Can I get your thoughts/opinions on the topic of (civilian) career reputation?

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 31 May 2019 15:34:54 -0400

Not specifically military related so I could have posted this to LinkedIn, but the wrong people would see it; and the depth of the Well of Quality Professional Advice on Facebook is, well, "lacking"; hence my coming to you on RP.

In the age of Google, how does one deal with having worked for a small (now defunct) company that had been publicly investigated for wrongdoing--though never prosecuted--but the experience gained there helps meet future job requirements, therefore I can't simply leave it off a resume?

(And there was so much more that I have seriously considered writing a book about that place, but I digress.)

Additionally, I recently got wind that the former president of the company I once worked for may have been bad-mouthing me and my old co-workers within my former industry; an industry I am considering returning to. If true, its one hell of a betrayal on their part and decidedly not warranted. Still, if true what, if anything, would you advise I do about that? To be clear, I don’t know for a fact that happened, and wouldn't ever publically accuse because of that, but it was alluded to by mutual industry connections.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2019 3:41 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 May 2019 15:41:12 -0400

It depends on how big the case was, if it made national news, and if you are applying to jobs in the area where it is well known. People are always going to get some sort of stigma for working at a defunct organization, even one that goes out of business due to competition. For example, a long time ago when I was in retail we gained a manager who worked for a grocery store that went out of business. People always made jokes about it, but she was still hired.

Personally, when I hired people as a division chief, I looked at their qualifications and teased out anything else I needed to know in interviews. I was less concerned about pedigree of their organizations. However, you are giving me an idea for a research project...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 31 at 2019 4:26 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 31 May 2019 16:26:47 -0400

There are certain types of defamation that are more egregious than others. For example, disparaging a woman's moral character. The type of defamation you describe falls into that category. You can only try and if you discover that your former employer's comments keep you from advancing your career, you have a great case. Sadly, lawsuits cost money and take a long time and even if they turn out in your favor, the very public process of adjudication may only serve to fan the flames (where there's smoke there's fire). In other words, there is no good answer. So, you play your bet and take your chances. If you're blocked from pursuing that career in that industry, try another. Hell, I worked in five completely different careers in five completely different industries in my lifetime. I'm sure others can tell a similar tale...

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made May 31 at 2019 4:31 PM

PFC Donnie Harold Harris — Fri, 31 May 2019 16:31:14 -0400

Do nothing unless you see an attack coming. Hear-say and gossip are not worth your time my friend.
It is everywhere in the world outside of the discipline of military life. It is a cesspool out here. I would say list it and see if it is an issue. You could possibly start your own business in that business; whatever it may be. Good luck will get you further than you know.

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Jun 3 at 2019 4:22 PM

PFC Donnie Harold Harris — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 16:22:00 -0400

Just go forward and push through to the other side. You will be fine. If not you will know for sure where you are at.