11 Nov 09 What did you dislike about your last job? – NaPodPoMo Day 11

That question might be the hardest one people face at job interviews! I hate when employers ask what you didn't like at your last job. It feels like a trick question. I always think they are hoping to “trip me up”, and get me to say something negative, so they can use that against me when they get around to deciding which applicants to give a second interview to, or when finally deciding who to hire.

I've tried to “spin” things when I answer that particular question.
What didn't I like?
* “Dead End Job” = “My last job really wasn't set up to allow employees to grow, and to learn more about the different aspects of the business. I enjoy the challenge of learning new things, and, in doing so, gaining a better understanding about how the company works together to achieve our goals.”

* “The pay sucked/ I was working a McJob” = “I enjoyed my previous job, but, it simply wasn't in the field my college degree is in. I've always wanted to be a teacher (or whatever your degree was in), ever since I was a little kid, and I feel that now is the time to achieve that dream.

* “The boss was insane.” = “I worked with some wonderful people at my previous job, and I will miss working with them. However, I have noticed that a few extremely negative people can adversely affect the morale of the entire store/company/team. Most places I have worked were able to bounce back from setbacks, improve, and see the positive side of things, but, I felt like this was a difficulty for some of the people at my last job. I'm a positive person, and I welcome the opportunity to work with other positive people.”

I think that the answer “I used to be a full time worker at my previous job, but, due to the economy, they have needed to cut back a bit. I am now a part time worker, and this is making it difficult for me to pay my bills. (This would be a great time to mention how many children you have, or if you happen to be caring for elderly or sick relatives). Right now, I have to be seeking an employment situation that can offer me more stability than where I am at now.” doesn't need to be “spun”. This is the reality of how things are right now. Any employer that refuses to hire someone who has a realistic view of the current economy is likely attempting to delude themselves that things are better than they really are. That's not someplace I'd like to work at!

Anyway… just some ideas I had while watching your video today.
Oh, and I really got a kick out of the faces you made at the end of the video!

That question might be the hardest one people face at job interviews! I hate when employers ask what you didn't like at your last job. It feels like a trick question. I always think they are hoping to “trip me up”, and get me to say something negative, so they can use that against me when they get around to deciding which applicants to give a second interview to, or when finally deciding who to hire.

I've tried to “spin” things when I answer that particular question.
What didn't I like?
* “Dead End Job” = “My last job really wasn't set up to allow employees to grow, and to learn more about the different aspects of the business. I enjoy the challenge of learning new things, and, in doing so, gaining a better understanding about how the company works together to achieve our goals.”

* “The pay sucked/ I was working a McJob” = “I enjoyed my previous job, but, it simply wasn't in the field my college degree is in. I've always wanted to be a teacher (or whatever your degree was in), ever since I was a little kid, and I feel that now is the time to achieve that dream.

* “The boss was insane.” = “I worked with some wonderful people at my previous job, and I will miss working with them. However, I have noticed that a few extremely negative people can adversely affect the morale of the entire store/company/team. Most places I have worked were able to bounce back from setbacks, improve, and see the positive side of things, but, I felt like this was a difficulty for some of the people at my last job. I'm a positive person, and I welcome the opportunity to work with other positive people.”

I think that the answer “I used to be a full time worker at my previous job, but, due to the economy, they have needed to cut back a bit. I am now a part time worker, and this is making it difficult for me to pay my bills. (This would be a great time to mention how many children you have, or if you happen to be caring for elderly or sick relatives). Right now, I have to be seeking an employment situation that can offer me more stability than where I am at now.” doesn't need to be “spun”. This is the reality of how things are right now. Any employer that refuses to hire someone who has a realistic view of the current economy is likely attempting to delude themselves that things are better than they really are. That's not someplace I'd like to work at!

Anyway… just some ideas I had while watching your video today.
Oh, and I really got a kick out of the faces you made at the end of the video!

That question might be the hardest one people face at job interviews! I hate when employers ask what you didn't like at your last job. It feels like a trick question. I always think they are hoping to “trip me up”, and get me to say something negative, so they can use that against me when they get around to deciding which applicants to give a second interview to, or when finally deciding who to hire.

I've tried to “spin” things when I answer that particular question.
What didn't I like?
* “Dead End Job” = “My last job really wasn't set up to allow employees to grow, and to learn more about the different aspects of the business. I enjoy the challenge of learning new things, and, in doing so, gaining a better understanding about how the company works together to achieve our goals.”

* “The pay sucked/ I was working a McJob” = “I enjoyed my previous job, but, it simply wasn't in the field my college degree is in. I've always wanted to be a teacher (or whatever your degree was in), ever since I was a little kid, and I feel that now is the time to achieve that dream.

* “The boss was insane.” = “I worked with some wonderful people at my previous job, and I will miss working with them. However, I have noticed that a few extremely negative people can adversely affect the morale of the entire store/company/team. Most places I have worked were able to bounce back from setbacks, improve, and see the positive side of things, but, I felt like this was a difficulty for some of the people at my last job. I'm a positive person, and I welcome the opportunity to work with other positive people.”

I think that the answer “I used to be a full time worker at my previous job, but, due to the economy, they have needed to cut back a bit. I am now a part time worker, and this is making it difficult for me to pay my bills. (This would be a great time to mention how many children you have, or if you happen to be caring for elderly or sick relatives). Right now, I have to be seeking an employment situation that can offer me more stability than where I am at now.” doesn't need to be “spun”. This is the reality of how things are right now. Any employer that refuses to hire someone who has a realistic view of the current economy is likely attempting to delude themselves that things are better than they really are. That's not someplace I'd like to work at!

Anyway… just some ideas I had while watching your video today.
Oh, and I really got a kick out of the faces you made at the end of the video!