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As a hiring manager for many years, I've never come across this one.
However, I can tell you what my reaction would be if you didn't inform me of
your history at the company.
Basically, you'd immediately lose my trust. Trust, once lost, is very hard
to regain. My advice is to be fully forthcoming about your history with the
company. Believe me, manager's talk. If your previous manager sees you
wandering the halls, he/she will definitely make enquiries, and your new
manager will find out the hard way about your history. Step up, take
responsibility, and spill it! Of course, tell it from your point of view and
put a very positive spin on it, but keep to the truth.
One other thing - if the fit was so bad previously, what has changed that
now makes it appealing to return? Be aware that your reputation will follow
you, deserved or not. There is truth to that whole water cooler urban myth.
It's hard to make a new start at an old company... people have very long
memories.
Best of luck in whatever you decide.
Leanne
bounce-techwr-l-201086 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com wrote on 04/05/2005 04:22:15 PM:
>
> Hi All:
>
> I am an onsite contract tech writer for a major company (Company No. 1)
in
> the east coast. I got a call from another major company (Company No.
2)for
> another onsite contract, interviewed and got the job. But here is the
> problem:
>
> I used to work for No 2 for a short time as a full time person 4 years
ago
> and left after a few weeks because of bad chemistry with the team and a
> bad fit for my technical skills (the job is not listed on my resume). My
> potential soon to be new manager at No. 2 has no clue that I used to
work
> there but I know he knows the manager I used to work for. Before I take
> this contract, should I tell my potential new manager at company No 2
> about my history there, should I take the contract, or should I turn the
> job down and not provide a reason? How should I approach talking to the
> new manager if I chose to go that route?
>
> Thanks
>
> TecWriter
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