I was put on a PIP and let go as of 1/2021 after only about a year. Now I've interviewed with 1 of the Big 4 and they (and other industry firms) keep asking about this. I've never been questioned about this kind of thing before. You'd think Covid would be a great cover.

The Big 4 firm wants to know if they can talk to someone at my previous firm. I fear they'll show them the PIP docs where they basically say I'm an idiot.

I don't think I really want this job and prefer industry. Still...

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Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Go where you’re loved

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Just say you were laid off. Previous firm won’t share details.

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no need to tell your prospective employers about the PIP bruh just say COVID and they will understand

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The previous firm isn't going to release your file.

My guess is that your previous job wasn't a good fit for you for one reason or another and that you think this one is a better fit. Explain that.

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If it was the people, don't say that even if it's true. Don't say anything bad about your previous employer (even if they beat puppies with kittens, bring that to the pet police, this is not the place).

Talk about what you like about your prospective employer and why you'd be a good fit (why you applied). Be positive! People that can exude positivity even when things are down are the type of people everyone wants to work with. You are good enough! You can do this!

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Saying COVID might not even be dishonest, tbh. The threshold for idiocy is different in uncertain times

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Huh, interesting. I felt like they were making shit up on that PIP anyway...

At least you are getting interviews. I am still employed and can't get an interview anywhere.

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And you're at Deloitte ? I was at a smaller firm. Maybe they think they can't afford you or that tough wouldn't reality be interested?

I'm honestly much more interested in working for a private equity firm or REIT. I'm thinking maybe I can start here if i hey the job so I can have money coming in but interview in PE or REITs on the side...

I’d reach out to an old colleague, friend, a manager anyone, to vouch for you...The new big 4 won’t pry into details just ask a few high level questions

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As others have mentioned, they cannot get access to your HR file. HR departments only confirm things like title and dates of employment. Additionally, they often won't even disclose the nature of you're leaving the firm, such as quit, fired, laid off. They will just give separation date. It reduces the liability risk of being sued by former employees.

So, state that you will be happy provide references after an offer.

They could always back channel and find people that worked with you to get more intel, but I wouldn't worry about it as you can't control it.

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Recruiters are pissy. Don't let them throw you around. They are basically asking you for a reference? For what? An interview? If it's an offer - fair play. But they don't need a reference for an interview. If you need to give them one you don't have a colleague (doesn't have to be a supervisor unless they're specifically asking for that) they can talk to?

I've already interviewed with two EDs, but I haven't gotten an offer yet.

There's one colleague but I didn't work with her directly that much, we were just friendly (and she already just did me a big favor). There's one manager when I started but she left the firm. I don't really want to refer them to the immediate manager that replaced the first one because I don't really trust her after how the whole PIP went down. The partners might at least be diplomatic but I'm not sure I trust them either

No one needs to know what happened. Work on your weakness so you do better for your next job. Come up with a story that's believable Many people quit jobs during Covid-19 to recover or help out a relative.

Just say you were laid off due to covid-19, and that your small firm had to make cuts.

Lol what good is a bond if you don't get the job.

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Before they ask why you left, say something like, “I really liked the people at the firm but wanted more opportunity to do x, y, z.” Make sure what you’re saying isn’t a lie, but that will likely keep an interviewer from asking the reason you left since they think you answered it. Or talk about covid leaving the firm with few projects (if true). Again, don’t lie, but if the interviewer chooses to draw their own conclusion from what you said, that’s on them. It’s better if you can give a non-covid, non-layoff answer, as an interviewer will still likely assume the bottom performers were the ones let go (and they’d normally be right, as much as people here like to say or think that being laid off isn’t a negative).

On the referral front, is there anyone at your old firm who thought you were performing well on any project you did? If so, they’d be the best person to give. Regardless, email people you’re thinking of giving as a reference first to ask if they’re comfortable with that and if they’d be able to say positive things about you. Provide them with the narrative you’ve given the prospective employer about why your old firm wasn’t the best fit. I think you’ll find many (and partners in particular, actually) are willing to be helpful and those who aren’t comfortable being a referral will let you know so you can find someone else.

I would never bring up a PIP. I would just say it wasn't a great fit, and why this company is align with my talents and what I want to do going forward.

The reasons why it didn't work out at the last firm are a possibility at this firm so I want to nip it in the bud and not ends up in another bad situation...

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