\u201cWhat do you like least about your job?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You won\u2019t encounter this opinion question in job interviews all that frequently. If you do, though, it can throw you for a loop if you aren\u2019t prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t fret: We\u2019re going to teach you the best way to take this negative-sounding question and turn it into a positive answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not every interviewer will phrase questions the same way. Here are a few other questions that mean essentially the same thing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This question is about your attitude towards work<\/a> and your ability to stay positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employers want to hire people who maintain a positive mindset at work, as they\u2019re more likely to integrate well with the team<\/a>, perform better in their role, and be less likely to quit soon after getting the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This question is also asked to see if the issues you have at your current job are likely to follow you to this new job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new job might have similar limitations to your old job, and if that\u2019s why you left, it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll stick around for the long-term<\/a>. It\u2019s counterproductive to hire you if you\u2019re only going to run into the same issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s the 3-part structure we recommend you follow when answering this interview question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start your answer by talking about what you appreciate about your previous or current role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is important because it demonstrates you can see the positive aspects of a less-than-ideal situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about what you\u2019re likely to miss about the job after starting in your new role. If possible, mention something you think will also apply to the role you’re interviewing for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attractive job qualities might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s an example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI can say a lot of good things about my current job, like the team I work with. Everyone\u2019s very supportive and we know the strengths of each individual<\/a> which allows us to complete projects very efficiently.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Talk about an aspect of the job that prevents you from being able to perform your best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This shows the interviewer you want to succeed and likely would have — if it weren’t for this particular limitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about goals you might have<\/a>, such as improving certain skills<\/a> or reaching certain achievements, that are unattainable at your last or current place of employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Limiting factors might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s an example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe thing I least like, however, is the bespoke project management and email system the company uses. It\u2019s glitchy and crashes often; it even loses our work at times. I\u2019m occasionally unable to meet my daily or weekly goals due to this inefficient system.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Finally, discuss why this limiting factor will not be an issue in the new role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is important because it proves you\u2019ve thought about how you can ensure your success in a new role by identifying potential limiting factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use what you know about the company<\/a> from your research or from the job description to explain why this role won\u2019t share the negative factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps this<\/em> job:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s an example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAt my first interview, I asked about the technology used for project management and it was clear from the answer I got you guys are up-to-date in terms of software tech. I\u2019m looking forward to working with an efficient system that won\u2019t hold me back.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Applying a structure can be difficult without some written sample answer to demonstrate how it can be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out these examples below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy current boss is very supportive and has encouraged me to go as far as I can within the company. He\u2019s recommended me for promotions and has shown me how to maximize my education during my employment.<\/p> Unfortunately, I\u2019ve exhausted all opportunities available to me within that organization. I\u2019m an assistant manager, and my manager is the only person above me, save for the owner. I\u2019m still eager to progress further, however.<\/p> I\u2019ve learned about the progression possible in this firm, and I like how employees can be moved to different branches if their careers take them in that direction. I look forward to a long, fulfilling stay with this company if I\u2019m hired.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019d like to say first that I learned so much about hard work and perseverance in my current job. My tenacity has paid off, and I\u2019ve been able to move up the ranks in exchange for the amount of work I\u2019ve been willing to put in.<\/p> At my current level, however, I\u2019m required to put in between 50 and 60 hours per week. Nobody in my department is allowed to work less than that. It\u2019s time to address that; my work-life balance is out of whack, and fixing the problem isn\u2019t possible in my current job.<\/p> This company offers flextime and remote working, so I know I\u2019d be able to continue to progress my career while still making time for other important things<\/a> in my life. I appreciate a company culture that values staff personal time.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u201cI truly love the work I do at my current job. The projects I work on are fulfilling and meaningful to me on a personal level. It\u2019s why I\u2019ve continued working in the role for as long as I have.<\/p> So long, in fact, that I\u2019m one of the longest-standing employees. Most of my original colleagues burnt out within a year. It\u2019s demoralizing to have new staff and managers being hired and leaving on a regular basis.<\/p> I\u2019ve read up on the support available here, and it\u2019s impressive. I see everyone has a mentor assigned to offer guidance. I\u2019ve seen reports of low turnover rates and beneficial company culture. I look forward to taking advantage of that support if I\u2019m successful today.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Every interview question opens the door to a different kind of mistake, and while these can often be subtle, it’s always best to avoid them if you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the biggest errors to watch out for with this particular question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the worst things you can do with this question is talk negatively about a particular person<\/a> at your old job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employers do NOT want to hire gossips, as they tend to create friction in the workplace and distract others from doing their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Talk about the factors <\/em>you don\u2019t like, not the people <\/em>you don\u2019t like. Avoid blaming anyone in particular for the negative qualities of your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resist any temptation to provide a litany of complaints about your current or previous job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your interviewer wants to see you turning a potentially negative question into a positive. They aren\u2019t interested in hearing about a long list of issues you\u2019re having.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, stick to one limiting factor and talk up the solution that this new job will provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid focusing on some small transgression or trivial incident in your answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employers look for people who are easy to work with<\/a>. Bringing up something minor can give the impression you\u2019re a difficult person or a pessimist.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Answer: \u201cWhat Do You Like Least About Your Job?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Describe Something You Like About Your Last\/Current Job<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Describe a Limiting Factor of Your Last\/Current Job<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Explain How This Job Will Rectify The Problem You Described<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Putting It All Together (Example Answers)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Example #1: Lack of Growth Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Example #2: Too Much Overtime<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Example #3: High Staff Turnover<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How NOT to Answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Badmouth Anyone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Air Your Grievances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Be Petty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n