(apologies in advance for long post)
Nearly 4 years ago I worked for a well known retail company as a sales assistant, I absolutely loved it but not long after I started a new manager was employed.
She targeted a few of the staff, specifically the younger ones I think, and bullied them mercilessly.
I didn't have a huge amount of work experience at the time, it was my second full time job out of sixth form, and have always been somewhat of a doormat. I was also the newest member of staff before that, I think this contributed somewhat to why she targeted me.
Everyday that I worked with her was a constant stress, she would pick on everything I did and make a point of isolating me and telling me off, even when I hadn't done anything wrong.
During training she would pick on me for every single question, despite knowing that I'd only been there 2 months. At one point she made me stand in front of the whole team and list every single ingredient in several of the products and do a sample sales pitch, with her pretending to be the customer (the most difficult and aggressive customer ever). I was the only one asked to demonstrations at training.
Other staff members noticed and I spoke to the supervisor who's only advice was to stand up for myself and she'd back off (I've never been good at standing up for myself).
Anyway, you get the picture - she was a huge bully.
In the end, she fired me. The reasons she used were either exaggerated (lack of knowledge of the products, for example. But I'd only been working there a few months and my knowledge was good, considering that) or plain untrue but I was to embarrassed and intimidated to question her. I left quietly and without a fuss. She later fired two other team members for similarly unfair reasons and almost everyone else left because of her. 1 year later and there were only 3 or 4 members left from the original group.
Several people reported her to HQ, including customers who had witnessed her appalling behaviour to staff.
After a few months I wrote a long letter of complaint to HQ but sent it from a temporary job email, so don't know if they ever replied.
I know that I was good at the job, I connected well with customers and had a genuine passion for the brand. I really loved the job.
I now find myself in the position where my weekend job (Nanny) is enough to support me but I'm struggling with not working during the week. My OH suggested going back to this company as the work was flexible and I really loved it.
Only a few original members are at the store, it was 4 years ago and I've changed my name since. The manager has since left to another part of the company, elsewhere in the country.
I have 3 options, 1) don't do it, 2) apply and be honest 3) apply and not mention my previous history.
AIBU to consider applying? And should I be honest?
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AIBU?
to apply for a job when I was fired from the company?
16 replies
Objection · 30/05/2014 20:50
OP posts:
sorry
FernMitten ·
30/05/2014 21:39
I wouldn't bother putting it on a cv, it's hard enough to get a job these days.
Maybe your email could be something like 'I previously worked for your company between x&x and unfortunately my inexperience led to some difficulties and my dismissal. I have a passion for this company and would very much like to be considered for another position' ?
I'm afraid I'd missed the bit where she still works for the company sorry, concentrate on yourself, not her when applying. It sounds very much like somewhere I used to work 
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