Would you mention at interview

[whywhydeary]

I don't know what to do in this case.

I am desperately trying to escape a toxic bullying workplace.

It seems I am the next target after the previous target left.

I wouldn't usually mention anything negative in an interview but what about when the give me a bad reference and I haven't said anything? I will not be able to defend myself and I won't be accepted for the job.

Please help I have been feeling very tearful and depressed.

They aren't allowed to give a bad reference I don't believe. I think they will only comment on factual things like attendance and any recorded disciplinaries. I wouldn't mention it in the interview. It doesn't add any value at all and it's not the right place. If they come back to you after offering you the job and mention it then you can discuss it then.

No, don't mention it.

Breeze over why you're leaving and say you're looking for more of a challenge rather than a better workplace.

Do not mention it.
It's drawing attention to something negative plus in their eyes they'd only be hearing your side of the story and for all they know the truth could be completely different.
Mentioning it adds no value to you.

Yes that's what my instincts were telling me.

The thing is my workplace is highly unethical and have made sneaky phone calls to tarnish the reputations of past employees, so that they don't have to put it in writing.

It seems so unjust that I will not be able to defend myself should they do this and I am not even told that it has happened and I just get rejected.

Don't mention at interview, only give positive reasons - new opportunities, further your career etc.

Don't mention to your current employer as reason for leaving until they've already done reference and you have start date for new job in writing.
They can only give you a factual reference, dates you worked there, role your did, number of days sickness absence etc

Good luck and if this interview doesn't work out keep applying for other jobs

It depends on how long you have been working in the current job and how you word the issues.

You could say that you are looking for a change in company culture.

you need to think about what the new company are looking for and what is currently happening to you that you want to change :
Clear reporting lines,
supporting role growth,
open discussion of problems issues which need clarification,
etc

Eg you are blamed for stuff that was not your responsibility
So
You are looking for a learning culture which focuses on getting to the solution, so being open to suggestion, learning without focusing on blame and adjusting workflows to prevent a reoccurance of what led to the error/mistake.
Re-word it to your own language but remember you are interviewing the job too.

So think of any question you could be asked and change it back to how would you expect to be managed in that situation. That is the information you want to establish by the end of the interview.

That is great advice Solaranla

I think work reference need a reform! With so many unethical employers why should people have to rely on these types or risk being unemployable- seems so unjust

Hi op

Sorry to hear this is happening. Employers do have to be careful that they can back up anything in a reference factually.

How did you find out about the phone calls?

I found due to NOTHING being confidential let's just say due to infidelity and sexual relationships in the hierarchy

OP you sound like you work in construction / architecture 😭

Smile and always talk positively and kindly. Even if its 100% false

Get out of there and remain professional!

Bad references aren’t allowed so don’t worry and if “phone calls” are what they do - then they’ll have a local reputation for being unethical, underhand and horrid

Good luck

@whywhydeary That doesn’t really sound like it’s do with references though?

A reference can just include your name & the dates you worked there. Nothing more required.

Some employers are interested in any other details, just that you worked where you said you worked.

Well if they dare give me a bad one, how should I proceed?

I have never had a disciplinary.

@whywhydeary they’d be risking an employment tribunal as everything negative has to be backed up factually by paper trails.

I get the worry, my line manager bullied me and I could not put her as a reference because she doesn’t understand the above and tried to threaten me but they can’t put anything negative without a trail of actions on paper to support any claims.

Oh good thank you.

My interview went really well, so I will know if they try to wreck my chances.

Try not to think about what they will do.

Soubds like a toxic environment and you are best out of it, please try not to worry. Lots of bullying is creating an atmosphere of fear.

Yes you are spot on. I'm not fearful of them however, I have communicated that I will not be bullied- I suppose the only fear I have is being prevented from moving on because I have seen what they did to the last target.

@whywhydeary I felt the same where I was. It will be ok, just keep to yourself as much as you can and count the days down in your head if you get it.

Try not to think about what they will do.
+1 . I did also read on here someone quoted when people submit details for references around 90% aren't checked.

Same situ, less then positive reference coming my way from past employer.
How I'd left them in the lurch with paternity leave (which they kept quiet about when recruiting me) and a colleague quitting just week before.
An employer whom I'd not actually argued with, just lost my role suddenly as going to a dental appointment was highly inconvenient and there will be a disrepancy over my start date anyhow, really hope this is one of the times ex employer ignores and deletes reference request, but I'm wary if they respond to negative customer reviews in unprofessional distaste then they might well reply... Bricking it but I'm fronting it out as I had no option but to put their details in for referencing as I'm going from very small to medium sized company with a HR and all that.
I didn't ever dis the old employer, far from it, sounding so rosy was the only way I could come to terms with it to the point I smashed interview no. 2 this time around to land an offer. My thoughts were I'd be labelled as trouble. My first interview was with someone unknowingly from the 'trade' I was previously in until I got into the room so it really put me off saying anything or being heard out at any other interviews.

I've carried on job hunting/accepting interviews as far as I can, as a precaution just in case, as all I can do. I would like to hope I might be given the opportunity to explain myself but can't say I've seen many threads where this has happened.

Was going to make a new thread which would be pointless so I'll keep you updated.

Ahalyn I just got told I got the job. I'm over the moon - now for the references lol!

Userxxxxx fingers crossed for you. I'm sure it will work out for you. The thing is there are so many unscrupulous employers out there that I think references should be taken with a pinch of salt or made to be proven or explained.

Congratulations @whywhydeary
That's wonderful news!

@whywhydeary Brilliant don’t worry about that bit!! Keep posting here if you need us during your notice. 🍾

Thank you

It says subject to appropriate check snd two satisfactory references.

We shall see what they will do now. I'm handing in my notice tomorrow!

@whywhydeary Remember if they put anything negative without factual evidence I.e times that they called you up on any negative issues then they are opening up to be sued by their employee. I know how horrible a bullying atmosphere is and how great are you that you have kept yourself together, identified their toxic ways and still bagged an interview and got the job, be proud

One tip is possibly go ‘grey rock’ on them if your notice period, this is what I did. So the bare minimum about your new job and keep the details bare minimum/boring, don’t big it up. Just keep head down and not remind them you are leaving etc I know this is a bit sad really but it helped me leave with little fanfare either way.