There’s a lot you need to do to prepare for a job interview. As you review potential questions, you should also consider how you may answer questions regarding your current or most recent position.
One question you may get is, “What did you dislike about your last job?” This can be a tricky question for some candidates to answer, especially without any previous preparation.
First, Understand Why They are Asking This Question
Employers want to know how you feel about your current work environment. Asking this question can help them understand how you will fit into their company culture, what type of performance metrics you respond to, and so much more.
When you respond, you need to be direct, concise, and professional. The interviewer will also be looking for a calm and measured response, showing that you’re not overly emotional, but constructively acknowledging that you would thrive better in another setting.
Now, How to Answer, “What Did You Dislike About Your Last Job?”
Follow this three-step process for a thoughtful and confident response to this question.
Discuss a Positive Aspect of Your Previous Role
Setting a positive tone to an answer that will discuss dislikes shows your ability to be rational and have a positive outlook. A few ideas to help you bring in positive experiences are:
- Company culture
- Good leadership
- Relevant experience
Talk About Tasks and Situations When Discussing Dislikes
It’s a good idea to discuss tasks and situations rather than people when talking about dislikes of your current or last job. First of all, your new job may mean you encounter the same personalities you dislike. An interviewer may think you’re not right for the job based on this, even though that’s not necessarily true.
Secondly, staying away from bashing any one person means that you’re not passing on the blame to someone else and showing a level of maturity.
Highlight Your Skills to Show Your Qualifications for the Job
To steer your conversation to why you’ll be a good addition to the company, highlight how the skills you have (that were maybe squelched, not needed, or overlooked at your previous position) can benefit the team. Consider sharing examples of how these skills have been successful in the past and how you envision them being beneficial to the company.
Find a Job to Meet Your Goals
If you need help finding a job that helps you achieve your career goals, contact Expert Staffing.