Author: Contemporaries Team
Separating The Person And The Position
The Contemporaries Team recently provided job seekers with 10 Tips for Career Success in 2025. Today, we will be focusing on Tip #6 – Separating The Person And The Position,
Make sure you Separate the person and the position, when speaking of previous work experiences. If you did not like your former employer or the workplace, it is better to explain that you were looking for other challenges, when asked why you left a specific position. Bad mouthing a supervisor, colleague, or others is a red flag for most employers. As you are discussing all the faults of your last supervisor or organization, rest assured the potential employer is thinking to themselves, “if this candidate is speaking so negatively about their previous work situation, they will probably do the same if we hire them and things don’t work out.”
For most Hiring Managers, this example will scare away many Managers who will opt to pass on the individual. Even if you feel that you are completely justified in the matter, a would-be employer is not going to take a chance. After all, they are only hearing one side of the story.
It is better to talk about the fact you are looking for a change in the workplace and a position which will afford you new challenges in the workforce.
Rather than discussing personalities, talk instead about the positions you’ve held. Make sure when asked about your previous tasks and duties, that you provide real examples of work that is related to the position you are applying for. Rather than discussing personalities, explain the responsibilities you had and the successes you enjoyed. The Hiring Manager wants to know that if they take a chance and bring you on board, unless it is an entry level position, you will be able to hit the ground running.
Speaking badly about a previous employer or business may give you personal satisfaction, and you may feel you need to be candid, but by doing so, it could cost you an opportunity for a more rewarding, work experience.
Picture by Mohamed_hassan from Pixabay