It’s tempting to talk about former employers in a way that doesn’t paint them in the best light. After all, you’re telling your prospective employer why you want them. And why that last job wasn’t right for you. So a former boss — especially one who drove you crazy — is a likely target to focus on.
And the truth is that your former employer may be exactly the reason you are leaving …. or left. But, as irresistible as it may seem, there are good reasons not to share your boss horror stories with someone who is thinking about hiring you.
Why not to trash talk former employers
- Your interviewer is registering impressions of you and the type of person you’d be in their organization. How you talk about your former boss is very likely to be how you’ll talk about your new one at some point. Even behind their back while you’re still there.
- You aren’t helping yourself by taking up time on complaints and whining. As righteous as it may be. You want to use every moment you can to show how you match the new job and how wonderful you’ll be to work with. So if they ask you why you want this job stick to the topic. Any mention of the past should be about things this new job offers that’s more of what you’re looking for NOW.
- When you say bad things about people you used to work with you never know who you’re talking to — and who they might know. It’s a small world especially in some industries. You not only could be talking to someone who knows them, but someone who will pass the word back their way. And you’ll still need references.
If they ask about former employers?
Rarely does an interviewer look you in the eyes and say “Tell me what your former boss was like.” But they might ask you about the job. And why you are leaving or left it.
Again, focus on as much positive as you can. Not that the job sucked, but that you did your best (you can mention a success or two) and are looking for A, B, or C now … which is why you are so interested in this job.
The more you can tie what you did well, how you grew, and where you see yourself looking to grow more (in this new job), the more they picture you in THEIR job — not in the old one. And that’s where you want them seeing you.
More job interview tips
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12 Things You Need To Know BEFORE a Job Interview
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18 Practical Tips to Help You Ace Your Job Interview
15 Things I Look for When I Interview People
5 Interview Skills To Help Connect the “Hire Me” Dots
How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well
Why Does It Take So Long After Your Interview?
I Messed Up My Job Interview – What Can I Do?
10 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Job Offer
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Should You Send a Post-Interview Thank You? [Sample]
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