| Categorize this question under "trick questions" | | | | So what do you say when your interviewer asks you |
| because it is meant to tempt you to vent. Double the | | | | to answer the question "what didn't you like about your |
| temptation if your last job was less then wonderful. | | | | last job?" Here are several options: |
| Often my new clients share with me that if they are | | | | Have you ever had to fire anyone? This is the best |
| asked this question during an interview, they will openly | | | | answer you could give. No one likes it (at least the |
| describe both the good and bad elements of their last | | | | majority of people don't) and it's a good benign |
| company," in the name of honesty". | | | | answer. It's also short and doesn't open a can of |
| That's a slippery slope. Let me share with you why. | | | | worms. Also, it would be difficult to over talk this |
| You may be the most ethical, wonderful and pleasant | | | | answer and open up a can of worms in the process. |
| professional ever, but unless you are personal friends | | | | You could say: |
| with the interviewer, he or she has no way of knowing | | | | Letting people go. Sometimes it was necessary but I |
| if your comments are "fair and balanced" or if you are | | | | dislike doing it. |
| a malcontent. | | | | Never fired anyone? You could say: |
| Why risk the potentially negative exposure? | | | | Reprimanding team members. Sometimes its |
| The general rule is to never say anything negative | | | | necessary but I will never learn to like it. |
| about your last job to your prospective employer. | | | | Another example would be: |
| Certainly there is a time and a place for such | | | | Actually my last job was a really positive experience. |
| discussions, but it's generally not during a job interview. | | | | The only thing I didn't like was the commute. |
| Your job interview is your precious window of time | | | | These answers are intended to help you breeze past |
| that you won through your commitment to your job | | | | this trick question so you can invest your window of |
| search goals. Use this time to focus on your future. A | | | | time on building the value of who you could be to your |
| positive attitude and positive comments are so | | | | potential employer. |
| important in a job interview. I cannot stress this enough. | | | | |