When your employer has a bad reputation specifically in media, it can adversely impact your job search. When news on undesirable or unethical activity is spread across, results from reference check & google search is damaging beyond repair. So what should you do to escape such a situation without tarnishing your personal brand?
Here’s what you can do:
- Focus on your accomplishments
This is the perfect time to focus on what you have achieved. Evaluate what you have done for your coworkers to save money, improve processes or reduce errors. Educate potential employers how they stand to benefit from hiring you. Make a list of all actions you took that positively impacted the bottom line of your previous employer. Showcasing your ethical behaviour & integrity is crucial. Communicate directly what do your contemplate in your target job to improve your chances of getting hired faster.
- Network
Be quick to spruce up your LinkedIn profile & get fresh set of business cards. Develop your communication strategy if you do not have 1 minute networking pitch ready. Applying online for jobs on various portals may not be the best option. Let your network know you are scouting for a job. Send them a copy of your updated resume so that they are well equipped to pass on your credentials to prospective employer/recruiter. If you wish to give reference of previous colleagues or senior, make sure that they have your career documents so that than can confidently speak about your work done. Your reference should also be aware of your core values. They should be in good position to endorse your ethical & moral values. Start attending networking events & renew membership with associations which might have expired. Avoid showing any employment gap by indulging in some voluntary work or taking up some certificate or online course that adds up to your education.
- Do not lie on your resume
Never lie on your even if your previous/ex employer was involved in some unethical activity. By hiding information, you may land up with interview however reference check may reveal about the position you omitted from your resume. Honesty adds to your credibility & goes a long way in building your personal brand. The prospective employer asks about your previous employer, please share the actual facts but drive the discussion towards your achievements & how you helped your previous employer improve bottom line/efficiency.
- Avoid negativity
Employer would be keen to know why left your previous employer. The hiring manager would be keen to dig into bad news about the company in media/press & check whether you were directly involved. Communicate the truth & do not drag the conversation. Again focus on sharing your achievements. Based on your position, potential employer can guess about your involvement in the unethical activity/scandal. However it is never a good strategy to blame your boss, coworker & company for the mess/scandal. Have a positive mind set, develop & follow a robust communication plan & you should be fine.
Sign up here for our career coaching services which includes:
- Crafting high-quality career documents (résumé and cover letter) to highlight your unique value offerings
- Creating a tailor made LinkedIn profile so as to clearly showcase a specific value, & how you solve problems better than other job candidates.
- Devising a job search strategy based on your preferred sector/geography/function
