In speaking to a hiring manager recently, it was stated that their number one ability to judge an applicants character was in how they spoke of their current or past employers.  In other words, how do you discern when a conversation has become too much about the former employer’s shortcomings and not enough about the applicant’s character? There are a lot of righteously angry people out there who have stories they need to tell.

Do not vent in an interview. Save it for friends and therapists.

Steer away from describing how much you dislike your former employer — even if the interviewer is curious about it — and use the time to say good things about your work.

There are many reasons to keep negative views about an ex-employer to yourself:

·      Your character will be in question.

·      You will sound like a chronic complainer.

·      It shows bad judgment.

·      It can be tiresome.

·      The interviewer may not know the person you’re talking about, but he or she likely knows someone who does.

·      Your comments may get back to your former boss.

·      You miss the opportunity to focus on your skills and positive qualities.