How to comfortably return to company I left over sexual harassment issue?

[Anonymous]

This was about three years ago. I didn't have the awareness that people have now about sexual harassment. I didn't sue because I didn't want to be dragged through the mud and I had obtained another offer anyway. I then moved. There is a job I am interested in in that same company, different office. I wouldn't work with the person in question, but he still would have more power than I would have within the org. We might cross paths. Also, because it's the same company, someone might naturally pick up the phone and call him for a reference. Although I didn't turn him in, I let him know in no uncertain terms that he was offensive and horrible. It became a big source of gossip as well internally at that location. I didn't feel supported publicly, though people did say supportive things privately. Anyway, I am going to apply to this position because I can always turn it down if I decide I don't want to deal. Is there anything I can do at this point to a.) try not to involve him in this process or b.) protect myself? I did hear after the fact that others shared my story with HR, so they are aware that there was an issue. Alternatively, would you talk to him preemptively? Just as a few data points, I was very respected for the work I did, and this is a niche enough opportunity that I'd like to pursue it despite the history--I feel like, why should he still be able to negatively impact my career?

[Anonymous]

Applying doesn't mean you will get am interview.
If the same people are still there, I think your chances are slim.

[Anonymous]

It's sickening that you were the victim and had your career negatively impacted, but his career is fine. If you go back to that company I would document and video tape any and all interactions with the predator.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it.

[Anonymous]

I also wouldn’t do it, but I recognize that’s a shitty response. OP, how would you answer their question of why you left, and why you want to come back?

[Anonymous]

I don't think you stand a chance in hell to even be offered that job.

[Anonymous]

Stay away
Sounds toxic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think you stand a chance in hell to even be offered that job.

that would actually be illegal retaliation.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you stand a chance of getting an interview either. But not for retaliation - just for poor judgment. As a hiring manager, I'd really question your judgment.

1. you were harassed and didn't report it.
2. you gossiped about it and quit.
3. You gossiped enough about it that HR (likely me or someone in my office) heard about it after you left.
4. Now you want to come back and put yourself in the same environment.


So, given all that I'd be thinking that either:

1. you want to come back to seek some kind of revenge (come back to the office, get harassed by the same senior person, file a sexual harassment claim and quit with a big settlement) OR
2. you don't have the good judgment to realize that nothing has changed in the office and you don't have the foresight to see that you'll be miserable in 6 months-1 year for the same problems you had before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This was about three years ago. I didn't have the awareness that people have now about sexual harassment. I didn't sue because I didn't want to be dragged through the mud and I had obtained another offer anyway. I then moved. There is a job I am interested in in that same company, different office. I wouldn't work with the person in question, but he still would have more power than I would have within the org. We might cross paths. Also, because it's the same company, someone might naturally pick up the phone and call him for a reference. Although I didn't turn him in, I let him know in no uncertain terms that he was offensive and horrible. It became a big source of gossip as well internally at that location. I didn't feel supported publicly, though people did say supportive things privately. Anyway, I am going to apply to this position because I can always turn it down if I decide I don't want to deal. Is there anything I can do at this point to a.) try not to involve him in this process or b.) protect myself? I did hear after the fact that others shared my story with HR, so they are aware that there was an issue. Alternatively, would you talk to him preemptively? Just as a few data points, I was very respected for the work I did, and this is a niche enough opportunity that I'd like to pursue it despite the history--I feel like, why should he still be able to negatively impact my career?

I think you need to decide the bolded part now before applying. Don't open this pandora's box unless you want to go all the way through with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think you stand a chance in hell to even be offered that job.

that would actually be illegal retaliation.

Do you really think they would state this as the reason they don't hire her? Please.

And I agree with everything 10:57 says.

[Anonymous]

No way you're even going to get an interview there.

[Anonymous]

Why would you want to even return to this company?!

[Anonymous]

1. Do not contact him unless you are obligated to professionally, because if there is drama about what happened, that contact could be construed as making an advance of some kind.

2. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't have the right to work wherever you want, OP! It would be sad indeed if the victim had to avoid certain businesses, on top of being harassed and forced to changed jobs.

3. Since this is a different office and people at the old one were privately supportive, I don't see that this prior incident would decrease your chances of being employed there. It would also depend on the specific nature of what he did, or more accurately, what people believe happened.

4. If hired, stay professional and calm. People believe what they see, so if you are at all times respectable and reliable, they will trust you. Do not engage with that man unless you must, and when you do, keep it short.

[Anonymous]

OP here — just catching up on the responses. Thank you for the advice. If I want the job I am not letting the fact that I was victimized a few years ago stop me from applying. I would never work with this man again though and don’t intend to engage unless I have to. BTW I didn’t gossip,
Others did. What happened to me was fairly common knowledge-which I know sounds crazy. I agree with the pp who said I should make sure I really want the job before subjecting myself to the whole thing. I do think I will get an interview at minimum, based on how specific the job is and how highly I am respected in my field. I am low drama and that actually contributed to my (bad) decision not to report. Although at the time I was warned not to...