I just started a new job four weeks ago in an accounting department. I do not like what I see. Their sales are strong, but they are losing money because they aren’t controlling expenses. For example, the owner needed parts, so he sent me and another employee to a local retail establishment to buy — at retail price — our product instead of ordering them from the factory for a fraction of the cost. My dilemma isn’t whether I’m going to leave — I’ve already started sending out resumes and have some initial phone interviews — it’s this: How do I explain to potential employers why I’m leaving this company so quickly?
That’s a novel way to boost retail sales! Did you ever stop to think that maybe the owner was testing you? I know a guy who owns a small business and will regularly test new workers for honesty (or intelligence) by either leaving some cash around or asking them to perform a business task that didn’t make any sense just to see if they would hesitate, question it, or blindly follow orders. Maybe you were hired to point out more efficient ways to run the business. So before you bail, it’s worth having a discussion with your boss. If you don’t like what you hear, then at least you can say to a new employer that the job was not as advertised, you tried to address problems immediately with no success, and subsequently didn’t want to waste their time or yours by each investing in the other. Otherwise, a new employer might question your decision and what it says about you for leaving quickly.
My internship is ending and I heard some interns talking about buying a gift for their boss. This seems blatant butt-kissing to get invited back. Do I need to do this to get ahead?
I’ve hired thousands of interns in my career and I’ve never received a gift, nor would I want one, unless it was a Linzer tart. Seriously, a thank-you note is all that is required. A harmless sweet treat would be fine, but it’s not going to seal the deal for a return ticket. How you have performed this summer, plus staying in touch throughout the year to reiterate your interest, is all you need for the best shot at coming back.
Gregory Giangrande is a chief human resources and communications officer in the media industry. E-mail your career questions to gotogreg@nypost.com. Follow Greg on Twitter: @greggiangrande. His Go to Greg podcast series is available at iTunes.
