Cover letter question

[tiff211]

I have been at my job since the beginnning of October and while the pay is good and the job itself is not bad, the commute is horrible and the hours don't work for me. When I got the job, I was told I could choose between 8:30-5:30 or 9-6, but when I started I was told 9-6. I would not have accepted the position if I had been told up front. But I figured I would give it a chance and for the past 2 months I have been assessing the situation. My whole department leaves by 5-5:15 including the people I assist (I am a senior AA), once they are gone, I really have nothing to do. I think twice, someone stayed later and asked for help but there are other AA's that work the later shift just in case. Getting off at 6, I don't get home until 7:15-7:30 most nights. I have been sneaking out at 5;45 and that gets me home at 7. I get home to kiss my baby as her bedtime is 7 and Dh tries to keep her up until I get there but when he does that she is so cranky, she doesn't want to deal with me. I explained when I took this job that I needed a place of work that understood my kids come first.

So, this morning, I explained to my boss everything I just said and she said she thought it would be okay but she had to run it by the office administrator who is in charge of the whole admin group. She called me back about an hour ago and told me she said no but we could revisit it the beginning of the year. If I was bored that last hour to study for the microsoft tests were are required to take. To me, that makes no sense and shows that this company does not believe in work/life balance. I do not love the job anyway so have decided to move on. Hopefully, I will find something with better hours and closer than an hour and a half commute. Not worth it for an admin position IMO!

So, I already found a couple of positions I would like to apply for but I need what to say on my cover letter and also in the case of interviews as to why I am leaving after such a short time?

 

[tiff211]

anyone?

 

[mtemm]

I wouldn't explain it in the cover letter, but in an interview if it comes up, you can honestly say there was a shift in the hours, that it was supposed to be a, but ended up being b and that doesn't work for you.

 

[azgal81]

I wouldn't put it in the cover letter but it will probably come up in the interview. I don't think that's something that really goes in a cover letter.

 

[alliecats]

I agree--this doesn't belong on your cover letter. Good luck!

 

[ChibiJones]

Conventionally wisdom says you absolutely should not put anything in your cover letter about why you are leaving your current job. Your cover letter should focus on what value you can provide to the company, not focusing on what the company can offer you. No personal problems of any sort should be in your cover letter.

For the interview, keep it vague. Maybe something like your talents weren't being utilized to their fullest. At that point, it's probably be fine to say the commute ended up being too long.

I would avoid saying anything directly negative about the old company in this situation (like how they changed the schedule on you). A 1/2 hour change isn't that big, and 6pm is a pretty standard quitting time. Talking about it would probably reflect more negatively on you than it would on your current employer.

 

[juligrl]

Agreeing with other posters - don't put it in your cover letter. If it comes up in the interview do discuss, otherwise, leave it out.

 

[mickeyboat]

I agree with the masses.

Denae

 

[tiff211]

Thanks! Wasn't thinking, definitely should not be mentioned in my cover letter!

 

[Poohnatic]

Look at a cover letter as selling yourself to a prospective employer. You want them to know you why you're the perfect person to fill the position, and back it up with what experience you have.

The question will come up in your interview why you wish to leave the current job. I think the fact that you were told the hours would be earlier than they turned out to be is fine. Stick to the facts and you'll be fine.

Good luck!

Suzanne