How to explain short tenure at first job in interviews?

Question

Recently, I left my first company after working there for about a year. While I completed a major project during my time there, I ultimately decided to leave because of irreconcilable issues with my manager.

The situation was challenging - I never clicked with my manager despite my efforts, and the workplace atmosphere felt outright hostile. I received zero positive feedback from my manager throughout my tenure, and any negative feedback was unconstructive - just criticism without actionable improvement areas, as I understand a manager is supposed to do. I felt like staying longer would lead to burnout and potentially damage the good work I'd accomplished. Thus, I timed my departure right after completing my project to leave on a professional note and maintain a positive impression.

Now I'm unemployed, and have heard a major backlash from family and colleagues, and also that leaving a first job so quickly looks bad on a résumé. This feedback has me second-guessing my decision.

So my real question is: Did I make the right call, or should I have toughed it out longer? Also, how should I frame it in an upcoming interview without throwing my former employer under the bus?

Alex Chiou · Accepted Answer

1 year for your very first job isn't too bad. After that though, you should try to stay for 2 years at least at every job.

So my real question is: Did I make the right call, or should I have toughed it out longer?

It's a tough call. If it was seriously affecting your mental health, leaving was the right call. But in terms of where and when you draw the line, it's hard to quantify. In a vacuum, I would recommend junior engineers spend at least 1.5 years at their first job to be safe, but careers often don't follow the picture-perfect path as I'm sure you know.

Also, how should I frame it in an upcoming interview without throwing my former employer under the bus?

I would frame it as not being a good fit. This makes it seem like it was more of a mutual thing vs. you just complaining about your manager. Even if your manager was at fault 90%+ of the time, companies won't know that obviously as they weren't in the room. If your narrative during the behavioral interview comes across as constant complaining, most companies will refuse to hire you as they will fear that you are a drama queen/king.

How to explain short tenure at first job in interviews?

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