Hi everyone- I recently quit my job due to an incredibly toxic work environment. I work in Finance in a predominantly male workplace and I’m leaving due to gender workplace harassment. I’m wondering what type of messaging you would use when recruiting and interviewing for new jobs if you’re asked why you left? Also, due my negative recent work experience, working at a company with a female presence in the future is important to me. Would you voice that in interviews and when networking?

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I’m so sorry you had this awful experience- I’ve been there. 😔 My recommendation is NOT to present the “personal/family reasons” narrative, especially when it isn’t true. It can send the message that you can’t balance all of your priorities and ultimately decided your career was the least important- not a good look to a hiring manager.

Instead, consider sharing one of the following:
1. You loved the opportunities that you had access to in your last role and executed with excellence, but due to internal culture concerns, you had to set boundaries that led to your voluntary departure. Then parlay that into a question about the hiring company’s culture. (Power move!)
2. You won’t say a bad thing about your former employer, but you reached a point where your need for workplace safety/healthy working environment was not being met. Given the state of the industry, you knew you’d be able to identify a fantastic fit elsewhere and you weren’t willing to remain in place in the meantime. (You boss!!)

Best of luck to you, and congrats for saying no to toxicity!

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Like this idea- thank you!

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I would just say you left to take a personal break/visit family and ready to take on next step in terms of responsibility. And there is no need to bring up the gender issue during interview. The kind of people you want to work for: good at mentoring, diligent and hold high standards, are likely too busy to keep up with the e DEI terminologies.

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Hello everyone, this bowl is just the start. We will make it big. Request you to stay here after joining. Meanwhile, do share this in your network. It would be a great help.

Till the time this bowl is growing, you can post confessions, advice, requests etc.

Use the format:
Age, Gender[M,F or any other]
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