Had two interviews change tone when i let them know i was not open to forced relocation with fiserv as my reason for applying.
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Heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend that fiserv is no longer a big deal on CV
Never bad mouth your current employer, even if it's become a horror to work at. The view of you will be, this person is a complainer. If he/she doesn't like what we do, they will move on and bad mouth us. Say the company has been downsizing and that you are looking for a better, more stable opportunity. That way, you look good by not demonizing a demon.
Lots of advice on this thread and ultimately I wouldn't bad mouth Fiserv. In interviews I made a point to say how much I loved my job and team, which was true. I just wasn't able to relocate. Everyone in the industry knows what's happening at Fiserv and thinks it's insane
I wouldn't say a word about your current employer strong-arming you to move. Just say you're looking for exciting opportunities to utilize your skills to further the goals of your prospective employer. Creating a synergy of your dynamic, data-driven, thought leadership with their track record of industry leading innovation.
They don't need to know you'd never move for them, either. If they ask you a few years down the line, then they'll know.
You should never say why you're leaving your current employment and focus on why you want the new job. Focus on why you feel you're a good fit for the job you're applying for.
Prospective employers want to make sure you're running towards the new job and not away from your current job. Never speak negatively about your current employer during an interview. If they ask you, deflect and turn the conversation to why you want to be part of the new company
Don't overthink it. You're not saying anything wrong if you tell them, "there were company-wide layoffs with forced relocation but I am unable to move my family due to personal reasons". Say no more than one or two sentences. What you should not say is, "the management is a disaster and I was so frustrated with my job that I could not take it anymore."
If an employer is going to turn negative based on you telling the simple truth about forced relocation, which many, many companies are doing, then I would advise that you not work for them. In such a case, you might be back at the same spot we are right now. All the best.
"My current employer is consolidating many job functions to core locations. This includes my job which is moving to a location that is not amenable to my commitments outside of my work life."
While what you said is not the worst of what's been shared out there, being diplomatic will always serve you well. My suggestion is to answer that due to recent changes, you find it necessary to look at alternative employment. If they press you, tell them that your values and the company's values are no longer aligned. Don't go into great detail. A lot of time it's a test to see how loose your lips are. Less is always more.
OP did not say anything negative, just replied that my job was being relocated to Lincoln and chose to not relocate, was not negative just honest. So, next time i will lie.
Don’t stop applying!!
I also had to learn to hold in all negativity about my time at Fiserv. Even though at the time it was all I could think about. It took about 2-3 interviews to learn this. It will work out though, look at each interview is learning experience.
Schoolboy error. The people interviewing you only care about two things: Can you do this job and Are you going to cause us problems? Saying anything remotely negative whatsoever about a past employer is enough to raise red flags with some corporate drones. The reason for applying should be a positive reason relating to the company you are applying to, not a negative reason against the the company you are leaving.