What should I state as "Reason for Leaving" my last job on a job application?

Tell them that you want to be able to put in more time and effort at the job, not time and effort getting to the job. Most employers will appreciate having employees that live closer to their office. It means that you're likely to put in more time at the office, and are more likely to be punctual.

Since you put commute first, I assume that's the biggest reason you left. But whatever the biggest reason was, go with that.

Example 1: A combination of reasons including a longer than normal daily commute (50 miles each way), as well as the need to miss an entire day of work due to recurring doctor's appointments, and a change in the workplace environment all contributed to my leaving. I will be glad to explain further in person.

Example 2: There were a variety of reasons which I will be glad to explain during an interview, however, generally I just felt I needed ______________ (a. a change) (b. to work closer to home).

By including that you are open to explaining the precise details in person says that there is a reason, however there isn't room to write it on the application and it would be hard to synthesize down to a couple of sentences.

Tell the truth. Tell them it was a workers compensation issue, or that because of an injury they decided to let you go because they didn't want to wait until you had healed. In part, this is true. I would seek assistance as to how the prospective company does handle, or view, those who have filed against workers compensation. So far as a bad reference goes, that is also illegal. The best that an employer can do is to say that you did work there and for how long. Beyond that makes them liable for lible. If your accident was caused by faulty equipment, or a bad decision on their part, like your boss told you to climb up on something knowing full well that you could fall, then it is their fault. I suggest that you also consider filing actions against them for violating laws that pertain to what they can, and can not say about a previous employee. A good place ,beside whom you are dealing with now for the legal action, would be the state attorney general. One point, did you have ANY kind of training that covered the work you were doing and any kind of safety rules that would pertain to it. If you did, then they may have recourse to say that you had been trained as to what was safe, and ignored company policy such that the accident was your fault. The opposite side of that, if you have co-workers ready to stand up and say, yes we had this training, but we all know and testify that the company ignores the training and makes us do what is unsafe anyway, or lose our job, then you have a possible defense.

If I were you, I wouldn't feel it necessary to state either of your real reasons for leaving your last job but instead go with the "looking for more growth opportunities" or something general like that. Never NEVER Ever say anything about medical issues during an interview. Eventhough they are under control & they are not supposed to hold it against you, it will be.

Just blame it on the economy. 50 miles from and 50 miles back for a job shows dedication. Let your future employer know that you are willing to go the extra miles but the gas price was too much for your budget. This is fact and we all know that gas price jump from $2.oo to $3.75per.

You said: Huge commute (50 miles each way), wanted work closer to home.

I would state the commute issue ONLY--that alone is a good reason to leave a job.

Say that the DAILY drive was too much for you. You aren't going to conferences everyday, are you?

I would say something like you were looking to grow in your field and did not feel that your last job offered room for you to do so. And that you feel that this new business that you are applying for seems to have real opportunity growth.

Good luck.

Just let them know that you felt there was no room for grow with your former employer... be sure to let them know that you are looking for a job where you can grow and be part of a great company... that has worked for me before...