They Didn't Want Me but Took My Idea
I'm an experienced professional seeking a job in tech. I get that younger recruiters might see my cover letters as something out of "Jurassic Park," but I still need and want to work. I've earned respect as an angel investor and engage with C-level execs who value my advice. Recently, I had a disappointing experience with a major tech company. I admire their product and noticed they were hiring for a head of events role. In my application, I recommended that they also needed someone for public relations and setting up a speaker's bureau. I was turned down. However, ten days later, I noticed they had posted a position titled “product communications lead” using language similar to what I included in my cover letter. While I expressed interest in this new role, I doubt they'll get back to me.
I'm frustrated and not at all surprised by this. It's common for potential employers to take ideas without giving credit, which is why I've learned not to offer unsolicited advice before being formally hired. Instead, highlight your achievements and explain how you can benefit their company. Save detailed suggestions for later, in a memo once you're deeper in the hiring process. I'm not saying to withhold useful insights entirely, but rather to be cautious about giving away your ideas too early. You've accumulated knowledge over your career and shouldn't offer such resources freely, particularly in an industry that often favors youth over experience. I don't mean to suggest you've done anything wrong; just be strategic to keep your competitive edge.
Revenge is Tempting
After leaving a marketing communications job, I found that a colleague removed my name from the work I created and claimed it as her own. The copyright belongs to the company, but I still worry about preserving my reputation. Is there any action I should take?
When you mention preserving your reputation, do you mean your colleague's actions have potentially damaged your professional standing? Is the lack of credit affecting how your work is viewed, or your future opportunities? While your colleague's behavior is unethical and unprofessional, it doesn’t necessarily mean your reputation is at risk based on your description.
It's important to understand how this promotion of your work has occurred—whether internally to superiors or externally to clients. Without specific details, it’s difficult to determine the impact on your reputation. The copyright indeed belongs to the company, and you may need to let go of public credit for work produced in that role. Consider obtaining copies of your publications with your name to use as examples if needed in future job applications. It’s ultimately better to ensure your work is well-documented than confront the colleague directly, which might lead to professional conflict that doesn’t serve your best interests.
Warning Your Replacement
After 20-plus years in a small municipal department, I'm retiring. I managed over 30 direct reports, some excellent and some less so. When my replacement is hired, I’ll provide them an orientation and be compensated for my time. Should I discuss the performance of weaker employees, and is this ethical?
This situation requires careful judgment. While sharing insights about the less effective employees could help your replacement, it’s important to do so carefully to maintain fairness. When discussing employees whose work needs improvement, focus on specific areas that require attention rather than naming individuals outright. By highlighting general issues in work quality, the replacement can identify the problem themselves.
If asked directly to name names, trust your instincts. If you feel it’s not ethical, then don’t. Perhaps allow your replacement to contact you after they’ve settled into the role to discuss anything further once more context has been established.