To go back or not to go back?

[ProContractor]

My contract was ended by a company a couple of years ago after I had a verbal dispute about project features with a PM (full-timer).  The PM complained to HR (saying I had a bad attitude) and of course the company sided with him by letting me go.  I was asked to sign a paper on ending my contract, although nothing negative was mentioned in the paper.

Now another group in the same company is interested in interviewing me for a contract position.  The gig looks good, but I am not sure what I should do due to my previous experience above.  Specifically, I have the following concerns:

1) Should I tell the hiring manager about my last contract situation up front?  And then let him decide if that matters or not.

2) The hiring manager may not know what happened to my last contract and may think it ended naturally.  If I don't mention it and he finds out down the road (say after one month I am on the job), will there be any problems for me?

3) I don't know what record the HR may have kept on me.  It could be nothing because the PM was a known trouble-maker with other people and was laid off by the company shortly after I was let go.

4) If I go to work in the new group, will I feel awkward?  I will not work on any projects with people in the original group, but will see them in the building.

I feel I should just pass this opportunity unless I am convinced that I have nothing to worry about.

Thanks in advance!

[The Gorn]

Welcome to the community, ProContractor.

1) Should I tell the hiring manager about my last contract situation up front?  And then let him decide if that matters or not.

2) The hiring manager may not know what happened to my last contract and may think it ended naturally.  If I don't mention it and he finds out down the road (say after one month I am on the job), will there be any problems for me?

3) I don't know what record the HR may have kept on me.  It could be nothing because the PM was a known trouble-maker with other people and was laid off by the company shortly after I was let go.

4) If I go to work in the new group, will I feel awkward?  I will not work on any projects with people in the original group, but will see them in the building.

My own opinion:

Why is it your problem to do this client's due diligence?

Every business can surely pool its collective internal knowledge. This is the easiest possible type of dirt to collect on someone. And two years is a long time.

My own tendency would be to pursue this as far as they want to take it. Money is money and business is business.

I even have an alternate explanation for this bizarre turn of events: manager #2 and his informants already know the story and they also have inside knowledge that your firing was a stupid move by manager #1. They believe that you are useful and they like you.

And would you expect anyone on the hiring end to say anything even if they knew? If their opinion of you is positive, they would probably rather be discreet about it and proceed without any fanfare.

Either is equally possible given what you know at present.

I would "bull on" through your self consciousness of this new contact and see what happens. A lot of times it is an opportunity for personal growth to stick your neck out. And I see this as riskless.

Good luck, either way you go.

[pxsant]

There is no need to be concerned over this for a number of reasons.

1. Clients very rarely keep any information on contractors.  Contractors do not get personnel reviews like FTE's do.  There is no employee file or record.   If anything, they may have limited information that you worked there as a contractor for a certain time period.  They may not even have that.  Clients have enough trouble keeping accurate records on employees, much less contractors.

2. The PM you had trouble with is gone so you will not see him.

3.  It is business, not personal.  Don't worry about any conflicts you may have had before with the PM.  This is a new contract with a new group. 

Worrying about this sort of thing is not productive.   It will only cause you unnecessary stress.  As Gorn said, pursue this as far as they want to take it.  If they make an offer that is within your financial range, take it.  Otherwise move on and find something else.

[TRexx]

I'd go forward. If HR has a problem with you they won't approve you coming on board.

Unfortunately you never know how these things will play out.  Your best bet is to say nothing unless someone else brings it up and then tell the truth.

[Origisaurus]

Also, in support of previous posts, if you get a few weeks to show the manager your finer points, he may stick up for you even if the story comes out.

If you flew under HR's radar, that's their fault, not yours.

And you have a few weeks' pay in the bank.

[ilconsiglliere]

I say keep your mouth shut and say nothing. If someone brings it up, just tell them that you dont recall the exact sequence of events as to why you left. Play stupid is better than stirring the pot.

Just so you know some companies do in fact keep tract of everything but its rare.

At M* B*ll they have a full blown system of when you were there, how long you were there, your rate, etc... they even know if you are a former employee. When I went back I was shocked to see that my employee id from from 10 years ago was displayed on the phone system along with my other info. M* B*ll is like the government so I dont think they are the norm.

[TRexx]

At M* B*ll they have a full blown system of when you were there, how long you were there, your rate, etc... they even know if you are a former employee. When I went back I was shocked to see that my employee id from from 10 years ago was displayed on the phone system along with my other info. M* B*ll is like the government so I dont think they are the norm.

Most of the large companies I've worked with have similar systems.  One of the key bits of information they all track is is why you left and whether your manager would bring you back.

[ProContractor]

Thanks for all the comments and they make a lot of sense.

If I decide to pursue this opportunity, I will not mention how my last contract ended with them.  The worst that can happen will be either they reject me if they have my records on file and do care, or fire me when they find out after I come on board.  I think I am willing to take that risk.

Thanks again and you guys have shown wisdom that I was looking for!