Finalist for a new job--reconsidering because of previous employer

Anonymous

March 2,2023 at 1:07AM UTC

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Finalist for a new job--reconsidering because of previous employer

I'm questioning taking a job at a small association where the president and former supervisor of a previous employer are members. I had a poor relationship with the supervisor. The association reached out to this supervisor in a back-door reference check, and she seemed to imply something that I don't recall ever happening or receiving feedback on. The potential employer asked me if there was a "situation" he needed to be aware of. He said he didn't want to walk into something bad, since they are members of the association and though it wouldn't be a direct relationship, there will be some interaction. I said, truthfully, that I haven't spoken to them since I left (of my own accord and on decent terms), and there are no issues on my part.

I was very excited about this role, but this has me questioning whether I would only be potentially sabotaging myself in taking it. The previous supervisor is influential in this industry, and if she badmouths me to other members of the association, they will take her word for it, which would undermine my effectiveness in the role. The potential employer is very transparent and seems to be very fair, which is why he was willing to ask me about it. He still has one more of my chosen references, who is in senior leadership in that former company, so that reference may assuage those concerns. But I'm more worried about getting the job and then being undermined reputationally. At the same time, I don't want to miss what may be a great opportunity. Isn't it the case that you can expect some people to dislike you wherever you go?

*How would you think about this issue if you were in this position?*

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Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 2,2023 at 1:23AM UTC
YOU SAID: "the potential employer is very transparent and seems to be very fair"
People who are fair don't do back door reference checks. They are BS and not cool. People have gotten fired over those.
That right there would be a red flag for me.
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 1:33AM UTC
I see you work in the HR field. I've seen a lot of advice on reference checking and they almost always include asking people you know who have worked with a candidate, whether they listed them or not. That's why I wasn't surprised he spoke with this former supervisor, since they know one another.
But in general, I wish we'd move beyond reference checking.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 2,2023 at 1:41AM UTC
Many companies have moved beyond reference checking - my own last three employers didn't check references.
I have been in recruiting over 20 years and I don't know of anyone who would recommend back door reference checking. Specifically because people have been fired.
I'm not an attorney but I would imagine it could open a company up to liability. If someone at Company A reached out to someone at Company B without the candidate's permission and got them fired, I could see a big fat law suit in Company A's future.
This is really a thing for me. I have had conversations with desperate candidates who were fired when their boss found out they were interviewing (not with me). It breaks my heart.
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 2:55AM UTC
There are too many good opportunities out in the market. After all this time, when asked about you, this former supervisor laid the groundwork of doubt so I would steer clear. She has a vendetta or she would never have passively hinted at issues associated with you. Which is unfortunate but a good indicator of what to expect from her.
AnonymousMarch 2,2023 at 6:18AM UTC
To be real here, I would be somewhat hesitant to take the position too. It's difficult just starting somewhere when someone's placing targets on your back. I'd keep searching for a new opportunity without the potential drama from your past stirring up trouble.
AnonymousMarch 3,2023 at 1:49PM UTC
Has the job been offered yet? Did the interviewer explain what "situation" he was talking about or give you enough information that you know what it is? It could be that the former supervisor gave more of a "wet blanket" response than a glowing one when asked about you, and he was curious if you had any animosity toward her or would have trouble working with her. It would make me wonder, but if it were a position I felt good about, I wouldn't let it bother me that much unless I was aware of an actual vendetta. Since he came back and asked you about it, it shows that he wanted to give you a chance to respond, and I feel like it shows character and compassion on his part (not to mention an interest in hiring you). They would not be extending an offer if they genuinely believed that working with her would be an issue and she was more important than what they perceive as your added value to the company.
AnonymousMarch 4,2023 at 7:54PM UTC
You have to address it. a good way would be to have someone else check that person as a potential reference and see what they would say. Alternatively, you could directly reach out to that person and ask them if there is anything that needs clearing up - they may choose to share. If you have no idea about what this President has been told in the background another way would be to directly ask them what they have been told so that you may assuage any concerns that they may have. In the moment when you hear what may be said be prepared to not respond in the moment if you are taken aback and let them know what you just heard isn't correct (don't use the word true as that suggests the other person is a liar) choose your words super carefully and keep emotion out of it. Perhaps this person was professionally jealous of you because your were better liked? Or other. You have to nip this in the bud as this could taint you further if you don't at this early stage.
AnonymousMarch 6,2023 at 7:19PM UTC
Don't take this job. The potential employer has already taken the word of the previous supervisor and by you saying you don't know of anything (even if you don't) it looks like you are lying or omitting a truth.
Back door interviews are an area that is on my *** list. This process has cost me many positions, not being fired, but my current (at the time) company begged/bribed/threatened any company I was interviewing with not to hire me. Everyone was connected in that city. My employer wouldn't give me a raise (even at review time) but they wouldn't let me leave. I had to take a position in a different county in a different career. I did get back to my original career, but I am several years behind my other peers my age.