Navigating questions about your current or past employment can be tricky during a job interview. Careless or negative remarks can easily derail your chances. Preparation is key to presenting yourself professionally and positively.
Ideally, we’d all have harmonious relationships with our bosses and colleagues and find fulfillment in our jobs. However, the reality is that dissatisfaction often drives the job search. Perhaps you clash with your supervisor, or the work has become monotonous. While these feelings may be valid, the interview room isn’t the place to air grievances.
Remember, your interviewers could become your future supervisors and coworkers. They’re looking for someone who brings solutions, not complaints. Therefore, focus on presenting a positive and professional image.
Common questions regarding your work history include:
* How do you interact with your boss and colleagues?
* Why are you seeking to leave your current position?
* What aspects of your current job do you find unfavorable?
Let’s address these questions strategically.
**How do you interact with your boss and colleagues?**
Regardless of your true feelings, frame your answer positively. Highlight a good working relationship, emphasizing your boss’s helpfulness and support. Mention a strong team spirit and effective collaboration with colleagues. Avoid criticizing anyone, as this reflects poorly on your loyalty and professionalism. If you struggle to find positives, genuinely reflect on your interactions and identify something praiseworthy.
**Why do you want to leave your present job?**
Craft your response carefully, avoiding the impression that you’re a job-hopper, easily bored, or prioritizing personal pursuits over professional commitment. If applicable, cite objective reasons like contract expiration, redundancy, or relocation. Redundancy, in particular, shouldn’t be a source of shame—emphasize that the *position* was eliminated, not you.
What if boredom fuels your job search? Connect your application to specific opportunities offered by the new role. Avoid mentioning money or vacation time as primary motivators, as these suggest a lack of genuine interest. Instead, focus on the chance to develop existing skills, acquire new ones, utilize specific qualifications (like foreign languages), or advance your career through mentoring and increased responsibilities.
**What do you dislike about your job?**
Exercise extreme caution here. Avoid mentioning dislikes that might also be present in the new role, suggesting a lack of research or a high likelihood of dissatisfaction. Instead, express that you enjoy your current role but seek greater challenges or responsibilities. Frame it as a desire for professional growth and expanded contributions.
In conclusion, before applying for a new job, ensure you can articulate compelling reasons for leaving your current position and a clear motivation for pursuing the new one. Most importantly, refrain from criticizing current or former coworkers.