Interveiw question

[GBCommenter]

Originally Posted by Cruz Azul Guy

Regarding the prospective employers that do attempt to inquire about this, every employer I've worked with still only disclose employment dates and job title. For the most part employers only provide the bare minimum and prefer not to get involved with anything pertaining to previous employees looking for employment elsewhere. After all, providing additional info, and particularly negative information, provides zero benefit, and typically only leads to more problems.

Yep...my experience too. By only sharing the most mundane and objective facts, it keeps a company from being sued for slander/libel/whatever. There's no opinion or emotion in sharing basic objective facts and not much an attorney can twist into something "libelous"...

[finernfrogfur]

Originally Posted by GBCommenter

Yep...my experience too. By only sharing the most mundane and objective facts, it keeps a company from being sued for slander/libel/whatever. There's no opinion or emotion in sharing basic objective facts and not much an attorney can twist into something "libelous"...

Originally Posted by Cruz Azul Guy
Regarding the prospective employers that do attempt to inquire about this, every employer I've worked with still only disclose employment dates and job title. For the most part employers only provide the bare minimum and prefer not to get involved with anything pertaining to previous employees looking for employment elsewhere. After all, providing additional info, and particularly negative information, provides zero benefit, and typically only leads to more problems.

The former employer is not allowed to give any information other than start/end dates of employment and title of position held. This is to confirm employment, but avoid being sued for slander or held liable for misrepresenting the employee.

The prospective employer will call your references to find out about your character.

If the prospective employer asks "why did you leave" say something like "It wasn't a good fit and after amicably discussing it with my employer I felt that I should continue my search." Then change the conversation to the new company and the position you hope to get with them. This will let them know that you make an effort to work through situations and are not a disgruntled employee. Also, your references will support your good character and stability.

[slamont61]

Most companies when checked won't go into reason for discharge for legal reasons. They'll verify dates of employment for the most part. (that is if they're a real company) I see the above post also agrees.

I'd go with the "the job did not challenge me" as for the reason. I would never quit though as it would likely result in denial of unemployment benefits.

[DannyBanany]

Keep it diplomatic and avoid badmouthing your past employer. I too like the "cutbacks" answer. It gives a stern quick answer, it's true, and even if your prospective employer does call your previous employer for work dates they cannot get a detailed reason for your leave due to slander liability.