What Didn't Like About Your Last Job?

We apply for a new job for a variety of reasons. Sometimes we just want to earn more money, or change our routine, perhaps move to another place, meet new people, see new places. More often than not, however, there is something we dislike about our present place of work. It can be something minor, but it can also be something big, the main reason why we consider leaving our present employer.

What does the interviewer want to see when you answer this question? Whether you won’t dislike the same thing in their company and if you are the type of employee who typically hops from one job to another.

Here are some insights from an expert to help you answer this difficult interview question;

Avoid venting

Even for those of us who genuinely love our careers, “What’s something that you didn’t like about your last job?” is a question that we could easily talk about. But an interview is not the time to rant about, for example, how your boss was a micromanager or how you disliked some of your colleagues.

That’s because this question isn’t really about discovering what you dislike, points out Godfrey Wakoli, an interview coach at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading recruitment firm. More likely, it’s a test of how you would respond to an invitation to vent. “The interviewer wants to know if you’re the type of person who will go negative when given the opportunity,” says Godfrey.

Your answer should not leave the interviewer believing they could be your next gossip victim if things don’t go well. Speaking negatively of your current employer ends up reflecting poorly on you, not the company. If you must vent, save that for your friends—ideally not ones you work with.

Do your research

Before the interview, research the company to learn more about its business operations, mission and values. Read articles about the company or search on its website to find this information. Review the job description for the position you’re applying for to make sure you understand the primary responsibilities of the role. This research can help you tailor your response to the question and speak positively about the position or organization. For example, if you dislike your current job because you primarily work on the computer, you can speak about why you’d be happy interacting with customers in the new position.

Stay positive

Interview Coach Godfrey Wakoli says that despite the challenges that one may have faced at their previous role it is always important to maintain a positive tone.

“Start your answer by saying something good about your previous employer or job”, he advises.

For example; “Working for my current company has allowed me to improve my skills and learn new tasks, and I’m grateful for those opportunities. I’m applying for this job because working remotely has become challenging for me. I’ve learned I thrive in an office environment, where I can collaborate with my coworkers by stopping at their desks to ask questions or share ideas. If hired for this position, I’m looking forward to working in the office and using my interpersonal skills to building meaningful relationships with the team here.”

Focus on New Opportunities

A great way to answer this question is to talk about a responsibility or duty you’d get to have at your new job that your current role doesn’t offer. For example; if the job you’re interviewing for requires that you to lead a team or manage a department, you could share that you wish your current job gave you the opportunity to grow into a leadership role.

“This gives you an opportunity to shed light on your skills and experiences” says Godfrey.

Sample answer; I’ve enjoyed working with the team at my current company to accomplish shared goals. Recently, I had the opportunity to lead the team on a project. I developed a project plan, assigned tasks to other team members, answered their questions and provided updates to my manager. As a team, we successfully completed the project on schedule and under budget.

While I enjoy my current role on the team, I’m hoping to advance into a management position so I can continue to use my leadership skills. My current company is small and has limited opportunities for growth, which has led me to apply for other jobs. I know this company offers a training program for professionals interested in management positions, and I’d love to pursue that opportunity if hired for this role. I believe the work I do with this company could help me reach my professional goals.”

Bottom line;

Show the interviewer that you would be an exceptional candidate for the position is as simple as answering the “What’s something that you didn’t like about your last job?” question in a professional and positive manner while remaining honest and open.

Ready to answer this one? I hope so! If you want to make sure that you stand out with your answers and outclass your competitors, book a one on one interview coaching session and get to practice for the actual interview!

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