7 reasons why you shouldn’t criticise past (or current) employers

Whether you’re preparing for a job interview, managing your online presence, or settling into a new job, maintaining a positive and professional approach is essential. That includes how you express your opinions about past or current employers.

Most people will experience challenges and frustrations in their working lives, and it can be tempting to express that discontent. However, it’s important to remember that how you communicate your experiences may have long-lasting effects on your professional reputation, work relationships, and future career opportunities.

So let’s look at the reasons why you shouldn’t criticise past or current employers in three familiar scenarios.

During your interview

There are plenty of common interview questions that may prompt you to criticise a past or current employer, for instance:

• Why are you looking for a new job?
• Why did you leave your past job?
• Tell me about a challenging situation you faced in your current job?

There are several reasons why your answer shouldn’t be a criticism of your employer and all of those reasons relate to the impression you leave on the interviewer.

First, employers are keen to hire people who show a positive outlook on life. Why? Positive people are generally more open to learning new things and seeking solutions to problems. When you complain about a past employer or the company you currently work for, the impression you provide is one of negativity.

Second, criticising a past or current employer may be seen as unprofessional behaviour. In the interviewer’s eyes, it can indicate disloyalty to any employer you work for, a refusal to take responsibility for your performance, or even indiscretion on your part. They may question your ability to handle conflicts, adapt to new environments, or maintain positive relationships with colleagues.

Finally, employers look for candidates who are a good fit for the job and the company. That means matching your qualifications, work experience, and personality to the vacancy. You may be suitable when it comes to qualifications and work experience, but that won’t matter if the interviewer feels that you won’t be a reliable, positive, or engaged addition to the team.

Online

Whether it’s a way to keep in touch with relatives who live abroad, chat to your friends, or keep up with new products from your favourite brands, most people use social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or TikTok. If it’s a work and professional social media presence, LinkedIn is the popular choice. There are also online social media channels and forums dedicated to specific industries or job roles.

Exercising caution and discretion when discussing anything on social media is generally wise, but especially important when it comes to speaking about past employers or the company you work for now.

You may think that the first time a recruiter or employer becomes aware of you as a candidate is when you apply for a job. While this may be true, it’s increasingly common for employers to check what a candidate has posted online. You may think that it’s perfectly acceptable to have a moan about your employer on your personal social media account, but it’s worth considering whether a wider audience and specifically potential employers can access those comments.

Of course, if a potential employer can find your comments, then your current employer may be able to find them too. While everyone is allowed their opinion, your manager may feel that your comments mark you out as a disruptive, disrespectful, and disloyal member of staff or at the very least, an employee who isn’t enthusiastic about the company they work for or their workload. You may even find yourself in breach of your contract of employment.

Once you’ve started in your new job

Once you begin your new job, you may finally feel that you can let down your guard and tell your colleagues exactly what you thought of your past employer. While there’s nothing stopping you from expressing your opinion at work, it might be worth considering how that criticism may reflect on you in the eyes of your colleagues, team, and manager.

The first reason you might want to hold back on criticising your past employer is that this initial period of employment is a key time to build trust and relationships with your new colleagues. Being critical of your past employer may cause your workmates to doubt your sincerity. If you can talk about your past employer, manager, or colleagues in such a negative way, will you do the same to them? Do you already think that about your new employer?

The second reason is that your new employer wants you to focus on the current job, not your feelings about your old job. Criticising your past employer may suggest a lack of focus and commitment. Transitioning to a new job demands attention and adaptability. Spending precious work time criticising your past employer may distract you from fully immersing yourself in your new role.

What to do instead of criticising past or current employers

Rather than criticising your employers, concentrate on your personal growth and development instead. What lessons have you learned from your past or current employment? How did you grow as an employee and a person as a result? How did you handle challenging situations? By highlighting your accomplishments, you demonstrate your value as an employee.

If you have concerns or issues with your past or current employer, try to provide constructive feedback instead of simple criticism. Focus on specific situations and suggest how similar situations could be handled more effectively. This will demonstrate your problem solving skills and ability to contribute in a work environment.

Take responsibility for seeking new employment, rather than blaming your move on a difficult manager or colleague. Emphasise the move as the next step on your career path.

Wrapping it up

Whether it’s a job interview, your online presence, or settling into a new role, it’s important to remain positive and professional when discussing your past or current employer. The way you express your opinion can have a lasting impact on your reputation, job search, and career. Avoid criticism by staying positive, providing constructive feedback, and concentrating on your personal growth.