Dear Experts, I have an interview at a company next week and I'm certain the person who will be interviewing me is an old acquaintance from college. This person and I never got along well during those years and left school on very bad terms. We have not spoken since. I want this job really bad so I'm ready to put my feelings aside and get down to business during the interview. What do I do if this person noticeably treats me different because of our past? How do I handle this? Should I contact her beforehand? Here is how our CAREEREALISM-Approved Experts answered this question on Twitter: Q#383 It's probably not a big deal. You did get the interview. It could be water under the bridge by now. (@gradversity) Q#383 Assume best of her (i.e., she's matured/dismissed the past); interview proactively to solve her current needs. (@ValueIntoWords) Q#383 HUMILITY! H/She who elevates him/herself is humbled; h/she who humbles him/herself is elevated. (@robtaub) Q#383 Be professional, be prepared, as u would for any interview. Assume that you both have grown, and the past is passed. (@resumestrategy) Q#383 Don't contact prior. Past is over & not part of work. In interview, be professional & show true character. (@jtodonnell) Q#383 Don't borrow trouble. People chg & mature. U did. She might have same angst. Be prepared, but don't dwell in past. (@DawnBugni) Q#383 If U think she'll treat you bad in interview, why wld U want 2 work w/her? Try ahead of time 2 soften up. (@beneubanks) Q#383 Ask intrvw'er ques that bring out th 'mentor' in her. Its elevating, feels good, & draws respect. Be tough not to like you then. (@robtaub) Q#383 Great advice already. I wonder if you are past the hurt you experienced and can forgive or make amends. (@juliaerickson) Q#383 Call her ahead of time. You've grown up and so has she so get it over with. She is feeling just as restless. (@thejobgenius) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
November 23, 2009