Advice on how to best explain a PIP + subsequent resignation in a job interview?

Went thru one early in my career as a Planner at a Media Agency. I recognized it wasn't the right fit, so I left the role. I've built up my skills/knowledge in the 5 years since then in Account Mgmt. at a Creative agency.

While it was years ago, the two agencies are under the same holding company. So I'm concerned that it's still on my employee record & I want to be prepared in case it comes up.

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I wouldn’t bring it up. If it was over 5 years ago, then it’s likely they won’t have paperwork on it. And typically PIPs are temporarily till you’re out of the cautionary period anyways. If it comes up then just say the role wasn’t a great fit. Keep it simple and move on.

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Exactly. Plus OP, you changed disciplines — very clear your old role wasn’t a good fit.

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Be upfront if under same hold co, be honest, be humble, lesson learned, here is what i learned, here is what i am doing to prevent the same mistakes again.

You can even white lie a little by saying you were going through some personal issues that impacted your work performance. You are a human being, but you have matured and learned not to let it impact you or not as much anymore

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Why would you ever bring it up?
NOOOO. Never. Not in this situation.
-advice from an HR Mgr.

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Unless they have some sort of secret intel about what happened to you, they won’t bring it up.

A PIP 5 years ago isn't worth mentioning. Say it wasn't the right fit and you realized that and find something else. Nothing wrong with that. If it was your last job, maybe with mentioning, but that long ago everyone has moved on.

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Not worth mentioning if it was that long ago and you’ve made a career switch. Likely you won’t go in depth about a role that doesn’t align with the role you’re interviewing for

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