Diverting away from a company's dirty deeds...

Anonymous

September 24,2021 at 5:47PM UTC

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Diverting away from a company's dirty deeds...

So, I was interviewing with this company on the fly. They reached out to me on LinkedIn and I spoke with them over my lunch break with very little prior research (I just did a cursory check to see if they were a legit company). Anyway, interview grows great and they are willing to offer me the higher end of my salary range. Awesome.

But then I did some more digging and found out that this company has participated in behavior that I consider to be highly unethical (not illegal, just unethical). So I withdrew from consideration.

Now the person that interviewed me is asking why I pulled out. How should I politely explain to the lady on LinkedIn why without necessarily having to talk about the company's misdeeds? I also don't want to lie and say I was offered another role, because that might open the door to more questions like "where?" or "what position?" What should I do?

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AnonymousSeptember 24,2021 at 6:41PM UTC
You do not owe an explanation, all you owe is that you wish to withdraw. They can ask why but should not push you.
If you would like to explain possibly say it is for personal reasons then thank her for her time so she knows the conversation is over.
You can also be honest and tell her after further research you find that ethically it would not be a good match.
Always end by thanking the person for their time so they know that the conversation is done.
AnonymousSeptember 24,2021 at 6:47PM UTC
I’d just say you didn’t feel like it was a good fit for you at this time. No need to burn bridges. You might feel differently about the company years from now.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 25,2021 at 7:24PM UTC
"Now the person that interviewed me is asking why I pulled out."
You don't need to provide them with any explanation. You are under no obligation to contact them back at all.
Sue TSeptember 27,2021 at 1:16PM UTC
I was thinking the same thing!
Courtney MadiseSeptember 26,2021 at 1:53PM UTC
You can also say that after thinking about it and considering all of your options you've decided that now is not a good time to take a new opportunity. Basically framing the decision in an analytical way with "the best next career move at the best time" being the main focus.
LisaSeptember 26,2021 at 2:07PM UTC
I've turned down interviews because the values of a company don't align with mine. And in one case, the job was pretty much my dream job.
I was honest with the agency and/or the company (depending on who contacted me).
JosieSeptember 26,2021 at 4:15PM UTC
I would be honest. Tell them you think the job and team are a great fit, but you've discovered some information that leads you to believe your values are not in line with how the company works. Give them a chance to respond (if you want). Companies are trying to figure out how their public brand differs from their employer brand, and the perception of the company from an candidate is of value. It's how Glassdoor came to be.
Melissa NobileSeptember 27,2021 at 12:06PM UTC
I would be honest. I’m sure they’d want to know.
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 12:08PM UTC
Oh, be honest. You’ll preserve your character and integrity.
Book GoddessSeptember 27,2021 at 12:17PM UTC
Be honest. Let them know that you believe, based on your research, that their business ethics are not in alignment with yours. You do not owe them any explanation , but being truthful will help you in other ways. Good luck!
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 12:21PM UTC
Tell them after further research you uncovered things you found questionable and let them respond. What you found may not be true or accurate. Then decide.
nhcano@hotmail.comSeptember 27,2021 at 12:31PM UTC
Be transparent and let the person know why. Allow her to respond. It may be that those who drove the unethical practices are no longer with the company. Since you went to the trouble of seeking out their reputation (Kudos to you), continue your investigation by hearing the other side of the story.
GirlBossanova934974September 27,2021 at 12:31PM UTC
Like all the other commenters here, I say just be honest. I would not use the word, 'unethical'. I would use the word, 'questionable'. In the best light, the company you turned down now has the opportunity to address some of their shortcomings. Often times, senior management is oblivious to what is going on with some of the bad apples in middle management.
Kathleen Norton-SchockSeptember 27,2021 at 12:36PM UTC
Clearly, if you performed this research, you would have discovered links. I would send her the links with a kind and diplomatic (but succinct) comment - "This data is not consistent with my values, and the values I would want my next company to embody. But I thank you for your interest, and feel honored by the employment offer." I would also leave the door open --- is there an explanation for this data, or is it engrained corporate behavior? Either way, you will be perceived (by any reasonable person) as being helpful.
Valerie BurnsSeptember 27,2021 at 12:42PM UTC
“this isnt the right fit for me”
aeaneSeptember 27,2021 at 12:42PM UTC
I was in the same situation twice, found out they "liked" hiring people, letting them to work on a project, then letting hem go without any payment because the work was "bad" (which they only noticed, strangely, only when the project was completed). So I politely thanked them for their time and told them I wold not proceed. Both of these shady companies asked why, I said "personal/family reason" and they left me alone.
Mary KerdashaSeptember 27,2021 at 12:45PM UTC
If you are going to say no to a company because of ethics, why would you then lie to them about why? Be honest and allow them to respond. Keep in mind ethics are moral values and it could be that the company did something you consider unethical, but they don’t see it that way. Better to figure that out now, but above all be honest, which is the ethical choice.
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 12:49PM UTC
Good that you did the research. On the flipside, ethical importance is growing in value with shareholders, as no-one wants to risk a dirty deeds expose damaging their investment. Your engagement might be part of the improvement plan, especially if you have a good track record of working with ethical companies, which it sounds like you do. It is a tough one however, with leopards not changing their spots & so on. If following your gut leads you to stick to withdrawing your application, then its completely your call as agree you don't need to say & you could always relate it to what the company's expectations of you in the role would be, probing out their need from you, then see what you make of their response without having completely burned bridges, as some else has also said. Good luck.
Rebecca JonesSeptember 27,2021 at 12:50PM UTC
"The values of the company do not align with my personal values."
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 12:51PM UTC
Give them a chance to respond, there may be more sides to the story. Several of my employers have been in the news about questionable and even illegal practices, although the companies had always long condemned these and tried to avoid it. Sometimes these companies actually turned these bad apples in themselves to the authorities, but nobody reports that part of the story. Sometimes the competition, well, at least feeds the proverbial fire and narrative.
Companies need to make money, but where does anyone draw the line?
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 1:02PM UTC
Just say thank you for the opportunity. Upon reflection, this role doesn't align to my needs at this time. I would not ask about their behavior because it will not change.
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 1:14PM UTC
Send an email like the following:
Dear HR Person,
Thank you for considering me for the Job Title position at XYZ Company. It was nice to speak with you. After consideration of the opportunity, you may withdraw me as a candidate. I wish all the best to the XYZ and the chosen candidate. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Job Applicant
You owe no further contact, explanation or response. Block them if they persist.
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 1:23PM UTC
Keep your explanation short and sweet. Don't Take Your positive energy and put it into a negative Circle. Simply say that you appreciate all the consideration but your professional plans have changed thank you very much.
Felicia QhamataSeptember 27,2021 at 1:32PM UTC
I would just suggest that upon further research into the company you found that it doesn't meet with then type of company you are looking to work for. You appreciate the interest and offer, you and the company wouldn't be a good fit for each other.
Megan HamiltonSeptember 27,2021 at 1:57PM UTC
I'd like to add my 2 cents to the "tell them the truth" team. They probably already know and just want confirmation. And as others have mentioned, might like the opportunity to explain their side further. If you really don't want to engage with them further about the topic, I would say as others have, "it's not a great fit for me".
Lori SchmitzSeptember 27,2021 at 2:15PM UTC
The truth is always the easiest / best answer. You can simply say that you don’t feel your values and the company’s don’t align so it won’t be a good fit. Good luck!
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 3:59PM UTC
Nope, you might burn a much needed bridge later.
Debbie VerebSeptember 27,2021 at 2:16PM UTC
Definitely tell the truth and give them a chance to respond. I have been in this situation and sometimes what you see is not always as straightforward as it seems. Good luck!
Christy K. HanthornSeptember 27,2021 at 2:25PM UTC
I haven't read the other comments yet, but I would absolutely be honest. If the situation were the other way around, I'd want someone to tell me. Imagine if after every interview we got honest feedback. We'd be much more prepared for the future and would better understand our strengths/weaknesses. Their reputation is a weakness they're probably already aware of, but....
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 3:58PM UTC
Pointless. You don’t owe a company any explanation and do you really think they aren’t aware of their ethics? Of course they are! Just say something generic like I’m going in a different direction. They won’t ask you for details and if they are that ridiculous they do, then say I’m not at Liberty to discuss at this point.
Alex WebsSeptember 28,2021 at 7:00PM UTC
If this company changed their mind and withdrew their offer, they would simply say “we’ve decided to go in a different direction” or some other canned, corporate bs. Tell the truth to get it off your chest, not to do them any favors. Companies really do not care about people.
AnneSeptember 27,2021 at 2:29PM UTC
I'd just say, "I realized it isn't a good fit." Leave it at that and move on.
Arlene Frances Gottardo (Bryak)September 27,2021 at 3:07PM UTC
Tell the truth- The unethical behavior does not align with your core beliefs & values. (Also, why did you begin your story with “So”? )
Amy KeachSeptember 27,2021 at 4:24PM UTC
If honesty is one of the things you include in your own ethical standards, then I think you need to take the high road and practice what you preach. Tell them that upon further analysis to determine if the company is right for you, you consider X, Y, and Z actions/practices to not be in line with your own ethical standards, and thus the company doesn't feel like a good fit. Be sure to think about how you'll respond should the recruiter if her response is to ask you if you'd be willing to "come on board and help us fix things". When you stop laughing at that possibilty, anyway. ;) If they continue push without asking you to help right the ship, tell them you simply don't think it's the right fit at this time.
Healthcare workerSeptember 27,2021 at 4:36PM UTC
I see a lot of people on here telling you to be honest etc. truth be told, they know who they are, what they are, and what their culture is within the company. You gain nothing, and will change nothing, by telling them I didn’t like the ethical stance of your company. Don’t forget ever, and I think many respondents on this website forget this, every industry in every geographical area is a small microcosm of people who end up knowing each other. The way forward out of this is simply to say that at this time you are not interested in pursuing the posting for personal reasons. Nothing more nothing less. These people at this company may end up at a different company someday where they can influence whether you get hired. No sense burning the bridges with these individuals.
AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 12:38AM UTC
Best and most common sense response
Lynda BoothSeptember 27,2021 at 4:39PM UTC
Once you realized this, you could have asked them how are they addressing the behavior? Then, make your decision to join the company or not. Be honest with them, but be ready for their rebuttal.
Erica MitchellSeptember 27,2021 at 4:40PM UTC
I think it's best to be honest about it. Tell them what about the company doesn't align with your beliefs/standards. Honesty is the best policy.
Tina MehlSeptember 27,2021 at 5:01PM UTC
Tell the truth. Everyone else knows it too.
Michele ChambersSeptember 27,2021 at 6:55PM UTC
Just say that after further reflection you realized that the job isn't a good fit. Where is the lie in that?
Joanna PoeSeptember 27,2021 at 7:06PM UTC
You gain nothing by waffling and lose nothing by telling them that some of their actions gave you pause. Personally, without knowing specifics, I'd have remained in the running and asked for a follow-up conversation to discuss this behavior, and see if they have a specific plan to address it, or if they even know it's unethical.
AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 11:17PM UTC
I would tell them. They may be looking for people to help fight that unethical behavior.
AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 7:02AM UTC
I was in the same situation and I withdrew, They ask me why and just told them the truth. They said thank you for being honest.