I have a panel interview for a job scheduled but I’m really concerned because of one of the members of the panel. They work closely with my previous department. Once they see my resume, they may ask my old bosses about me. Or the panel will ask me questions about my previous job which they may take back to my old bosses. I really don’t feel comfortable answering questions about my previous position while they are in the room.

Basically, I quit my previous job because I was being abused and got really really sick, so I couldn’t even find another position first. I’m still dealing with the trauma, both mental and physical. Right now I’m in fight or flight mode (mostly flight). Not because the panelist is a problem, but because of my old department.

My first panicked response was to refuse the interview, but I am really really qualified for the job, would like to be back at my old company (it’s complicated), and also am really really needing a position. Plus, it’s incredibly dumb IMO to tank a job opportunity b/c of this situation. After all, if I’m rejoining the company gossip is going to happen.

I thought about asking to meet without this person, but that doesn’t seem like a recipe for success. I’ve thought about not giving any answers related to my previous position unless they ask about it specifically. I’ve thought about expressing my concerns to the hiring manager (who I’ve worked with closely in the past) just to see what they think.

None of these things seem rational to me.

Could I get some advice from well-meaning folks?