Bully update

BB writes: "I'm attending an interview with a potential employer and found out that one of the interviewers is an ex-colleague, who I didn't get along with. Should I pull out or try to talk to her beforehand?" BB, do not pull out and definitely do not attempt to talk to this person prior to interview. Wow, that would just be creating unnecessary drama. I understand you are nervous but what is the worse thing that can happen? Your ex-colleague is a tad frosty - she can't do more than that without looking like a goose.

Past conflicts often fade fast the moment we change jobs as she has done and you are soon to do. You did get the interview after all. Be as professional as you can be. Make sure you do your research and that you rehearse for the interview so your performance is polished. Greet your ex-colleague in a natural but friendly manner, briefly acknowledge your shared past and then sit down and just get on with it. Don't raise the fact you are former colleagues again unless she does and then only respond to what your ex-colleague says - don't prolong the topic.

If for any reason your former colleague is the person who asks the tougher questions, don't freak out. Take a deep breath, smile and answer. If you allow this all to unnerve you enough to withdraw your application

BB writes: "I'm attending an interview with a potential employer and found out that one of the interviewers is an ex-colleague, who I didn't get along with. Should I pull out or try to talk to her beforehand?" BB, do not pull out and definitely do not attempt to talk to this person prior to interview. Wow, that would just be creating unnecessary drama. I understand you are nervous but what is the worse thing that can happen? Your ex-colleague is a tad frosty - she can't do more than that without looking like a goose.

Past conflicts often fade fast the moment we change jobs as she has done and you are soon to do. You did get the interview after all. Be as professional as you can be. Make sure you do your research and that you rehearse for the interview so your performance is polished. Greet your ex-colleague in a natural but friendly manner, briefly acknowledge your shared past and then sit down and just get on with it. Don't raise the fact you are former colleagues again unless she does and then only respond to what your ex-colleague says - don't prolong the topic. If for any reason your former colleague is the person who asks the tougher questions, don't freak out. Take a deep breath, smile and answer.

 If you allow this all to unnerve you enough to withdraw your application, you will miss out on a valuable learning opportunity and maybe a new job to boot. Besides, our workplace is not our social world. Being effective in any job is about working well with people on a professional level whether we like them or not. , you will miss out on a valuable learning opportunity and maybe a new job to boot. Besides, our workplace is not our social world. Being effective in any job is about working well with people on a professional level whether we like them or not.