Here's how you can navigate interview questions about your previous job experiences.

Start by clearly articulating your responsibilities, achievements, & challenges. Highlight specific examples of how you've contributed to projects, teams, or company goals. Stay relevant by aligning your experiences with the job requirements. Tailor your responses to showcase how your past roles have prepared you for the challenges & responsibilities of the new role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers for behavioral questions, ensuring you provide concrete examples of your capabilities. Maintain a positive tone throughout, even when discussing challenges or setbacks. Also, be prepared to discuss why you're interested in the new opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals and aspirations.

Here's how to turn negatives into positives when asked, "Why are you looking to leave your current position?" Instead of: "I haven't been enjoying my work, and I'm looking for a change." Say: "I'm interested in focusing more on [type of work in new job], so I was excited when this opportunity came up." Instead of: "My current company is not a good cultural fit for me." Say: "I've spoken to several people in my network and have heard such positive things about the culture here. I think it would be a fantastic fit." Instead of: "I don't see a long-term growth path in my current role." Say: "Not only am I deeply interested in this role, but I can also see myself continuing to grow and develop here long-term."

Navigating interview questions about past job experiences involves honesty and positivity. Highlight your growth and achievements, using metrics when possible. Prepare for common questions like reasons for leaving, likes/dislikes, and handling challenges using the STAR method. Align your experience with the job you're applying for and showcase relevant skills. Demonstrate problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, and communication. Practice your responses and maintain a professional, courteous tone without negative comments about past employers.

Using the PAR format (Problem, Action, Result) is a good way to present challenges you've faced in previous roles and to demonstrate your expertise in solving them. Consider also adding "what you learned" from the situation, particularly if the outcome was less than ideal.

Authenticity is very crucial during an interview. In my experience talking about your strengths is great, one should put their good qualities upfront and let the interviewer know about all the relevant skills that you have but specifically to the job role you are applying for. You may be a good cook at home but mentioning that in an interview for a leadership position would not be significant. Give a brief about your challenges too, sometime in the race of just getting the job, we end up signing up for a position or the work load that we aren’t ready for and eventually once the job starts we struggle and our boss struggles too?? So do discuss and brag about your qualities at an interview but also own your flaws and just be yourself!