Moving on with tainted image

For individuals with a bad reputation, finding a job can be pretty hard. It is not any easier if one left a company, organisation or business whose image is tainted.
While working as a teller at a bank, John Micheal unknowingly made a transaction of large sums of money to a fraudster and was detained. He is one of a handful of people who have failed to move on after their image was tainted at their former jobs.
According to Yasiin Musosi, a consultant and director at Addie consults Limited, the reality is that an individual will always carry their own cross if their image is tainted. On the other hand, they will not be ‘crucified’ on the company’s behalf if they have no hand in its tainted image.
“So rarely will interviewers hold you accountable for the collapse of a company or its unpleasant image. Instead they will only cross examine your competency and dig deep with your referees,” says Musosi.
That said, these tips offer ways in which he or she can maneuver and sail through the strong career tides while transferring to another company or organisation.

Be honest
Interviewers will ask you why you left your former job, especially if they have heard a wave of unimpressive information about you or your previous employer.
In this case, Magombe suggests that one uses this question to clear the air or wash themselves clean, without ‘pinning’ or blaming anyone for their misfortune. In the end, promise to be different by acknowledging that whatever transpired was a learning experience to make you a better person so as to move forward in your career.
In the same light, Paul Wayero says there is no point in lying about your past or company you worked for because employers already know what transpired. “Therefore be as honest as you can be.” Wayero, the Monitoring and Evaluation officer for FinChurch Aid Uganda notes that there is a belief that you are the the company you work for and the company is you, but the reality is, if you are not involved in anything that led to the company’s collapse or tainted image, you cannot carry its cross at this point.
That said, amidst interrogation, do not reveal information that the public doesn’t know about the company or what exactly transpired.

In most cases, he says, recruiters are concerned about candidates from netted organisations or companies. This, in most cases is what those on the panel will base on to know how different you are from your organisation, or whether or not you were infected by the corruption bug or whatever it is that tainted the image of your previous employer.

“But if the company you are leaving is renowned for all forms of malpractice and you are not part of those blamed for the vices, it can't be an issue to worry about because several issues bring down the company's collapse,” he states.

However, Magombe believes chances are that if the scandal is or was largely publicised along employees, you will be head counted in the same boat, although it is not meant to be a threat to you as an individual.

He also believes that in most cases, the company interviewing is aware that at any one moment, their reputation could be jeopardised so they avoid grilling applicants along such lines but focus on what they need from you.“In case, an inquiry is made into the issue and you are among the culprits, it is advisable to remain positive and use an appropriate language while responding without playing the blame game or criticising former colleagues, the company or its managers,” he advises.

Additionally, talk about it along issues of failure in processes or policies not having been so stringent or not in place to guide people well. Overtime, some companies or oragnisations have been publicised as failing to pay their companies, sexually harassing employees and getting involved in scandals. Wayero says, if you have ever worked for a company with such tainted image, you are well aware of the impediments that this may cause you in your career.

Unfortunately, one cannot run away from the past because it features on one’s resume thereby leaving him or her with no option but defending his or her being and career.

Don’t be too defensive
It is okay to address all accusations or questions but you do not want to come off as being too defensive before the interview or panel of interviewers. First, make it clear that you had no hand in the transgressions of the company and avoid extremely defensive behaviour that could bias the interviewer’s first impression of you.To round off the list, experts recommend that you focus your dialogue on how you are going to benefit the company or organisation despite your ‘muddy’ repute. In the end, this is what employers are interested in.

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