Answering ‘What Did You Like Least About Your Job?’

Employers ask ‘What did you like least about your job?’ to learn more about your attitude toward your previous employer. A good employer isn’t looking for a response that has a negative focus about your last job. Instead, they are looking for responses that highlight what you want from a job. By pointing out something you didn’t like, you are showing what you hope for in this new role.

This question also gives employers insight into your integrity. If you only say bad things about your past employer to a virtual stranger, this could indicate you are prone to gossip. Use this question as a chance to show what you want out of a job instead.

Learn more: 8 Inappropriate Interview Questions and How To Tackle Them Like a Pro

Follow these steps to successfully answer ‘What did you like least about your job?’:

Pick out what you like about the new company

When preparing for this question, do some research about this new company and the role you’re applying to. Take note of things like learning opportunities and tasks you’ll be doing. This can help you pinpoint things that your last employer didn’t offer that this new one does. By discussing things you’d look forward to, you are showing your enthusiasm for this new role.

Reflect on your previous role

If you already quit your job or are thinking about leaving, reflect on your reasoning. Is the company culture a poor fit for you? Do you not find your work challenging enough? Is there no room for growth? All of these are completely acceptable reasons to look for a new job. Use one of them as your answer and then explain how this new role would suit you better.

Turn a negative into a positive

Even if you have adverse feelings toward your previous employer, keep your response professional. There is no need to include all the details about what you disliked about the job. Instead, give general information about a few key things you disliked. Once sharing the negative aspects of the job, start to take a positive spin. For instance, you could explain that this bad experience inspired you to make positive life changes. Likewise, you could say how it was an opportunity to learn more about your own wants and needs.

Show your value

Throughout your answer, make sure to explain how your last job didn’t allow you to reach your full potential. Include details about what you do well and would want to do moving forward.

Learn more: 8 Questions You Should Absolutely Ask An Interviewer

Use these examples to help you come up with your own response to ‘What did you like least about your job?’:

Example: Work wasn’t challenging

Overall, my previous job was a great entry-level experience. I learned a lot in this role and made a lot of meaningful connections. One reason I was ready to move on after three years is that my work was no longer challenging. I made a point to discuss this with my manager, but she didn’t have any new tasks to give me.

When I finally decided to leave, it was on good terms since this was a beginner’s position, and I had moved onto the next level of my career. That’s why I am eager to work in a mid-level position where I can take on more responsibilities. I would definitely recommend my past job to someone right out of college but inform them that they may be ready for the next move in their career after a few years.

Example: Company culture

My previous role gave me the chance to learn more about myself and what I want from an employer. Throughout my past two years there, I realized that I was better suited for a more open and casual work environment. I found that the lack of camaraderie and strict dress code didn’t fit my ideal work style. That’s why I was so excited to learn that your company strives to facilitate close office relationships.

The casual dress code and open office layout here are also a few perks that caught my interest. Of course, I understand that I may need to dress professionally for client meetings or special events. Like most people, I enjoy dressing up from time to time, making this policy a great one for me.

Example: Room for growth

My last job gave me the chance to develop many skills and talents. Although I will always be thankful for that experience, I found that there wasn’t much mobility within the company. I have always aspired to work in a leadership role, which is why I applied to your company. My previous employer was quite small, so as long as someone was in a role, there wasn’t an opportunity for promotion.

If I were to get this leadership role, I would be quite content managing my team. This is the next step in my career, and I am excited to hopefully move onto this bigger opportunity. I am grateful for my last job, but I am also ready to support others and take on more responsibilities.