Well that was an interviewing don't

Pesky

We are interviewing for an assistant as ours is moving to an analyst position.  Had a lady in yesterday.  Great.  Resume terrific, seemed very polished and poised and organized, interviewed well.  EXCEPT for what she told my assistant during an interview.  When asked why she was leaving, suddenly there was an answer about how she was leaving because her position was being eliminated due to legal reasons and she couldn't talk any more about it due to confidentiality obligations and please don't ask more.

Huh?

First off, this seems like code for some kind of settlement with her, especially as she quickly plunked down a signed letter of rec.  So likely sexual harassment, age or sex discrimination settlement which is what this smacks of (we're in the biz so we know how those settlements work).  Second, uh, what's wrong with leaving it as "my position has been eliminated"?  Seriously, no further questions at that point, totally benign answer.  But now we're concerned re the real backstory and her potential handling of other delicate matters in the future, especially as in all likelihood, her hinting like she did already violated her confidentiality agreement.  

Oy. 

Beckabooney

Hiring is always hard.   I can't say I blame your concerns.   If you love everything else, take her maybe on a probationary status for 90 days or something, depending on what your state allows. 

If you didn't LOVE everything else about her, keep looking.   There are enough good people looking for work, you'll find someone.

vigurl

I would not hire her for the exact same concerns you have.

daisy662

RUN. Run as fast as you can. RUN AWAY!!!!!