Help! Advice needed.

Idioteque

Ok, there's a lot here so I'll try and trim it down as much as possible!...
I had been working in sales in a certain industry for the last 3 years. I was promoted twice within that time with the most recent promotion being to the position of Business Account Manager. I was doing very well in the position for the 5 months I'd begun the role, however the working environment was terrible and staff turnover around 80%. Now, I'd decided to grit my teeth and bear it so I could get at least 1 yrs experience in my new role. However, the new boss was a very difficult individual to work with and many people had quit because of him. In my last month a few of the other BAM's were not performing well and rather than tackle them directly the new boss brought in new procedures for everyone which were ridiculous!(to the point where they have a serious detrimental affect on my existing corp clients) I sat down with him and constructively aired my grivences with him. I told him that if I was left to continue as I had been, I would achieve my target every month - his answer was basically 'my way or the highway'...and so I quit....that was 2 months ago. I'd made a fair bit of money and basically enjoyed myself for the last while but feel now is the time to get back working.

My problem is this....
1.How do I explain my reason for leaving to a new employer when most tips say not to speak negitively about your past employer?
2.The previous Boss says he will give me a glowing reference(justified!) which is great, however he left just before my recent promotion and so can't really back up the accomplisments I have on my CV.I really don't want to use the new boss as I know how vindictive he can be.
3.Do I have to have my sales figures even though contractually they were supposed to be confidential?
4.How should I explain not working for the last few months?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

The Hill Billy

Idioteque wrote:

1.How do I explain my reason for leaving to a new employer when most tips say not to speak negitively about your past employer?
2.The previous Boss says he will give me a glowing reference(justified!) which is great, however he left just before my recent promotion and so can't really back up the accomplisments I have on my CV.I really don't want to use the new boss as I know how vindictive he can be.
3.Do I have to have my sales figures even though contractually they were supposed to be confidential?
4.How should I explain not working for the last few months?

1. You could say that you thought that you would explore more exciting opportunities in the market & felt that the old company couldn't provide the scope for what you had envisaged. (Or some waffle like that.)
2. Still give your previous Boss as a referee. If asked "Why not the new Boss?" tell them that you work under your previous boss for a longer period & that they would be better able to comment on your abilities.
3. Confidential means confidential. You could refer to percentage increases in your sales without providing actual figures.
4. You took time off to spend time thinking about Point 1.

Idioteque

Great, Thanks for the advice!

waximus

Hey,

This is what Id do. Im a Sales Rep as well. Your only out of work two months so you can still pretend that your with your previous company. The advantage to that is that they cannot approach the company for a reference or they could jepordise your job. If ur still out of work in 6 months use the old I went traveling trick. Just pick somewhere your familiar with.