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can I warn employer about an ex-coworker?
I left a job months ago, it was hell. I was one of three assistants to a dr(orthodontist) who also treated his employers like crap. If there was a procedure or a task we were assigned to the head assistant would say "I have seniority im not doing it" and the other assistant i will name julie would just go into the bathroom and text on phone when a patient she didnt feel like working on. so that would mean i would take them. any long procedure. at the end of the day i was exhausted i would tell the dr about it and he would just shrug it off....some of those times talking to him in the office JULIE was on the other side of the door listening in to my convos. Julie also couldnt take x-rays, for 9mts we both started never could successfully take one so i had to. and that included impressions. Julie also would try to "busy" herself to lab work. I would walk in on her texting. and that wasnt the worst besides hearing her gossip, humilating me in front of my assigned patients, constant complaining, dr assigned her to take impressions she complained that I...ME wasnt doing anything, would always need a ride to work(not on my way to work) had the receptionist drive her for 7months straight. Eventually after months of looking for a job, found one and left.
New job been there for 2mts i love it. I get along with everyone except it is such a larger office 20people at this office. that they need another assistant....my NEW job is in the same town where Julie lives. and found out she is applying, i heard from a old co-worker at my previous job. I feel like the same thing is going to happen all over again. i can picture it now, cant help but feel complete panic. Ive seen her resume and is lying about half of the things she lists because I DID EVERYTHING! should i warn my manager about her even though they havent listed her as a candidate yet. I feel i am treading on thin ice and isnt my place, i dont want to come off as this vindictive person who has it out for her. but at the same time this co-worker cant bring anything to the table when she will hide in the bathroom when she doesnt feel like working, cant take x-rays and will talk about everyone. Julie doesnt know I work here. should I hint and say how many people applied, i already am being nosey about it.
Re: can I warn employer about an ex-coworker?
I wouldn't volunteer the information unless someone asks you. I'm assuming if she's a candidate they'll probably ask for your opinion. Instead of going over every little infraction, say something like, "I personally felt she didn't have a strong work ethic," and if they ask for examples keep it simple, like "she took frequent breaks, used her phone at inappropriate times, and was not very professional."
If, by some chance, she gets hired, don't cover for her and don't do her favors! Do your job and avoid her. Seriously, I get that she's a bad co-worker, but you sound too involved.
Something else to possibly think about: maybe only inform the hiring person (Dr?/ head of assts?) that you heard that such&such applied, and that you have some very valuable (negative- include or don't based on initial response) information re: this candidate, if this person ever makes it to the "short list."
As an employer, who is often in charge of the hiring, I would absolutely appreciate this information. WAY above judging employee for judging candidates/ sticking his/her nose where it doesn't belong. Trust me, if this person somehow gets hired, it sounds like it will not only be very detrimental to your life, but to your employer's total work atmosphere. In other words, I would NOT be pleased if I knew that you had this negative info on this person and kept it to yourself/ never breathed a word about her awfulness, as you watched us go through the interviewing/ hiring process.
Good luck meow; I'm sorry about this situation, and hope it works out!
Exactly.
I would just add...if everyone else in your 20 person office has a strong work ethic, even if Julie is hired, it's possible she won't last very long. Your last job was a nightmare because 2/3 of the staff didn't work. But groups sometimes have a way of monitoring themselves if they have the same mindset / set of standards.
If you are asked, I would say that she doesn't have a strong work ethic, and that you had to do (name the procedures) for her because she never caught on the proper way. They know YOU know how to do the work, since you work there, so they won't take her word over yours.
I'm wondering why she would leave a job where she can text all day long? Maybe the person they hired to replace you wouldn't put up with her cr*p and made her actually work.
I would just wait till she comes in for an interview, and then chat her up a little bit, with things like "Oh wow! Hi Julie! I didn't know you had left Dr. X" and casually mention the fact that you'd worked with her previously in front of the person doing the interviewing if they come out to greet her."
Then it will be up to them, if they want to ask you about her or not.
This.
They're going to see that you worked for the same place at the same time. If she gets that far- chances are they'll ask you about her.
I am a hiring manager and I would be pissed if one of my staff knew someone was awful and they didn't speak up.
I would just say "I heard Julie Smith applied and I worked with her previously and have some concerns regarding her work ethic and technical proficiency. Please let me know if you would like more information."