Never "badmouth" a prior employer (employee, job application, interview)

[Reneeme]

I know the rule is to never "badmouth" a prior boss or prior employer, and I even know of a candidate who we (old company) did not hire because the candidate talked badly about their job.

However, are there ever exceptions?

The reason I am asking, is because once I was asked to resign from a job, and when I am asked why I left that job, I say that the job was “not a good fit.” However, the person who was my boss was a complete bully, and I just found out, she is known in the industry as a bully. She did many things to make sure I would fail, and she did a good job of it.

By saying the job was not a good fit, I am making myself look bad, when it actuality, there was more to it than just not a good fit (and as a side note, this job was not my most recent job, and I only worked there for 6 weeks, so sometimes it does not come up at all).

Is there anything else I can say when asked in interviews (or on job applications)? Also, what about the question “were you ever asked to resign?” I answer “yes”, but of course, I do not get called for an interview (this question is rare but has come up).

Thanks!


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[annerk]

I wouldn't even mention a job I had only worked at for six weeks.

If for some reason it does come up, and the boss is widely known as a bully, then the answer you are giving is a good one. People aren't stupid, they know how to read between the lines, and you'll look good for being diplomatic.

[Chatteress]

Originally Posted by annerk

I wouldn't even mention a job I had only worked at for six weeks.

If for some reason it does come up, and the boss is widely known as a bully, then the answer you are giving is a good one. People aren't stupid, they know how to read between the lines, and you'll look good for being diplomatic.

I second this. Regardless of what type of reputation this employer has, you will only make yourself look better by staying diplomatic and keeping things positive. I also agree with Annerk about not mentioning this short-term job. My first two jobs out of college was a one-day telemarketing job and a 3 week computer tech support position - Neither position ever made it on my resume or job applications.

[Reneeme]

Originally Posted by annerk

I wouldn't even mention a job I had only worked at for six weeks.

If for some reason it does come up, and the boss is widely known as a bully, then the answer you are giving is a good one. People aren't stupid, they know how to read between the lines, and you'll look good for being diplomatic.

Thanks Annerk (and Chatteress), that makes sense.

I try to avoid mentioning that job, however, sometimes they ask why I went from job A to job B, and the reason is because of that 6 week job. If I do not say that I took a job that was "not a good fit", it's hard to give a logical honest sounding answer (I switched the type of job after that 6 week job, and due to job availability, I am now trying to get back into the original type of job). I also had an employment gap in between A and B.

The question also comes up on job applications, and I list everything. If someone googled my name, they will see that I worked at that 6 week job, sigh.

Anyway, I will keep saying "not good fit" and see if I can get better at avoiding bringing it up on my own.

[nicet4]

Somethings you learn with age.

Never badmouth anyone or disparage another company. Remember everyone lives in a glass house and what comes around goes around.

I've noticed a number of times over the last year people asking if they can sue for this or that employment discrimination. Are you nuts? If you sue make sure you will win and win big enough, this is after the lawyer takes his cut, to where you will never have to work again because you probably won't. Computers never forget anything.

Only idiots write things about work on facebook or other social networking site.

Never burn bridges and always be kind to everyone. Do something nice to make work more pleasant for everyone you work with both people above and below you.

Doesn't have to be something big perhaps something as small as a cut up watermelon, some plastic forks, paper plates and letting everyone know it's in the fridge for them. As little as $3 to $4 will take care of that and brighten everyone's day. Don't worry about the money you'll get it back in goodwill.

The way the world is today the employee you let go or fire today might be in charge of giving you an interview three years from now. This actually happened with my brother in law, he was let go and three years later his former boss shows up for an interview. He got the job because he was nice when he let my brother in law go.

You might be on top today but you could be on the bottom tomorrow. Never forget that.

If you can't say something nice about someone then keep your yap shut.

And at all cost avoid contributing or being a gossip!

[Chatteress]

Originally Posted by nicet4

Somethings you learn with age.

Never badmouth anyone or disparage another company. Remember everyone lives in a glass house and what comes around goes around.

I've noticed a number of times over the last year people asking if they can sue for this or that employment discrimination. Are you nuts? If you sue make sure you will win and win big enough, this is after the lawyer takes his cut, to where you will never have to work again because you probably won't. Computers never forget anything.

Your whole post was excellent, especially this part. In my first full-time job, I faced harassment and a hostile work environment due to my hearing impairment (I know this because the harasser made such an issue out of it). I could have sued this company and had every rights to but what would it profit me? I still needed references for future jobs. I did not wish to have any sort of litigation against an employer on my records somewhere to haunt me later in my career.

Two other reasons why I chose not to sue: This would seriously hurt the company which affect ALL employees who work there AND I was not emotionally up to fighting these jerks. In retrospect, I'm grateful that I let this whole ordeal slide and now can look back with no regrets.

[Croye22]

My company is known for how they treat their employees. The turnover rate is proof enough as it is. There's been days I've been so angry that I was an inch from loosing control and snapping. But like someone said, I believe in karma. One of the former bosses tried to "threaten" me one night and a few nights later, he was forced to resign after a bad report.

I don't think I'll mention this job unless highly required since it's just a small store job I got while in school, but I still believe in karma and every last one of my managers that have been jackasses will get their day.