what to say at interview

believer1 · 26-05-2015 12:17am #1

I was forced out of my job due to bullying and false accusations which were never investigated and i have a constructive dismisal case pending......i now have an interview for a new job but dont know what to say when asked why i left previous job.....i dont want to lie but dont want to appear as a troublemaker either....would appreciate any advice, thanks

Thoie · 26-05-2015 12:29am

Looking for new challenges.
Want to progress in your career, and unfortunately it would be a few years before there was a chance of promotion in the old company.
Felt you had learned a lot there, but would like to get broader experience in a different company/sector/market/size of company.

There's loads of things you can say that are not lies but don't touch anywhere on "problems".

Robsweezie · 26-05-2015 12:47am

I think it's a general thing, having been told this a dozen times, that you don't speak negatively about previous employers and experiences in the workplace, especially bullying. It could perhaps make you out to look weak and having a victim complex, even if that's not the case. Best to distance yourself from any confrontation and completely leave out the bullying in my view , instead insist you were hungry for new challenges because you're interested in trying new things and growing as a person and a professional. Hope that helps :-o

ComfortKid · 26-05-2015 12:56am

Thoie wrote:

Looking for new challenges.Want to progress in your career, and unfortunately it would be a few years before there was a chance of promotion in the old company.Felt you had learned a lot there, but would like to get broader experience in a different company/sector/market/size of company. There's loads of things you can say that are not lies but don't touch anywhere on "problems".

Robsweezie wrote:

I think it's a general thing, having been told this a dozen times, that you don't speak negatively about previous employers and experiences in the workplace, especially bullying. It could perhaps make you out to look weak and having a victim complex, even if that's not the case. Best to distance yourself from any confrontation and completely leave out the bullying in my view , instead insist you were hungry for new challenges because you're interested in trying new things and growing as a person and a professional. Hope that helps :-o

Could ye actually say that in a real interview and keep a straight face?

Irish_Elect_Eng · 26-05-2015 2:02am

Do not mention the constructive dismissal case at an interview.

If you do, or they find out, you can kiss the opportunity goodbye!

Emsloe · 26-05-2015 7:44am

ComfortKid wrote: »

Could ye actually say that in a real interview and keep a straight face?

Pretty easily.

Them: Why did you leave the last job?

Me: It was a great company to work for but the opportunity to progress wasn't there / I'd gone as far as I could in the role etc etc.