4 Ways to Avoid Speaking Badly about an Employer

​We all know we can’t speak ill of an employer in an interview. But what should you do if an interviewer keeps asking hard questions?

Here are 4 ways to get your message without breaking the cardinal rule:

1. Point to change in senior management or change within the legal organization. The employer will get the unspoken message that the ship is not stable or that there’s a new chief bringing in his/her own minions.
2. Cite statistics showing turnover, e.g., there has been 50% turnover in 1 year, or not a person is left in your group from when you joined. Leave it at the numbers.
3. Mention any merger/acquisition. Employers understand the teams of a target company are often gutted.
4. If all else fails, talk about the competitive landscape and challenges facing the company, e.g., how the vision or strategy of your company has changed, and point to some stats. 

 
Bottom line: Show that there is nothing personal and there is no animosity with your former employer.