How to Tactfully Discuss Past Job Issues in an Interview Without Hurting Your Chances?

I am leaving my current organization due to a very bitter experience and will be going for an interview this Saturday, hopefully for another job. Should I mention the problems I had in this job? Also, as I have not received the salary at all from my previous job, and it's the main reason that I have left it, can I ask for the same salary? I am sure that I'll be asked why I left this job. What measures should I take during this interview so that my previous mistake is not repeated?

Also expecting answers from Raj Kumar Sir, Mr. Sumeet Garg, and S. Bhaskar Sir.

You could have a little more information. My questions are given in the *italics*:

I am leaving my current organization due to a very bitter experience and will be going for an interview this Saturday, hopefully for another job.

*What was the bitter experience? Was it a job challenge? Were you communicated the job requirements well before your joining that organization? Was there a mismatch between your job and personality?*

Should I mention the problems I had in this job? As I have not received any salary from my previous job, and it's the main reason that I have left it, can I ask for the same salary?

*The less you talk about negative experiences in the job interview, the better. However, you can mention that you did not receive the salary. By the way, for how many months did you not receive the salary? Why were you not paid? Is it that your salary was put on hold and other employees got their salary? Did you fail to meet any targets and the employers put your salary on hold?*

I am sure that I'll be asked why I left this job. What measures should I take during this interview so that my previous mistake is not repeated?

*Non-receipt of the salary is good grounds to leave the job and mention it in the interview, but the interviewer may verify the facts to assess the veracity of your statement. If it is proven false, then you may not be given employment.*

All the best!

Regards,
Dinesh V Divekar

I was appointed on 28th July and I am still going to the office but without an appointment letter and salary for the first month. I am the only one in my branch working for everything. I do the receptionist's work, counseling, and even tele-calling and generating sales. My actual position is an English trainer.

Please refer to my other thread "how to get salary before I leave" for all the details.

Thank you so much.

Do not mention any negative things about your previous company in the interview. If you mention it, the interviewing team will think that you have a negative mentality.

Next time, make sure to provide the company PAN card and company letter for obtaining any telephone connection. You can provide your details as an Office Manager.

Thank you.

I left my job where I wasn't receiving my salary for August, and they were assigning me tasks outside of my job profile. I wrote an email to them on Saturday, stating that I wanted my salary and appointment letter as soon as possible; otherwise, I would have to reconsider my position. They called and said I could take the salary up to date and leave the job, to which I agreed. The boss mentioned that his staff would hand over the money to me on Sunday morning, but I haven't received it yet.

Steps to Resolve Salary and Document Issues

What should be done if this continues, and what should I do to retrieve the documents I submitted for the procurement of a telecom connection for the office? I have a letter signed by the branch head stating that I hold no risk/liability against it.

Regards.

Dear Nevia,

Please check with a lawyer for the legal sanctity of the letter signed by the Branch Head stating that you hold no risk/liability toward the Telephone Connection. Why has the Branch Head not initiated the telephone connection in his name? After consulting with the lawyer, please submit a letter to the Telephones Department about your resignation. If there are any telephone bills due, you will not be held responsible, and if the Telephone department decides to continue the connection, they can do so without your liability, and your name may be removed from the connection as you have left the organization.

For the salary part, please do not leave your branch head and insist on him making the payment.

I hope you have taken a xerox copy of the Attendance register for July, August, and September months. Consult with the lawyer and file a complaint in court if required.

Regards.

Dear Nevia,

Please check with a lawyer regarding the legal sanctity of the letter signed by the Branch Head stating that you hold no risk or liability towards the telephone connection. Why has the Branch Head not initiated the telephone connection in his name? After consulting with the lawyer, please submit a letter to the Telephones Department regarding your resignation. Clarify that you will not be held responsible for any outstanding telephone bills. If the Telephone Department chooses to maintain the connection, you should not be held accountable, and your name should be removed from the connection as you have left the organization.

Regarding your salary, do not hesitate to follow up with your branch head and ensure that payment is made promptly.

I hope you have retained copies of the attendance register for July, August, and September. Consult with the lawyer and consider filing a complaint in court if necessary.

The branch head is not from the same city, sir. The office is in Vapi, and he is from Valsad, which is why he used my address.

This evening, I informed him that legal action might be necessary to receive my salary. In response, he promptly gave me 15k for the period of August 12th to September 22nd. They have not accounted for my training period. He mentioned that he requires another photo and ID proof from me to cancel the connection.

Thank you, Bhaskar Sir. Thanks a lot.

Regards,
Bhaskar

Dear Nevia,

Do not provide any photo or ID proof. If they request further documents from you, insist on a complete settlement. Write directly to the Telephones Department or visit them in person. Inform them of the situation and inquire with the JTO available in the office about the cancellation procedure for the telephone connection. Act accordingly.

Please send a letter to the company via registered post with acknowledgment due, stating that they should not use any of your documents or photos for any future purposes. Warn them that if there is any misuse of your documents or photos and you become aware of it, they will be legally liable for the misuse.

Try to politely negotiate for the remaining salary balance.

Regards.

Legal Challenges and Job Interview Preparation

To go against them on legal grounds is something that is hard for common people like us. We can take such experiences as a lesson when we are through the next phase of the job hunt. From what I learned:

- At the final stage of the interview (when you are almost selected), get clarification on the gross and net salary, statutory compliances if any, salary cycle, and salary date.
- Exactly ask about the job details.

Handling Interview Questions About Previous Job Experiences

Don't mention anything about the bad experiences at the previous company. Tell them a harmless reason why you want to change. Complaining about the previous company or boss is always a bad idea and a sure-shot way to kill your chances. Also, don't let one bad experience scar you forever. Not every company is like that. When you go in for a new chapter in life, don't let the ghosts of the past ruin your future and present. Good luck!

I can understand your situation because I have also gone through it, but don't mention the bad experience and wrongdoings of your previous company in the interview.

Sometimes, it happens when we work in a small organization. In this situation, it is better to consider exploring opportunities elsewhere and leverage your past experiences in a positive manner.

Highlight Your Contributions

For instance, in an interview, the interviewer may inquire about your current job. It is essential to highlight your contributions to your present organization, emphasizing the significance of your work that contributes to the organization's growth. Additionally, besides your primary role, if you are also overseeing sales operations, that showcases your leadership abilities.

Seeking Greater Responsibilities

If you aspire to take on more significant responsibilities, it is natural to seek a platform where you can apply your skills and knowledge effectively. Regarding your salary at your current organization, at times, it may be advisable to overlook such matters as your time holds more value than money.

Wishing you good luck in your endeavors!

Regards,
Vikas