Job offer but unsure. Should I seek out a former employee to ask his input on his experience? (company, business)

[Neely47]

Hi, I had a job offer. But I'm unsure of the fit. Would it be really inappropriate (and risky) if I send an email to the previous employee who left and ask how his experience was like working for the company? I don't know this person at all. The position is vacant right now. I don't know if previous employee left on good or bad terms. Also this job is out of town, so it's a big move if I decide to take it.

[Serious Conversation]

Contact them via LinkedIn. I left a company in August 2016. I got a LinkedIn email from the guy who took my place the next year "want to talk about <company>?" We had the same negative experience.

I'd never use a corporate email for something like this.

[Neely47]

It's not a corporate email. So, boss wouldn't know I sent it (unless ex-employee tells the boss) .

[Serious Conversation]

Originally Posted by Neely47

It's not a corporate email. So, boss wouldn't know I sent it (unless ex-employee tells the boss) .

If you have a way of contacting the person outside of their business email, it can't possibly hurt. I'd just phrase it as how their experience was. If it was truly awful, the conversation will go from there.

[Neely47]

Originally Posted by Serious Conversation

If you have a way of contacting the person outside of their business email, it can't possibly hurt. I'd just phrase it as how their experience was. If it was truly awful, the conversation will go from there.

Yeah, if it was a negative experience, they probably would say "no comment" just to protect themselves. Especially since it's all in writing and it could come back to them in a litigious way if they wrote anything negative.

[Neely47]

....

[ccm123]

I’d find a way to contact over the phone to talk. Maybe both of you know someone in common that can connect you?

I would definitely try and connect with this ex-employee, the potential advice would be valuable.

[adams_aj]

Just remember: it's a small world. Believe it! The person who left that company, still knows people there. Proceed with caution about contacting them.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by ccm123

I’d find a way to contact over the phone to talk. Maybe both of you know someone in common that can connect you?

I would definitely try and connect with this ex-employee, the potential advice would be valuable.

Verbal is best - no paper trail to possibly haunt you later...

[rya96797]

yes