Currently I have a part-time, work from home position and want/need a full time gig. The last full time position I had was about two years ago. My position was eliminated and it was perfectly amicable. My VP is a friend and a reference. The company had a positive reputation in town and has been recognized as the fastest growing company in town as recently as 2014.
Here is the problem:
The three co-founders of the company were indicted on fraud and conspiracy charges yesterday, with the assumption that they essentially embezzled anywhere from $4 - $11 million from 2009-15. I had no idea but this happened while I was there. In interviews I always speak highly of the company and talk about how they gave me the chance to do some innovative things, lead a 14-person team and learn a ton about my field. All of which is very true.
My questions/problem is this: I can't remove the position from my resume because it was six years of progressive growth and doing great work. My old boss was not indicted and not involved in this but is she a credible reference anymore?
How would you guys handle the resume, questions about the company in interviews and my old boss as a reference?
Oy.
Some people might not know what happened, others might, but will understand people from the company will have no idea.
You have to have your story straight and just practice how to sell it if it is brought up.
DO NOT BRUSH IT ASIDE in an interview. Tackle it head on.
Market crashed and investors started looking closer towards the books and found the CEO spent all of $40 million that was raised from banks and investors. Ultimately, the company was dissolved with no warning and declared bankruptcy, CEO flew overseas and started a new firm.
Afterwords, I had this 2 year gap on my resume where I had to explain what happened on job interviews. Half of them had read or heard what happened and some out of curiosity asked if I knew what was going on? Some had never even heard of this internet startup, so the topic never came up.
My recommendation, hold you head up straight and don't appear to be "ashamed" of working there. Highlight your career path, goals you set and how you accomplished them. If they bring it up, don't back down from their questions and tackle it head on. Best of Luck!
Thank you
Maybe frame yourself as one of the reasons it lasted as long as it did with them dipping in the cash. Emphasize how you were not involved in any of the financial aspects of the company, and it was team mgrs such as yourself that kept the Co in its good rep.
I don't see how this damages you if you weren't one of the ones involved, or in the know of the shady stuff. You were a solid performer who enjoyed the work you were tasked with and was paid on time, so how could anyone paint you with their crap?
Three key things to keep in mind, don't be evasive, don't embellish and regardless of how bad the situation was extol the positives you gained from the experience.
Perfect.