Why You Never Badmouth Your Boss at a Job Interview

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I would have to laugh at a young, recent college grad calling someone "immature" in the business world. Although they may be 100% correct, it sounds snotty.

utjean of TN 12:09PM April 13, 2010

I often wonder if employers who just randomly select employees from candidates without ANY interview would end up with a worse bunch of people than if they interview them. I mean if you interview someone and they say all the "right" things, "Looking for new challenges", "Keen to apply my talents in new areas", blah, blah, blah, then all you will get will be a politically-minded, backstabbing automaton who knows how to play the game but not actually do any useful work.

Frank of MO 9:49AM April 13, 2010

It's all perspective and the fact that this person has a negative opinion of their manager should remain that. Their perspective or opinion. I'd stay away from hiring someone like this. Sounds like this person would spend a lot of time talking about others behind their backs and undermining my organization.

Greg of MS 11:31PM April 12, 2010

I would just say the future direction of this company is no longer aligned with mine. The company has changed so that is why I left.
Then you have a laundry list of reasons because being a bad boss is only the tip of the icebery.

johnny5 of NV 10:03PM April 12, 2010

I have to disagree that saying anything negative, such as "my managers were too immature..." would automatically disqualify a candidate from a job. If I were an interviewer, I might counter the claim with "Really? Tell me more about that," and then watch HOW the candidate answers. If the candidate answers maturely, objectively,and professionally, he/she probably has a valid point. But if the explanation comes off as naggy or whiny, well, THEN the candidate would be disqualified.

Melanie of OK 5:00PM April 12, 2010

I have to disagree that saying anything negative, such as "my managers were too immature..." would automatically disqualify a candidate from a job. If I were an interviewer, I might counter the claim with "Really? Tell me more about that," and then watch HOW the candidate answers. If the candidate answers maturely, objectively,and professionally, he/she probably has a valid point. But if the explanation comes off as naggy or whiny, well, THEN the candidate would be disqualified.

Melanie of OK 5:00PM April 12, 2010

Good well needed advice. Some job seekers shoot themselves in the foot before they even get a chance.

Ozzie Saunds of NY 11:08AM April 03, 2010

You say that something that is a big deal like racial discrimination is okay to note? What about extremely inappropriate sexual behavior and discrimination? Would it be okay to tell an interviewer that you left your last job because your employer raped a colleague of yours?

Beth of DC 12:52PM April 02, 2010