The truth remains that there is no way you can love everything about your job, and that is why during a job interview, a recruiter may ask “What you like least about your job?” so as to see how you will respond as well as other reasons he or she may have for asking.
While you may have a thousand and one answers to this question, presenting your answers is key, and that is what this article is aimed at – to teach you how to appropriately answer this question.
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Why Recruiters Ask The Question – “What Do You Like Least About Your Job?”
It’s important that you know the reason why you are asked a question as this will enable you to give the right answers.
Below are the reasons why a recruiter may ask what you like least about your job:
1. To Know Your Thoughts About Your Current Workplace
when it comes to interviews, almost every candidate would have a reason for leaving their old job. So this question would present the recruiter with a great opportunity to compare your answer to those given by other job-seekers. Furthermore, the recruiter might use your response to figure out how you would communicate with other employees, and how you would establish goals and measure success
2. To Know Why You Want To Leave Your Current Job
The most common reason for leaving a job is to advance your career. And that is one of the many ways to answer this question. But to do this right, you need to specify and give exact reasons for how the new job would help you advance your career
3. To Review Your Professionalism In Workplace Scenarios
Last but not least, the recruiter would want to make sure you uphold moral and ethical standards in the workplace. You would need to answer respectfully, and positively about your current employer. Anything bad you say might be considered as a red flag, as you might reflect bad on their own company in a few years with the same type of attitude
Read Also :12 Ways To Positively Stand Out During a Job Interview
How To Answer The Question – “What Do You Like Least About Your Job?”
Having known why the recruiter is asking you this question, let’s take a look at how to answer it.
1. Talk About The Positive Side Of Your Past Job
Avoid making only negative statements whether you are answering an interview question, or preparing your resignation letter as it speaks no good of you.
The use of a positive tone in your answer is an indication that you have a realistic viewpoint of your experience.
Some of the positive experiences you can employ when answering this question are:
– The Culture Of The Company
One of the things you can talk about in a positive light is the culture of your previous company’s culture and/or the people you worked with.
While at it, direct your answer toward your career growth and how your performance has improved over your time with the company
– Relevant Experience Gathered
Talk about all the relevant experience you have gained during your stay at your previous job.
Note that recruiters are always looking forward to you speaking about your experience
– Good Leadership
The leadership of your previous company can be used to speak highly of them.
You can talk about how they set goals, and how you are impressed with their feedback channel.
Also, talk about how this has impacted your career positively.
– Volunteering And Training
Another point to raise is that your previous company has given you the opportunity to get better at your job, and expand your knowledge by training you.
2. Speak About Your Responsibilities And Duties
As much as you must have encountered certain people you didn’t like at your previous work place, and even ugly scenarios you are not pleased with, you don’t have to fixate on them while giving your answers.
Instead, your main focus should be on your tasks, responsibilities, duties, and situations that you dislike so that you don’t send the wrong impression across to your employer that you are difficult to work with.
Additionally, this response seems more professional, rather than personal, and if there is a need to really talk about people, make use of titles instead of names.
Conclude your answer on a positive note by saying how all of these experiences and job responsibilities have motivated you to advance in your career and take on a new role.
Read Also: How To Answer “Are You Willing To Travel?” (Interview Question)
3. Discuss Your Qualifications For The Job
The aim is to present yourself in the best possible way, so you must think of how to talk about your skills as well as other qualifications that puts you out there as the most suitable candidate for the position.
Some of the transferable skills that are relevant to most positions are interpersonal, technical, and problem-solving skills.
Ensure that you back your answers up with examples too so as to strengthen your answers.
4. Describe New Opportunities You Can Get With This Role
Another important impression you have to make even while stating the things you didn’t like about your previous job is the willingness to develop.
The ideal way to get this done is to go through the job description and find out where you would want to improve yourself, and how your improvement can affect the performance of your new team.
If you are able to organize your words, and include this in your answer, I bet you will make the impression that you are proactive, and have a plan for a future with the company you are applying for, and that’s a bonus.
5. State What You Hope To Achieve
Don’t just focus on the beginning of the interview because the end is as important as the other.
This is the point where you can state the changes you are looking forward to in your new position.
Cease this moment to highlight your desire to advance in your career, and how the new position poses as the ideal way to get this done.
If your answers are well-structured, you will be able to prove to the recruiter that you are the most suitable candidate for the position.
Sample Answers For The Question – “What Do You Like Least About Your Job”
Take a look at examples that you can use when answering these questions for three separate positions:
Example 1: If You Are Seeking Opportunities For Career Growth
“I am grateful that I was given the chance to work at The Content Lab because the entry-level marketing position there matched the degree I received as a graduate. But I don’t think this job provided enough chances to stretch and improve my current skill set. It’s time for me to work at a company that offers the chances for personal and professional growth that are appropriate for the position, even if I’m grateful for what I’ve learned throughout my time there.”
Example 2: If You Are Seeking Opportunities For Career Growth
“genuinely like working at Company Ltd. and getting to know my coworkers. My coworkers are always willing to assist me when I need it, and the atmosphere is fantastic. My chances of advancing in my profession will be reduced if I remain with the same employer for an extended period of time, though, as my responsibilities won’t leave much opportunity for learning new abilities. I am appreciative of my time at Company Ltd. and the wonderful experiences I had there, but I am eager to advance in my career and take on a new position that will allow me to further my skill development in my profession.”
Example 3: If You Are Seeking Management Technique
“I was exposed to a variety of management strategies for working in a big, team-focused workplace during my time with The Content Lab. I’m looking forward to working for a smaller company where I can take more responsibility for tasks that have an impact on the organization’s long-term strategic goals, as influential as that experience has been for my career”.
Example 4: If You Are Looking To Take On More Challenges
“My former job was excellent for getting some experience at the beginning. I expanded my skill set and formed several relationships. After two years, my job was no longer challenging, which is why I started looking for a new position. I brought it up with my boss, but I was unable to take on any additional responsibilities. We eventually left ways amicably because this was an entry-level position and I was eager to advance in my career. I want to work in a mid-level position where I can assume greater responsibility because of this. To someone seeking for an entry-level position, I would most definitely suggest my previous position, but I would also let them know that after just a few years, they would be ready to move on to a new position.”
Example 5: If You Are Seeking Flexibility
“I like working with my coworkers at all organizational levels at The Content Lab because of the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere there. Overall, I believe that having a remote job gives me more scheduling flexibility than I would have in an office job. Working a flexible schedule, in my opinion, will help me become more productive for this organization and develop my time-management abilities.”
Example 6: If You Are Seeking Career Change
“As a sales executive at Company Ltd, I had a great experience. My regular tasks were highly satisfying and helped me advance my abilities, particularly my verbal and sales communication skills. But after earning my MBA and graduating from college, I understood that marketing was my true calling. I’m excited to change careers, join your organization as a marketing specialist, and apply my knowledge, training, and experience there. I could use every skill I’ve developed through my education and work experience in this role.”
Conclusion
When next time you are confronted with the question – “What do you like least about your job?,” I bet you know the ideal answer to give and how to go about it.
Good luck in your interview!