well? Your not out of work. Worse case you stay where you are and it is up to them to entice you imo.

Explain that the job responsibilities as you were led to believe they would be turned out to be a missed communication. Don't place blame.Just explain that you have a set of skills that you were disappointed to discover are not consistent with what you are doing at your current job, but seem to line up perfectly with the new offer.

for no wack ass bitches.

“I’m excited for the opportunity I have before me, but working for Google Fiber has been a dream ever since you guys got into the game. I’m a huge fan of how you’ve innovative in the space (give some examples here). I can’t wait to make an impact with such a great team. Can you tell me more about (insert good questions here)?”

What ever you do, don’t try to explain why you’re looking after three weeks at a no. In politics, if you’re explaining, you’re losing. Don’t explain why you’re looking after just three weeks. Just be positive, highlight your accomplishments and enthusiasm and ask a lot of questions.