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I just read your response to the person at the small paper considering leaving after a short stint there. I'm in a similar situation, and I have a follow-up question.

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How do you address a short stay in either a cover letter or during an interview? Should one be honest and explain why the current newspaper is not a good fit, or is there a professional courtesy in not speaking ill of an employer, especially if you are still working there? If the editors at the paper you are trying to leave are not listed as references, can you expect them to be contacted about why one of their reporters may be trying to leave after a few months?

Thanks, Joe. Your column has been a great help.

Wanting to Look Around

A lot of what I know about job hunting came from Mama Grimm:

"Chew with your mouth closed."

Joe Grimm

"Be on time."

And, of course, "If you can't say anything good about someone, don't say anything."

Do not explain on a resume or cover letter why you want to leave an employer after a short stint. It does not need to be part of a permanent record. Keep it brief, and keep it verbal.

Yes, do expect prospective employers to want to talk to a reference at your current employer. They will not ask why you want to leave, though. They will ask how good you are.

And don't forget to wash behind your ears.

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Coming Wednesday: Great job, great boss, but this journalist yearns to work overseas.

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