I am curious as to how you market yourself to prospective employers or answer the question about why you are leaving your current position after being there for a relatively short period of time. Do they ask why you have been there for only x amount of time as well?

I’ve learned so much about myself and the workplace at my current job and I’m ready to reach out for something more…but I don’t want to look like a liability that might peace out in a year. I’m also nowhere near as high up on the totem pole as you, I’m still in the bottom feeder world but working to make it higher someday. Thanks!

My current employer has a bad reputation in the industry, so it’s expected and understood when someone is leaving. Fortunately for me, I was never asked and didn’t have to explain. However, if I were asked, I had several canned answers that focused on my career goals. Then I was going to elaborate on how I could accomplish those goals by working for the potential employer. The trick is knowing more than a little bit about the organization, understanding their mission, and – most importantly – demonstrating how your goals can benefit them. [-SM]