Applying for a new job

Hi Jovis,

I think you've answered your own question, really. You're quite entitled to downplay the job but you did sign up for something that, very quickly, has gone sour.

So it shows you can be decisive (when something doesn't work, you take a decision and act on it) and it shows you're not afraid to take some risks (and ALL hiring involves risks). But it also shows you maybe need to do more homework/ask different questions/be more demanding at job interviews (delete as appropriate). So, two positives and one area of learning - not a disaster. Add in your genuine enthusiasm and ambition for this new opportunity (which wasn't available when you were considering the current position) and focus on expressing that, it's far more important and effective.

I'd include the role, briefly, and prepare a short answer about it not working out. I would avoid any sort of blame, or bad mouthing, and let the recruiter draw their own conclusions about you, your energy, your enthusiasm and the preparation you've done for this application. If that's all good, then you won't have anything to worry about.

Good luck

Matt

You haven't left, correct?  So if you're just sending in an application, isn't there an option to say you are still there?

You also might want to think about whether you're starting a full-blown job search or whether you just saw a job listing and have "buyer's remorse."  If you're not starting a full search, your explanation might ring hollow (all the attributes Matt explained would be consistent with a full search).  I can't say for sure whether you can get what you need at your current employer.  Almost every company has HR/OB/leadership/people roles, but I don't know exactly why you've concluded you can't get what you need.  As an outsider -- with just the information you've provided -- it kind of sounds like you just wish you were working for a larger and more prestigious company.  Make sure your explanation is specific, but of course not disparaging to your current employer.  Any vague answer will sound evasive and fishy, and possibly sound like the company is pushing you out.

If you're sure you can't get what you want in your current position, then think about the other 200 people also applying for this job and realize your search may involve more than just this one application before the process is through.  In the meantime, continue to produce results in your current role.  You might have reasonably not done much in 1-2 months, but if this process takes 6-12 months then recruiters will be looking for more substantial accomplishments.

To specifically address your question, you should include your current job (on both resume and application).  Goal #1 is to get an interview.  That is the resume's purpose, but obviously you can't put anything on your resume about why you're leaving.  You could possibly put something carefully worded on your cover letter, but the main purpose of the cover letter is to get the recruiter to read your resume, not to draw attention to a potential weakness.  So think about them reading the cover letter first -- and possibly never reading your resume if there isn't something compelling them along.  I'm afraid I can't claim to be the right wordsmith for that -- really depends on your specific background and how it matches the job description -- but my 2 cents on the strategy.