We've all been there, haven't we?
Sitting in a stuffy interview room, clutching a CV that's been polished to within an inch of its life, trying to explain to yet another potential employer why you left your last job.
And let's be honest, it’s a question that often comes with a heavy dose of dread. Because while it's easy enough to say you left for "career growth"or "new opportunities,"the real reasons are often far more entertaining and, let's face it, utterly baffling.
Which leads us to one of the greatest joys of recruitment: discovering the most bizarre, outrageous, and downright hilarious 'Reasons for Leaving' that candidates have dared to put on their CVs.
Sure, they might not always be the wisest choice for securing gainful employment, but they do make for excellent watercooler conversation for the rest of us.
1. The Brutally Honest
Let's kick things off with the candidates who decided honesty was the best policy. Bold, brave, and often hilariously misguided.
One particularly memorable CV simply stated:
"Left because my boss was a complete idiot."
Well, at least they're not beating around the bush.
Another gem:
"The job was boring, and I wanted to see if I could find something less terrible."
Can’t fault them for their ambition, I suppose.
2. The Epic Quest
Every so often, you stumble across a CV that reads less like a job application and more like the opening chapter of a fantasy novel.
Like the candidate who wrote:
"I embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery."
Which sounds very impressive until you realise it was code for, "I went backpacking around Southeast Asia until my savings ran out."
And then there was:
"I left to follow my dreams."
Wonderful! Though it might have been helpful to mention what those dreams were.
3. The Mundane Made Magical
Some reasons for leaving are so delightfully mundane that they almost become magical.
For instance:
"Moved on due to incompatibility with the office coffee."
Ah yes, the great coffee conundrum. A struggle as old as time itself.
Another classic:
"Left due to excessive air conditioning."
Because when faced with sub-zero temperatures in July, sometimes the only rational choice is to flee.
4. The Family Drama
Sometimes, candidates bring a little family drama into their reasons for leaving. Because who doesn’t love airing their dirty laundry on a professional document?
One example simply said:
"Had to leave due to a family feud."
And my personal favourite:
"Mother-in-law moved in."
Neither of these need further explanation. We can all read between the lines.
5. The Outlandish Adventures
These are the reasons that make you do a double-take, wondering if you’ve accidentally stumbled upon someone’s novel-in-progress.
Like the time a CV stated:
"Left to pursue a career as a trapeze artist."
An admirable leap of faith, quite literally.
Or the baffling:
"I was made redundant after the company’s office cat fell ill."
We’re still trying to figure that one out.
6. The Unexpected Honesty
And then, occasionally, you find a reason that’s so unexpectedly honest, it’s almost charming:
"I left because I won the lottery."
Well, fair play. If I had a sudden influx of cash, I’d probably be halfway to a private island too.
Another noble contender:
"I left because I was tired of pretending I enjoyed spreadsheets."
You and me both, mate.
7. The Unintentional Comedy Gold
Sometimes, the humor comes not from what was said, but from how it was said:
"I outgrew the company."
Which is a nice way of saying "dress code no longer accommodated my newfound love of Hawaiian shirts."
And then there’s:
"My hamster died."
We’re not entirely sure how this prompted a career change, but we’re intrigued nonetheless.
Need to Recruit Without the Drama?
If you’re tired of navigating the weird and wonderful world of CVs and ‘Reasons for Leaving,’ then perhaps it’s time to pass the baton.
At Coburg Banks, we’re experts at separating the genuinely promising candidates from the ones who’ve left five jobs due to caffeine-related incidents.
So if you need to recruit without the comedy of errors, get in touch. We’ll make sure your new hires are the right fit for your company – no trapeze experience required.
