Do I bring up a bad performance review
I am among the finalists for a position with a state agency for a job that I really want. I worked for a bit over a year at another state agency, where I received a very poor performance review and not other reviews before I resigned and moved on. The nature of the final hiring process for the job I am currently a finalist for is that I must sign a release that gives them access to any information about past employment with the state. I know that all the other references I am providing will give me stellar reviews and a good recommendation.
My question is, should I proactively mention this poor review, and ask for the opportunity to give an explanation and discuss the extenuating circumstances at the time? The "circumstances" are not related to the job, boss/supervisor, or co-workers.
Thank you for any feedback. It is very much appreciated.
hiring-process performance-reviews
asked Mar 29 at 1:23
dtmooredtmoore
6
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dtmoore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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add a comment |
I am among the finalists for a position with a state agency for a job that I really want. I worked for a bit over a year at another state agency, where I received a very poor performance review and not other reviews before I resigned and moved on. The nature of the final hiring process for the job I am currently a finalist for is that I must sign a release that gives them access to any information about past employment with the state. I know that all the other references I am providing will give me stellar reviews and a good recommendation.
My question is, should I proactively mention this poor review, and ask for the opportunity to give an explanation and discuss the extenuating circumstances at the time? The "circumstances" are not related to the job, boss/supervisor, or co-workers.
Thank you for any feedback. It is very much appreciated.
hiring-process performance-reviews
asked Mar 29 at 1:23
dtmooredtmoore
6
New contributor
dtmoore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
How long ago was the performance review? How many reviews have come in since then? Are you still having the same performance issues?
– Malisbad
Mar 29 at 2:01
It has been just under three years since I worked there, and have not worked at another state agency since. So there are no other reviews.
– dtmoore
Mar 29 at 2:04
What is a "state agency"? Like a government department?
– Gregory Currie
Mar 29 at 2:44
Yes, like a government department. At the level of state government. For example, most states have a department of human services, a department of education, etc. And it wouldn't be a "my boss never liked me" discussion.
– dtmoore
Mar 30 at 1:46
add a comment |
I am among the finalists for a position with a state agency for a job that I really want. I worked for a bit over a year at another state agency, where I received a very poor performance review and not other reviews before I resigned and moved on. The nature of the final hiring process for the job I am currently a finalist for is that I must sign a release that gives them access to any information about past employment with the state. I know that all the other references I am providing will give me stellar reviews and a good recommendation.
My question is, should I proactively mention this poor review, and ask for the opportunity to give an explanation and discuss the extenuating circumstances at the time? The "circumstances" are not related to the job, boss/supervisor, or co-workers.
Thank you for any feedback. It is very much appreciated.
hiring-process performance-reviews
asked Mar 29 at 1:23
dtmooredtmoore
6
New contributor
dtmoore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I am among the finalists for a position with a state agency for a job that I really want. I worked for a bit over a year at another state agency, where I received a very poor performance review and not other reviews before I resigned and moved on. The nature of the final hiring process for the job I am currently a finalist for is that I must sign a release that gives them access to any information about past employment with the state. I know that all the other references I am providing will give me stellar reviews and a good recommendation.
My question is, should I proactively mention this poor review, and ask for the opportunity to give an explanation and discuss the extenuating circumstances at the time? The "circumstances" are not related to the job, boss/supervisor, or co-workers.
Thank you for any feedback. It is very much appreciated.
hiring-process performance-reviews
hiring-process performance-reviews
asked Mar 29 at 1:23
dtmooredtmoore
6
New contributor
dtmoore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Mar 29 at 1:23
dtmooredtmoore
6
New contributor
dtmoore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Mar 29 at 1:23
dtmooredtmoore
6
New contributor
dtmoore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Mar 29 at 1:23
dtmooredtmoore
6
asked Mar 29 at 1:23
dtmooredtmoore
6
6
New contributor
dtmoore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
dtmoore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
dtmoore is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
How long ago was the performance review? How many reviews have come in since then? Are you still having the same performance issues?
– Malisbad
Mar 29 at 2:01
It has been just under three years since I worked there, and have not worked at another state agency since. So there are no other reviews.
– dtmoore
Mar 29 at 2:04
What is a "state agency"? Like a government department?
– Gregory Currie
Mar 29 at 2:44
Yes, like a government department. At the level of state government. For example, most states have a department of human services, a department of education, etc. And it wouldn't be a "my boss never liked me" discussion.
– dtmoore
Mar 30 at 1:46
add a comment |
How long ago was the performance review? How many reviews have come in since then? Are you still having the same performance issues?
– Malisbad
Mar 29 at 2:01
It has been just under three years since I worked there, and have not worked at another state agency since. So there are no other reviews.
– dtmoore
Mar 29 at 2:04
What is a "state agency"? Like a government department?
– Gregory Currie
Mar 29 at 2:44
Yes, like a government department. At the level of state government. For example, most states have a department of human services, a department of education, etc. And it wouldn't be a "my boss never liked me" discussion.
– dtmoore
Mar 30 at 1:46
How long ago was the performance review? How many reviews have come in since then? Are you still having the same performance issues?
– Malisbad
Mar 29 at 2:01
How long ago was the performance review? How many reviews have come in since then? Are you still having the same performance issues?
– Malisbad
Mar 29 at 2:01
It has been just under three years since I worked there, and have not worked at another state agency since. So there are no other reviews.
– dtmoore
Mar 29 at 2:04
It has been just under three years since I worked there, and have not worked at another state agency since. So there are no other reviews.
– dtmoore
Mar 29 at 2:04
What is a "state agency"? Like a government department?
– Gregory Currie
Mar 29 at 2:44
What is a "state agency"? Like a government department?
– Gregory Currie
Mar 29 at 2:44
Yes, like a government department. At the level of state government. For example, most states have a department of human services, a department of education, etc. And it wouldn't be a "my boss never liked me" discussion.
– dtmoore
Mar 30 at 1:46
Yes, like a government department. At the level of state government. For example, most states have a department of human services, a department of education, etc. And it wouldn't be a "my boss never liked me" discussion.
– dtmoore
Mar 30 at 1:46
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
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oldest
votes
should I proactively mention this poor review, and ask for the
opportunity to give an explanation and discuss the extenuating
circumstances at the time?
No. Don't proactively bring up any negative aspects of your past. Instead, focus on the positives and the background that makes you the best candidate for this new position.
If asked specifically about the poor review, then certainly explain how it happened and why it won't happen again. Don't blame others, just be factual.
And if you sense that the questions are of the sort where they are clearly thinking about this one bad review, then you can say something like "I'm guessing that you are thinking about that bad performance review? Let me talk about that a bit." Then you can expand on it.
Focus on the positive. Be prepared should it be necessary to talk about the negative. Maybe it will be necessary. Maybe it won't.
answered Mar 29 at 11:09
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
254k1297341046
add a comment |
If you've got a bad review, it tends to be the answer for questions like "when have you failed". What's important is to prove/discuss what was wrong, and what you've done about it since. People make mistakes, sometimes performance isn't up to snuff. The important part is that it is no longer a problem. It's sometimes even an advantage for the applicant because it shows that they can receive negative feedback, and they do something about it.
A good interviewer/hiring committee will ask you about it if they have concerns, but if there is another interview/opportunity to discuss it yourself, you can take the opportunity to discuss it. This also can play in your favour because it means that you own your mistakes and aren't afraid to face them.
Good luck!
answered Mar 29 at 2:59
MalisbadMalisbad
1,446214
1
While I don't think you should lie or avoid the question, I don't think it should be expressly brought up first available opportunity. If mentioned, then if anything, you should have an answer ready which makes it clear to the employer that whatever issue it was is not going to happen again due to circumstances or otherwise.
– Neil
Mar 29 at 8:47
add a comment |
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2 Answers
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2 Answers
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should I proactively mention this poor review, and ask for the
opportunity to give an explanation and discuss the extenuating
circumstances at the time?
No. Don't proactively bring up any negative aspects of your past. Instead, focus on the positives and the background that makes you the best candidate for this new position.
If asked specifically about the poor review, then certainly explain how it happened and why it won't happen again. Don't blame others, just be factual.
And if you sense that the questions are of the sort where they are clearly thinking about this one bad review, then you can say something like "I'm guessing that you are thinking about that bad performance review? Let me talk about that a bit." Then you can expand on it.
Focus on the positive. Be prepared should it be necessary to talk about the negative. Maybe it will be necessary. Maybe it won't.
answered Mar 29 at 11:09
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
254k1297341046
add a comment |
should I proactively mention this poor review, and ask for the
opportunity to give an explanation and discuss the extenuating
circumstances at the time?
No. Don't proactively bring up any negative aspects of your past. Instead, focus on the positives and the background that makes you the best candidate for this new position.
If asked specifically about the poor review, then certainly explain how it happened and why it won't happen again. Don't blame others, just be factual.
And if you sense that the questions are of the sort where they are clearly thinking about this one bad review, then you can say something like "I'm guessing that you are thinking about that bad performance review? Let me talk about that a bit." Then you can expand on it.
Focus on the positive. Be prepared should it be necessary to talk about the negative. Maybe it will be necessary. Maybe it won't.
answered Mar 29 at 11:09
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
254k1297341046
add a comment |
should I proactively mention this poor review, and ask for the
opportunity to give an explanation and discuss the extenuating
circumstances at the time?
No. Don't proactively bring up any negative aspects of your past. Instead, focus on the positives and the background that makes you the best candidate for this new position.
If asked specifically about the poor review, then certainly explain how it happened and why it won't happen again. Don't blame others, just be factual.
And if you sense that the questions are of the sort where they are clearly thinking about this one bad review, then you can say something like "I'm guessing that you are thinking about that bad performance review? Let me talk about that a bit." Then you can expand on it.
Focus on the positive. Be prepared should it be necessary to talk about the negative. Maybe it will be necessary. Maybe it won't.
answered Mar 29 at 11:09
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
254k1297341046
should I proactively mention this poor review, and ask for the
opportunity to give an explanation and discuss the extenuating
circumstances at the time?
No. Don't proactively bring up any negative aspects of your past. Instead, focus on the positives and the background that makes you the best candidate for this new position.
If asked specifically about the poor review, then certainly explain how it happened and why it won't happen again. Don't blame others, just be factual.
And if you sense that the questions are of the sort where they are clearly thinking about this one bad review, then you can say something like "I'm guessing that you are thinking about that bad performance review? Let me talk about that a bit." Then you can expand on it.
Focus on the positive. Be prepared should it be necessary to talk about the negative. Maybe it will be necessary. Maybe it won't.
answered Mar 29 at 11:09
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
254k1297341046
answered Mar 29 at 11:09
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
254k1297341046
answered Mar 29 at 11:09
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
254k1297341046
answered Mar 29 at 11:09
Joe StrazzereJoe Strazzere
254k1297341046
254k1297341046
add a comment |
add a comment |
If you've got a bad review, it tends to be the answer for questions like "when have you failed". What's important is to prove/discuss what was wrong, and what you've done about it since. People make mistakes, sometimes performance isn't up to snuff. The important part is that it is no longer a problem. It's sometimes even an advantage for the applicant because it shows that they can receive negative feedback, and they do something about it.
A good interviewer/hiring committee will ask you about it if they have concerns, but if there is another interview/opportunity to discuss it yourself, you can take the opportunity to discuss it. This also can play in your favour because it means that you own your mistakes and aren't afraid to face them.
Good luck!
answered Mar 29 at 2:59
MalisbadMalisbad
1,446214
1
While I don't think you should lie or avoid the question, I don't think it should be expressly brought up first available opportunity. If mentioned, then if anything, you should have an answer ready which makes it clear to the employer that whatever issue it was is not going to happen again due to circumstances or otherwise.
– Neil
Mar 29 at 8:47
add a comment |
If you've got a bad review, it tends to be the answer for questions like "when have you failed". What's important is to prove/discuss what was wrong, and what you've done about it since. People make mistakes, sometimes performance isn't up to snuff. The important part is that it is no longer a problem. It's sometimes even an advantage for the applicant because it shows that they can receive negative feedback, and they do something about it.
A good interviewer/hiring committee will ask you about it if they have concerns, but if there is another interview/opportunity to discuss it yourself, you can take the opportunity to discuss it. This also can play in your favour because it means that you own your mistakes and aren't afraid to face them.
Good luck!
answered Mar 29 at 2:59
MalisbadMalisbad
1,446214
1
While I don't think you should lie or avoid the question, I don't think it should be expressly brought up first available opportunity. If mentioned, then if anything, you should have an answer ready which makes it clear to the employer that whatever issue it was is not going to happen again due to circumstances or otherwise.
– Neil
Mar 29 at 8:47
add a comment |
If you've got a bad review, it tends to be the answer for questions like "when have you failed". What's important is to prove/discuss what was wrong, and what you've done about it since. People make mistakes, sometimes performance isn't up to snuff. The important part is that it is no longer a problem. It's sometimes even an advantage for the applicant because it shows that they can receive negative feedback, and they do something about it.
A good interviewer/hiring committee will ask you about it if they have concerns, but if there is another interview/opportunity to discuss it yourself, you can take the opportunity to discuss it. This also can play in your favour because it means that you own your mistakes and aren't afraid to face them.
Good luck!
answered Mar 29 at 2:59
MalisbadMalisbad
1,446214
If you've got a bad review, it tends to be the answer for questions like "when have you failed". What's important is to prove/discuss what was wrong, and what you've done about it since. People make mistakes, sometimes performance isn't up to snuff. The important part is that it is no longer a problem. It's sometimes even an advantage for the applicant because it shows that they can receive negative feedback, and they do something about it.
A good interviewer/hiring committee will ask you about it if they have concerns, but if there is another interview/opportunity to discuss it yourself, you can take the opportunity to discuss it. This also can play in your favour because it means that you own your mistakes and aren't afraid to face them.
Good luck!
answered Mar 29 at 2:59
MalisbadMalisbad
1,446214
answered Mar 29 at 2:59
MalisbadMalisbad
1,446214
answered Mar 29 at 2:59
MalisbadMalisbad
1,446214
answered Mar 29 at 2:59
MalisbadMalisbad
1,446214
1,446214
1
While I don't think you should lie or avoid the question, I don't think it should be expressly brought up first available opportunity. If mentioned, then if anything, you should have an answer ready which makes it clear to the employer that whatever issue it was is not going to happen again due to circumstances or otherwise.
– Neil
Mar 29 at 8:47
add a comment |
1
While I don't think you should lie or avoid the question, I don't think it should be expressly brought up first available opportunity. If mentioned, then if anything, you should have an answer ready which makes it clear to the employer that whatever issue it was is not going to happen again due to circumstances or otherwise.
– Neil
Mar 29 at 8:47
1
1
While I don't think you should lie or avoid the question, I don't think it should be expressly brought up first available opportunity. If mentioned, then if anything, you should have an answer ready which makes it clear to the employer that whatever issue it was is not going to happen again due to circumstances or otherwise.
– Neil
Mar 29 at 8:47
While I don't think you should lie or avoid the question, I don't think it should be expressly brought up first available opportunity. If mentioned, then if anything, you should have an answer ready which makes it clear to the employer that whatever issue it was is not going to happen again due to circumstances or otherwise.
– Neil
Mar 29 at 8:47
add a comment |
dtmoore is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
dtmoore is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
dtmoore is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
dtmoore is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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How long ago was the performance review? How many reviews have come in since then? Are you still having the same performance issues?
– Malisbad
Mar 29 at 2:01
It has been just under three years since I worked there, and have not worked at another state agency since. So there are no other reviews.
– dtmoore
Mar 29 at 2:04
What is a "state agency"? Like a government department?
– Gregory Currie
Mar 29 at 2:44
Yes, like a government department. At the level of state government. For example, most states have a department of human services, a department of education, etc. And it wouldn't be a "my boss never liked me" discussion.
– dtmoore
Mar 30 at 1:46