Successful Job Interviews Requires Leaving the Past Behind

People leave jobs for many reasons. Some are out of your control such as being laid off, company downsizing, company relocation, or positions being phased out. Others may be out of your control but much harder to explain. A great example is a poor working relationship with your boss. Preparing for future job interviews requires being able to easily communicate this situation.

It is certain that potential employers will inquire about your previous position. With the number of job applicants increasing, an increasing number of employers are actually conducting background checks and calling previous employers. If you do not provide enough information then the interviewer(s) may think you are hiding something. If you say too much then the interviewer(s) may think you have too much baggage.

There is a thin line between providing an explanation and gossiping. You want to provide the interviewer(s) enough information to explain the previous situation. However, you do not want to be seen as gossiping about or putting down your previous boss. The interviewer(s) may become concerned about how you will talk about them later or about bringing a gossiper into their company. In addition, the internet is making this a much smaller world. You never know when the interviewer(s) may know your previous boss.

Remember the advice of Joe Friday, "Just the facts maam". When explaining your reason for leaving, remember to remove any emotions. Emotions can cloud the facts. People remember situations based upon their point of view. Their point of view is built off of their personal experience, education, and beliefs. Two people can view the same situation very differently. Sticking with the facts can remove this cloud and allow you to explain the situation clearly.

Do not become a slave to your previous employer. We cannot control what anyone else does. We can control how a situation affects you. Deemphasizing the situation can help free you from it. If you make a big deal out of it then the interviewer(s) are likely to make a big deal out of it. If you deemphasize the situation and and focus on your accomplishments then the interviewer(s) are likely to focus on them also.

Cleanse yourself of the situation, with your previous employer. A job interview is not the time to vent about a previous situation. Venting about a previous situation, is a great way to turn off the interviewer(s). You need to find a way to vent before the interview. You can vent to a friend, a family member, even your teddy bear. No matter what way work for you, just find a way to vent.

You are not always going to get along with every employer. Simple personality differences do occur. However, these situations do not have to affect future job interviews. When addressing the previous situation remember to stick with "just the facts", do not make a big deal out of it, and make sure that you do not turn emotion into emotional baggage. Following these steps will help ensure a successful job interview.