I managed a short-term project and by everyone's account I did a wonderful job. I would love to mention this position when I interview. The problem is my boss was very unprofessional and disrespectful to me at times and even though she offered to be a reference when I left, I want nothing to do with this person ever again. How do I explain this in an interview if they want to speak with her? I know that is is normally best not to say anything negative in an interview; however, it is my nature to be very straightforward about things. I'm sure many people have had this problem. It really bothers me that my boss had to be such a jerk. Any advice?
Thanks in advance.
2006-08-20 07:26:03 · 8 answers · asked by JMY1998 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
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2006-08-23 00:31:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would talk about your accomplishments during the interview and tell them FACTS and RESULTS of your hard work.
99.9% of employers today will only verify employment dates during a reference check. They will not discuss positive or negative things related to your performance. Even if you were the best employee the company has had in 10 years, they normally don't tell a prospective employer that you were such a stellar worker. Most companies wont even give a letter of recommendation anymore.
As an employer, a letter of recommendation has never held much water with me anyway. If the former boss gave you a letter of average or below average performance, would you submit that with your application? Of course not ... that's why letters of recommendation don't really mean anything.
The WORST thing you can do during an interview is bad mouth a former boss or company. The only conclusion that the interviewer will draw from such is that you will bad mouth them when you leave them and the next guy will get the job that you just interviewed for. Is your goal to get the new job or have the interviewer know what a jerk you used to work for?
2006-08-20 07:50:01 · answer #2 · answered by ValleyR 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give a co-worker as a reference instead of the boss. However, if the interviewer would rather speak to your former boss, most employers now are very limited in what they can say regarding your performance, good or bad.
During your interview, you should be prepared to explain why you left your previous job. I think most people would understand that you and the boss disagreed on a project, but you are correct that nobody wants to hear you badmouth the former boss. After all, what would you say about them if they weren't perfect? Give your reasons for seeking new employment without mentioning the conflicts, if possible (ie: The company was downsizing, and I didn't have as much seniority as others in my department, or I wanted to have the opportunity to work on x project, and it wasn't going to be possible there, etc.
2006-08-20 07:42:19 · answer #3 · answered by hopethathelps 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The important thing is to remain professional. If you say something along the lines of "Man, that boss was a idiot, and I never want to see them again," then you have said as much negative about yourself as your boss, and your boss isn't being interviewed here. Keep information to a minimum. You can respond in the vein of "My boss and I had some personal disagreements, you can contact them if you wish, but these other people (insert names here) can also share about my leadership of this project team.
2006-08-20 13:12:46 · answer #4 · answered by Freddie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't talk negative about your exboss. These person interviewing does not know that you are straightforward person or the situation. This will only make you look immature, inexperienced, emotional and hard to get along with even though you are not. Employers are very limited to what they can say about you by law, usually they can only verfiy info such as employment dates.
2006-08-20 08:34:16 · answer #5 · answered by Lauren1980 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lots of people might be concerned with getting a bad referance from an old boss, but it sounds as though you did great and your old boss wants to put in a good word. Don't worry about your old boss' unprofesionalism, and you right, don't bring that up. Just put her on your list. You don't need to talk about old boss' behavior. This interview is about you, and you only. They don't care if you old boss was a jerk or if he hated you or came to work in nothing but socks. They're interested in your talents, your experiance, your attitude, and what you can bring to their company.
2006-08-20 07:38:03 · answer #6 · answered by hawt2trawt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple.
"I have fun on the project, but i dont think ill be working with that person again" "We didnt connect/fit".
Just say what ur going to do, and not anything abt why. It is best to say as little as possible so as not to have ppl distort ur words.
2006-08-20 07:36:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drink milk it does you body good
2006-08-20 07:49:07 · answer #8 · answered by boy_jam_arch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋