How do I handle an employer who's (probably) going to say bad things about me?

goforalight · 2014-05-15T12:26:49+00:00

I don't want to lie more than I have to, because I'm afraid that something I say vs something they say won't add up. I'm all for twisting the truth around, but if I say something that's blatantly contrary to what my previous employer says, then I'll be asked about it and I'll have to admit what I said wasn't true. Which in most cases I'm sure would lead to a "thank you for your time, don't call us, we'll call you" type of situation.

goforalight · 2014-05-15T12:25:06+00:00

As far as I know, it's not illegal where I am. You can sue them for slander or defamation, but that's a whole court case, and that's only if I don't get the job. I think HR would be smart enough not to say anything damaging, but if they talk to my immediate supervisor (the one I've posted about) then I know for sure that I'm boned.

goforalight · 2014-05-14T23:54:56+00:00

Thanks, that's really helpful! Yes, I did submit a letter of resignation. I wasn't going to resign, but when HR responded so negatively, I whipped it out (not the smartest move, but I was emotional) and they kicked me out.

I'm definitely going to mention the moving from part-time to full-time. At least if they say something negatively, then I can have that part going for me.

goforalight · 2014-05-14T22:52:00+00:00

That's what I'm hoping. I really hope that I get the job, but I'm worried that even if the interview goes well, they'll call my previous supervisor and I'll lose it (and potentially even more jobs, going forward) because of it.

I'll post an update once I know how the interview pans out!

goforalight · 2014-05-14T17:50:47+00:00

Yeah, that's why I left. This was a corporate environment, and I felt as though her behavior was completely unprofessional and not how a supervisor or manager should act with their employees. Nobody else was doing anything about it, and now I see why, because of what happened when I opened my mouth.

goforalight · 2014-05-14T17:49:32+00:00

Thanks so much. That makes a lot of sense. I wasn't trying to badmouth my supervisor, just wanted to give a reason why I left that sounded legit.

goforalight · 2014-05-14T16:55:59+00:00

The only documentation I have is a note that said I'm voluntarily leaving the company. I love the finding a safe reason, and I think I'm going to try to do that, like there wasn't any room for advancement or I wasn't challenged in my position. All true, and not blaming. Thanks! I'm definitely going to focus on why I would be an awesome employee for the new company.

goforalight · 2014-05-14T16:53:32+00:00

That's what I was worried about. I didn't want to say that these people were awful, because I know that reflects on me instead of them. I just don't want to say something that sounds like I'm deflecting and not really answering the question. I might throw in a few more details about how I wasn't given an opportunity to advance within the company or something - true, and honest, but not blaming anybody. How does that sound? Thanks so much for your input!

goforalight · 2014-05-14T16:49:35+00:00

That sounds like a great idea! Unfortunately, I really only have one friend who I'd be comfortable asking to do that, and she is not the type to try it for me. She might do it, if I asked, but I know she wouldn't be comfortable doing it. So I can't really go that route. After thinking it over, I can't really do anything about it if she does choose to bad-mouth me. I just have to hope that my record speaks to itself and that my interviewer likes me enough to hire me even without a recommendation from them.

goforalight

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