Suppose you had to leave your last job with a scandal. This sometimes happens even in non-conflict people. What to say at interviews about the reasons for dismissal? Fantasies? But what about the fact that a former boss can be asked for recommendations? Asked for advice from experts. The reasons for leaving the previous job are asked in almost all interviews. It is always difficult to answer this question anyway. If the reason is a failed relationship, then the task is even more difficult. Here’re some tips for ‘how to look for a job after conflicted dismissal?’
Life example
Peter worked as a sales manager. From the very first days, the sales director seemed to him a tough person who did not tolerate objections. It was said in the office that he often found fault with trifles and did not listen to the opinions of employees. At first, Peter looked at the situation with optimism, he believed that the main thing was to prove himself. But it turned out to be not so easy to show the result – the product had flaws, competitors launched expensive advertising campaigns, and KPIs were too high.
Peter, like many others, got it from his boss and he was reduced bonuses, the head accused him of inability to sell. Following the results of another tough meeting, Peter wrote a statement and began looking for another job, until the current one finally killed his self-esteem. Signing the bypass sheet, he heard in the back the words that no one would take him on sale anymore, he could not count on good recommendations.
Peter looked for a job for a long time. He was afraid to talk about a negative experience at an interview, hesitated when answering a question about the reasons for his dismissal, and was sure that the ex-leader really put a spoke in his wheels.
At the interview, everyone wants to look in the most advantageous light. Nevertheless, experts do not recommend hiding conflict situations.
First, the recruiter, as a specialist who constantly works with people, is likely to notice that you are not completely open. It is quite possible that in the above example, it was difficult for Peter to find a job not at all because of the intrigues of the former boss, but because he broadcast uncertainty and anxiety in the interview with his appearance.
Secondly, the employer will most likely collect information about you anyway. To reduce reputational risks, it is important to be proactive and correctly present information.
“If a candidate warns about the situation in advance, this is perceived as an element of openness, and the employer, having received recommendations, is already prepared and perceives the information more calmly and balanced.”
The idea of simply removing the mention of the job where the conflict happened from the resume so that you are not asked about it at the interview, and your former employer about you, is not as successful as it might seem at first glance. First, in this case, you will have to somehow explain the gap in experience . It’s easier to tell the truth than to be confused in fantasies. Secondly, the world is small, especially within the same professional circle. It is possible that they will learn about that story through mutual acquaintances.
Also read : How to enhance your previous experience?
How to look for a job if you quit because of a conflict?
1. Emphasize conclusions
Conflicts, like mistakes, happen to everyone, it is important to analyze them and draw conclusions. Our career consultant advises you to describe the conflict at the interview from the perspective of what experience you managed to gain. Speak without accusations, emphasize that you are sorry for what happened. Focus on your constructive actions in the face of conflict.
The correct presentation of a difficult situation will help you show your best side. According to career consultant , a psychologically mature candidate is able to admit mistakes and learn from similar situations – this can be a decisive factor in hiring.
2. Avoid emotions
Excessive emotionality, as well as emphasized coldness, will alert your interlocutor in an interview. Head of the group for the selection and adaptation of personnel of the Conscience installment card, recommends presenting your judgments about the conflict without judgement in relation to other participants in the conflict, then you will show that the situation is unpleasant, but you have already analyzed it and made conclusions.
I suggest describing the conflict concisely, in a few sentences with conclusions. For example, like this: “I now understood why the conflict situation arose: I was not outwardly ready to defend my boundaries. My colleagues took advantage of this by adding work to me without pay. Now I don’t take on extra workloads without proper payment.”
3. Prepare a list of referees
Experienced recruiters understand that recommendations are subjective and that conflict is a normal part of the workflow. They usually don’t form an impression of a candidate based on a single bad review .
Therefore, be sure to include in your resume those who can characterize you well (of course, with their prior consent). Not only your immediate supervisor can recommend you, but also colleagues, related managers, partners and contractors.
4. Talk to a past employer
Do not be afraid to openly talk about a controversial situation with a previous employer. It is possible that your opponent has already cooled down or does not remember the disagreements at all, which means that he will give you good recommendations.
“Voice that you are looking for a job, ask for objective recommendations, note strengths, including reminding you of the results of your work.”
5. Change the scope
If your career is being hampered by a major conflict that is known and talked about in your professional community. Then one of your options is to change industries.
“For example, if you worked as a marketer in a retail chain, try moving to a marketer in a manufacturing company. Recommendations from the retail business may turn out to be irrelevant due to the difference in business processes and cross-communications.”
But the main thing is more self-confidence and optimism. Everything will work out!
Also read : How to know business is good for us?
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