What Did You Dislike About Your Previous Job?

A job interview is an excellent opportunity for you to show that you are qualified for the position. As a result, it’s critical that you prepare for frequent job interview questions. “What Did You Dislike About Your Previous Job?”  is a popular interview question. This question is used by interviewers to learn more about your personality and professional approach toward your work.

Any sort of job interview might include questions regarding your work experience in your current or past employment.

This is a difficult interview question since it requires you to provide a “negative” response by describing what you hated about your work.

In this article, we’ll look at why the interviewer could question you about your dislikes or dislikes from prior jobs. We also advise you where you should concentrate your efforts when answering this question. Also, check out our job interview preparation checklist and learn more about frequently asked job interview questions.

Why The Interviewers Ask – “What Did You Dislike About Your Previous Job?”

It’s crucial to note that when an interviewer asks what you didn’t like about your work, he or she is rarely interested in what you truly liked or hated. They’re listening to your tone of voice and attitude as you answer this awkward interview question to gain a feel of your character and personality.

Interviewers are also interested in your responses because they want to see if your work style, attitude, and work ethic are in line with the company’s culture. The interviewer is looking to see if you, as well as the firm, will be happy working in the position that you apply for.

In general, the interviewer is looking for an open and honest response to what you disliked about your previous work. As a result, take advantage of this chance to add a positive spin to your tale. If you think about this topic before the interview and are able to explain a situation straight away, it tells the interviewer that you are serious about the interview and that you have self-awareness and self-knowledge.

How To Answer – “What Did You Dislike About Your Previous Job?”

If you’re asked what you don’t like about your job or one of the other comparable questions mentioned previously, you should be honest but still concentrate on a positive aspect.

Interviewers want to know if they can give you the challenges you’re seeking and if you’ll be satisfied in the position you’re applying for. As a result, it’s critical that you select your words carefully while responding to this question. If the circumstances at work are comparable to when you were unsatisfied with your employment previously, it’s conceivable that you’ll be dissatisfied again.

Don’t underestimate this question or fall into the trap of quickly discussing things you dislike; it’s a tough one. Too much bad information about past companies and jobs will not provide the desired outcome, which is a favorable impression.

Don’t slam your past or present company or position, even if it’s at the bottom of your list of priorities. The interviewer may not be familiar with your current or past company, and your unfavorable comments may give the impression that you have a tendency of criticizing former employers when discussing a position with a potential future employer.

As a result, when the interviewer asks what you don’t like about your employment, emphasize the good aspects. Make sure the good aspects you describe relate to the company’s work environment where you’re looking for a job.

• Read Also: How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

Tips To Answer – “What Did You Dislike About Your Previous Job?”

This is not an invitation to make disparaging remarks about former employers or jobs. It’s critical to note that the question asks you “what” you detest rather than “who” you dislike.

Concentrate your responses on particular duties that you disliked and would wish to avoid in your next employment. However, double-check that they aren’t activities that you’ll be doing in the position you’re applying for.

You might also indicate that you didn’t enjoy some parts of the work atmosphere or the promotion prospects.

Step 1

Always begin your response by describing what you enjoy about your career to the interviewer. To put it another way, start your responses on a good note.

Step 2

After that, say something about what you didn’t like. Concentrate on particular activities or areas of the workplace. Maintain a positive tone of voice throughout and explain why the position you’re seeking will provide you with the opportunities you seek.

Step 3

Until you’ve determined it’s time to make a job change, always mention duties or parts of the work environment that you can handle effectively.

• Read More: How To Answer 10 Tough Interview Questions.

What To Avoid When You Answer – “What Did You Dislike About Your Previous Job?”

First and foremost, avoid situations that might make you appear rigid. There’s always the possibility that interviewers may ask you more questions. Make sure you pick a circumstance where it’s impossible to conclude that you’re the one who produced a difficult issue. For example, because you were set in your ways or held firm to your beliefs.

Don’t go after individual coworkers or previous employers. Even if the question appears to call for it, now is not the time to start talking badly about individuals. Focus on events, activities, and characteristics of the work environment rather than persons when expressing what you hated.

Avoid bringing up something you didn’t care for that is also relevant to the job or atmosphere of the position for which you are now being interviewed.

Make sure your response doesn’t give the recruiting manager the idea that you’ll be tough to deal with.

“What Did You Dislike About Your Previous Job?” Sample Answers

Sample Answers 1

‘‘I had a good experience working for the firm and with the people, I worked with. It was a friendly workplace, and I enjoyed going to work every day. Apart from that, the firm was involved in the community, which I enjoyed.”

Sample Answers 2

‘‘My time at the firm was beneficial to me, and I learned a lot about how to deal with various systems.’ Additionally, several of the initiatives required collaboration with many departments, allowing me to get experience in a variety of areas.”

Sample Answers 3

‘‘My time at the firm was beneficial to me, and I learned a lot about how to deal with various systems.’ Additionally, several of the initiatives required collaboration with many departments, allowing me to get experience in a variety of areas.”

Sample Answers 4

‘‘I like working with my coworkers, but I realized that there was no longer any opportunity for professional growth.’ The firm went through a difficult period, and as a result, there were no finances available to invest in staff development in order to propel the company ahead.

My professional development and career ambitions were disrupted, which is why I applied for this position. I’m at a point in my work where I believe that progress is critical to achieving my objectives. This role is exactly what I’m searching for, and I’m confident that my talents, abilities, and work experience will offer significant value to the team.”

Sample Answers 5

“My former firm operated in a fast-paced market where acquisitions were made on a yearly basis. The management, as well as the teams, were continuously changing. While I enjoyed the fast-paced work atmosphere and everyday challenges, I had three different directors in the previous 18 months, all of whom had different plans, goals, and approaches.

I’m specifically focused on my professional objectives and personal growth. I felt like my window of chance to advance within the firm was closing due to the scenario of continually shifting teams.”

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Conclusion

Even if you don’t have anything positive to say about your previous bosses or the firm you worked for, be polite, respectful, and gracious. Find a pleasant way to express something! You almost certainly advanced professionally or learned a new skill or two while at your prior employer, so highlight it.

When discussing your dislikes from your prior work, keep it task- or big-picture-oriented. This is a point that cannot be overstated.

Maintain a positive attitude when giving the answer, not just in what you say but also in how you portray yourself in terms of body language. Do not, for example, roll your eyes when the topic is asked, or begin your response with “Ugh, that corporation!”

Best Wishes!!