What To Do When A Past Employer Speaks Negatively About You

🔍 1. Assess the Situation First

• Is it a one-time comment or a pattern?

• Is the feedback factual, a difference of opinion, or slanderous?

• Do you have proof? (e.g. other employers or recruiters mentioning it, or colleagues warning you.)

🧭 2. Take the High Road, Always

• Never badmouth them in return, especially not in interviews or public settings.

• Maintain professionalism. Your composure builds credibility.

🗣️ 3. Control the Narrative in Interviews

If you’re job hunting:

• Address any red flags proactively with a brief, neutral explanation.

“There was a difference in leadership style and direction. I’ve reflected on it and learned a lot from the experience.”

• Focus on what you learned, not what went wrong.

🧾 4. Request References Strategically

• Avoid using that employer as a reference.

• Instead, seek out former colleagues, team members, or other managers who can speak positively about your work.

🛡️ 5. Protect Your Reputation

• Ask trusted contacts or recruiters if negative feedback is being shared.

• If it’s happening in a professional setting and damaging your prospects, you can:

• Send a polite, professional note asking them to refrain from sharing subjective opinions.

• Consider legal advice if they’re making defamatory or false statements.

🤝 6. Rebuild Your Brand

• Build a strong, visible track record, LinkedIn endorsements, testimonials, project results.

• Show you’ve moved on and are focused on growth.

🚨 Bonus Tip:

If you left under contentious terms, you can say:

“It was a challenging environment. I’ve taken steps to grow from it and am focused on new opportunities that align better with my values and skills.”