Previous Supervisor on Interview Panel (company, interest, agency, hiring)

[chgodon]

A candidate goes to an interview and notices his/her previous supervisor from a different
agency that solely recommended the removal of that candidate is on the panel. Would it be wrong
to bring it to the panel's attention that the candidate believes there may be a conflict with one
of the panelist? Respectfully request that the previous supervisor not be involved in the candidate's
hiring process?

[johnrex62]

Well the question becomes why is it a conflict? The past supervisor could be argued is the most familiar with the candidate and should therefore have a greater weight in the decision. Past knowledge, even unfavorable to the candidate, is valuable in the decision process. Just because the candidate is unhappy with that relationship does not make it a conflict.


If the candidate can demonstrate personal bias unfounded by fact, then yes they should be able to voice those concerns. If it is just past history with no demonstrable evidence to support a vindictive motivation, then they should keep quite and let things process while hoping for the best.

[Rabrrita]

Originally Posted by chgodon

A candidate goes to an interview and notices his/her previous supervisor from a different agency that solely recommended the removal of that candidate is on the panel.

Was the recommendation appropriate? Are you saying the person had a personal bias against you so that's why you were let go, OR, did that supervisor act in the best interest of the company and was justified in letting you go?

Originally Posted by chgodon

Would it be wrong to bring it to the panel's attention that the candidate believes there may be a conflict with one of the panelist? Respectfully request that the previous supervisor not be involved in the candidate's hiring process?

Regardless if it's right or wrong, by mentioning it, you are begging the remainder of the panel to go speak to that former supervisor to get the low-down on you. Did you really think this through?

[chgodon]

1. There was no disciplinary action as a reason. The old saying "having more experience and suggesting better means & methods makes one a possible threat to supervisors." So I do believe it was more a personal issue.

2. Great point. OK, all this info being relayed. Thanks. If the candidate just rolls with the flow, the past supervisor may just make a comment or so oppose to rest of the panel digging deeper for details.

[MPowering1]

I agree you shouldn't bring up something that may not have legs to begin with, but your suggestion that you request the person not be part of the panel would be unreasonable anyway.

Good luck. Hopefully you wouldn't be a direct report, but even if you aren't, it may still make for a difficult situation.