This question is somewhat of a trap, because it asks for a
negative answer. If you haven't given it some thought, you
may blurt out something about your boss or the company, and
talk yourself right out of a job. One of the purposes of
the question is to find out if you are going to be
satisfied in this job. If you were dissatisfied before, you
may be dissatisfied again if the circumstances are similar.
Three candidates answers:
Roopal - "I didn't have enough challenges. After a while,
all the projects became repetitive and the same. I thrive
on challenge."
Interviewer's thoughts - "A lot of the tasks here are
repetitive. What makes her think she will like it here any
better? Will we be able to keep her challenged?"
Kevin - "Lack of stability. After three company
acquisitions, I had five bosses in three years. I couldn't
take it any longer. What I am looking for is stability in a
job and company."
Interviewer's thoughts - "While our company is stable now,
there are no guarantees about the future. This guy sounds
like he may have some burn out and flexibility issues.
Barry - "In my last job, my boss was overbearing and
wouldn't let me do my job. If she didn't like they way I
was doing something she'd criticize me."
Interviewer's thoughts - "Could he work with me as a
supervisor? How would he react if I had to critique his
work? He sounds like he could be a problem to supervise."
Focus
When you answer the question, it is best to focus on tasks
rather than talking about company politics or people.
"I've given this question some thought, and overall I have
been very satisfied with my jobs. I've been able to work
with some really interesting people. I have to admit that I
did have a job where there was an inordinate amount of
paper work. Because working with people is my strength, the
paper work really bogged me down at times."
Notice the word "inordinate" Not normal paper work, but
unusually large amount, keeping you from doing what you do
best: working with people.
Exercise
Make a list of the times in your past jobs when you have
been dissatisfied; times when you didn't look forward to
going to work, when you "hated" what you were doing. Was it
the nature of the work or the office environment that were
making you dissatisfied? Spend some time looking at your
list for patterns. Are there some projects that recur on
your list; some situations that you don't want to get into
again? This exercise will help you identify areas to watch
for and to ask questions about during the interview.
"What percentage of this job will be travel?"
"What are some of the specific tasks and responsibilities
of this job?"
Job satisfaction
When you can identify the factors that give you job
satisfaction, as well as the factors that were unpleasant
or tedious for you, you can determine if this is the right
job for you. It is a known fact that people perform best
when they are doing something they enjoy. Thinking about
the answer to this question is an opportunity for you to
identify what you want - doing the things you like to do
best, as well as what you don't want.
----------------------------------------------------
Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and an
interview coach. Her books, "Interview Fitness Training
Workbook" and "Boost Your Interview IQ" (McGraw Hill) have
sold thousands of copies world-wide. Receive Carole's FREE
job interview tips by visiting her web site at:
http://www.interviewcoach.com
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