How you talk about your previous employer in an interview can make or break your chances of getting hired. You want to show that you are professional, respectful, and positive, even if you had a bad experience or left on bad terms. Here are some tips on how to do that effectively.
The first rule of talking about your previous employer is to avoid any negative or derogatory comments. Even if you had a legitimate reason to be unhappy, badmouthing your former boss or company will only make you look bitter, ungrateful, and difficult to work with. Instead, focus on what you learned, what you achieved, and what you are looking for in your next role.
Fully agree with avoiding negativity. I would imagine this might not always be as straightforward, given people’s previous experiences. Although I have been lucky enough to always work in pleasant environments, I find the best approach in this case would be to describe how you had ameliorated a negative issue/situation/circumstance and back it up with a very short example. Simple aspects of helping your colleagues when they are in need, doing a little more to aid your team, or even just remaining positive in difficult circumstances, can display your leadership qualities to the interviewer. Additionally, in their eyes, you help create/maintain a supportive and warm culture, which all companies should desire. Practice this before.
Interviewing is not just about getting a job, but it also serves as testing ground for culture fits, company values, the hiring manager's leadership style, etc. Things that determine whether you sink or swim. With that said, be professional, positive, forward thinking in sharing your experience, however, don't deviate too much from your personal values. Put a personal swirl in the story and see how it goes. If it turns the interviewers off, well, even if you get the job, you might not fit in.
1. Be Positive: Emphasize the positive aspects of your previous job and employer. 2. Highlight Achievements: Share specific accomplishments and contributions you made. 3. Emphasize Growth: Mention how the role helped you grow professionally. 4. Learned Experiences: Discuss challenges as opportunities for learning. 5. Stay Professional: Avoid negative language and stay professional. 6. Relate to the New Role: Connect your past experiences to the new position. 7. Express Gratitude: Show appreciation for the opportunities you have. 8. Prepare Examples: Be ready to provide specific examples to support your points.
Focus on top 3 projects/situations through which you learned a lot, and when you explain, do talk in numbers about your impact
You want to be honest and professional while also presenting yourself in a positive light. -Use neutral language and focus on what you learned from those challenges. -Refrain from speaking negatively about your previous employer, as negative comments can reflect poorly on you and may raise concerns for the prospective employer. -Mention any new skills, knowledge, or perspectives you gained. -Keep your responses concise and focused on the most relevant points. -Regardless of your feelings towards your previous employer, maintain a professional tone. -Practice discussing your previous employer in a positive & professional manner before the interview. This can help you articulate during the actual interview.
The second rule of talking about your previous employer is to be honest and truthful. Don't lie about why you left, what you did, or how you performed. If you were fired, laid off, or quit, explain the situation briefly and objectively, without blaming anyone or making excuses. If you were unhappy, dissatisfied, or bored, don't pretend that everything was fine. Instead, show how you handled the challenges, what you did to improve the situation, and how you grew from the experience.
If you quit due to unhappiness, acknowledge it objectively and focus on lessons learned and growth. Don't criticize. If you were fired or laid off, take accountability briefly without blame or excuses. Explain how you worked to improve afterward. If there were difficulties or conflicts, be transparent while maintaining discretion. Highlight resolutions.
If you stretch the truth or straight up lie during an interview, you WILL be caught! Whether it is before the job offer or after you start, you will be caught. It is just not worth the risk. Instead of lying, discuss the positive aspects of your previous job, such as the skills you acquired and the accomplishments you achieved. If there were any challenges or areas for improvement in your previous role, you can mention them briefly but focus on how you actively worked to address those issues or how they motivated you to seek new opportunities.
There will always be differences wherever you go but one should know that it's the tough parts that shape you as a person and a professional. Your employer has given you an opportunity to bring value to your own profile as well as the company. They have helped you become a better version as a professional. They have provided you with an opportunity to grow and excel in challenging situations. Always be thankful to your employer because you are a different version of who you were when you stepped in for the first time vs when you stepped out. Highlight the positive more than the negative.
Always best to keep the reasons for separation short, sweet and simple. Focus on the positive even if the reason was a bad one. For example, "I was unfortunately laid off due to restructuring but I found the perfect position soon after." When one door closes, another door opens!
One way to talk about a previous employer, whether your experience was good or bad, is to share in a positive light what you learned from it, how you grew and improved as a person.
The third rule of talking about your previous employer is to be positive and enthusiastic . Even if you had a negative experience, try to find something good to say about your former boss, colleagues, or company. You can mention what you liked, what you appreciated, or what you gained from working there. You can also express gratitude for the opportunity, the support, or the feedback you received. This will show that you are a mature, optimistic, and appreciative person who can find value in any situation.
It’s a bad interview process if you must stay positive, especially when discussing a bad employment experience. Certainly don’t focus on the negative only, but be realistic; there are very thoughtful ways to explain your experience, and I don’t think having to remain positive shows how you deal with adversity in a real world way. Also, expecting or requiring someone to talk positively about a toxic work environment only furthers the harm done to that person.
You should always be positive, upbeat, and optimistic during an interview. Especially when it comes to questions about your previous employer. To convey a positive impression of your previous employer in an interview, emphasize their strengths and the aspects of your experience that you appreciated. Highlight the opportunities for growth, the supportive colleagues, and any valuable projects you were a part of. This positivity not only showcases your ability to focus on the bright side but also reflects well on your professionalism and ability to work effectively in different environments.
Prepare thoroughly for your interview by anticipating common questions. One topic often discussed is your previous employment and the reasons for leaving past positions. It's crucial to approach this question with a positive mindset. While challenges with leadership might have influenced your decision to leave a company, there could be other valid reasons, such as seeking personal development or opportunities for professional growth. Being prepared to articulate these reasons positively can demonstrate your resilience and proactive attitude to potential employers.
I would suggest that positive is a relative term. I believe that one lesson (among many) that we learned while we were sheltering in place amidst the pandemic is that showing up in ways that do not align with the experiences we are having does not serve us in a healthy manner. Faking "positive" in traumatic and triggering spaces with difficult people is not sustainable. When we interview and seek other professional and career opportunities, we can amplify what we learned about the best environment for getting work done or outcomes met, how we individually show up in the space and how our learning from the previous position can transfer to the role we are seeking.
In interviews, discussing your previous employer is important, and it's crucial to maintain a positive perspective. Use these opportunities to showcase how you've effectively navigated challenging situations. For instance, you might encounter questions such as "Tell me about a time when you dealt with a difficult teammate" or "Tell me about a time when you had conflicts with your manager." These are moments when you can gain an edge over other candidates by illustrating the severity of the situation and detailing how you transformed negative experiences into positive ones.
The fourth rule of talking about your previous employer is to be relevant and specific . Don't ramble on about irrelevant details, personal issues, or confidential information. Instead, focus on the aspects of your previous job that relate to the role you are applying for. You can use examples, stories, or achievements to demonstrate how you used your skills, solved problems, or contributed to the goals of your former employer. This will show that you are a competent, reliable, and results-oriented person who can add value to the new organization.
My secret hack for nailing the interview is to get the recruiter envisioning you already in the role and contributing to the team. You can do this by highlighting the impact you made in your previous role. Be specific, starting with the result (impact). Next use the STAR format to frame your answer. Close by restating the result (impact) in a different way. Repeat the process for 1-2 of your most recent roles. Now they have an idea of the IMPACT you cold make, if hired.
I would say focus on the relevant answers related to the current role you have been interviewed for! Talking about your previous employer won't add value for you to get this job!
Talk about your previous employer in a way that shows: - what you learned while with them. - what you respect about them. - what your goals are moving forward. Share the growth that happened, and how you plan to make that growth meaningful for the next organization.
Shift the conversation toward the job you're interviewing for and why you're excited about the opportunity. Talk about how your past experiences have prepared you for this role. Highlight the valuable lessons and skills you gained while working for your previous employer. Talk about how those experiences have prepared you for the role you're interviewing for.
By providing specific examples, stories, or achievements that demonstrate your skills and how you contributed to your former employer's goals, you not only showcase your competence but also align yourself with the needs of the new organization. This highlights your ability to be results-oriented and adds value to your overall presentation during interviews or discussions about your work history.
The fifth rule of talking about your previous employer is to be respectful and courteous. Don't use rude, sarcastic, or disrespectful language when talking about your former boss, colleagues, or company. Don't interrupt, contradict, or argue with the interviewer if they ask you about your previous employer. Don't compare, contrast, or criticize your former employer with the new one. Instead, use polite, professional, and constructive language when talking about your previous employer. This will show that you are a respectful, cooperative, and adaptable person who can work well with others.
Here is a respectful way to discuss a previous employer during a job interview: I greatly appreciated the opportunities I had at my last company. Though it was time for me to move on, I learned a tremendous amount during my time there and it helped shape me into the professional I am today. My previous manager really pushed me to improve my skills in X, Y and Z, which forced me to get out of my comfort zone. While challenging at times, it ultimately made me a stronger employee. I'm proud of the work I did there, including leading project A and initiative B. Through those experiences, I gained valuable expertise in skills like X, Y, and Z. While no employer is perfect, I am grateful for the growth and experience I gained.
Be respectful and brief. If it was an especially contentious interaction, practice answering that question before the interview. You don't want to be asked that question and it catches you off guard. All of that is in the past and you are moving towards a better future.
A good amount of candidates I speak with these days have been laid off from their last role. The way you tell the story is important. I imagine there is a waterfall of emotions tied to layoff news and looking for a new role in this competitive job market, just be honest with the interview team and highlight the positive experiences you gained from your last role. We don't hold a layoff against anyone, but your goal should always be to focus on the positive and what's next for you and what incredible experiences you bring to this next role.
Be respectful when you are talking about your past employer. Even if you don't have the best experience, talk about how it changes you. How it helps you grow, and change to become better than before. Talk about the skills you learn, the lesson you learn and just ... personal growth.
How you speak about a previous employer speaks volumes to a potential new employer. Even if the situation you're currently in or recently left is awful (bad culture, poor communication, no work-life balance), you need to spin it in a positive light. Always be diplomatic when speaking about a former company, colleague, or client. Even in a challenging situation, make sure you come across in a kind and positive manner, not only with your words, but also with facial expressions and body language. If you're not composed and respectful - this is the main thing the person interviewing you will remember.
The sixth rule of talking about your previous employer is to be prepared and confident. Don't wait until the interview to think about how to talk about your previous employer. Before the interview, review your resume, your work history, and your reasons for leaving. Think of some positive and relevant points to highlight, and some potential questions to anticipate. Practice your answers, and ask for feedback from a friend, a mentor, or a coach. This will help you to talk about your previous employer in a clear, concise, and convincing way.
Anticipate likely questions about your relationships, responsibilities, and growth. Rehearse answers. Organize your thoughts concisely and coherently. Time is limited in interviews. Identify key achievements, projects, and responsibilities you want to highlight that align to the new role. Visualize yourself having a positive discussion to build confidence. Seek feedback from mentors and coaches to polish your responses. Practice for fluid delivery. Prepare follow-up questions to ask that demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.
Don't be afraid to practice. If someone is willing to do a mock interview, take them up on that offer! It is also helpful to write out your answers and to remember important metrics, dates, or key performance indicators (KPI). It's also ok to bring notes and to take notes. If the interviewer mentions something you want to learn more about then write it down. Stay engaged in the conversation and write down 4-5 takeaways from your interview so you can craft up a good follow-up and thank you email afterwards. Come to the interview with confidence. Write out a few questions so when it's your turn to ask questions, you show up that you did your research and were prepared to learn more about the company!
Be professional and respectful and discuss what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown as a result of your previous experiences. Showcase how you would take what you’ve learned and what you would do in your future position. Focus on what you’re looking forward to implementing in your future position and how the past was a great opportunity for your future.
It's a wise step to be always prepared before hand for questions related to your previous work experience, your employer, manager and what made you leave... Always ensure to keep your answers: ~ Positive, free of bitterness ~ Keep them short, focused & impactful ~ Always focus on your learnings that you got ~ Be honest and relevant ~ Use a strong narrative that strengthens your positive image ~ Articulate your thoughts impressively, for instance... instead of saying salary package was not adequate...you may say that " There was no further growth opportunity for you in your previous organization" ~ Always remember that articulation and presentation matter the most in an interview.
Most people only see themselves twice a day, in the mirror, backwards. Take the list of the top 10 questions for your position, write out 3-minute responses to each of them, edit at least 5 times so they have punch and are coherent, and then practice these responses by videoing yourself with your phone. Look at the videos, see where you mess up such filler words, poor lighting, unprofessional background, etc. and then correct and do it again. You need to have practiced each answer at least 7 times so that it flows, sounds professional, thoughtful and answers the question with style. They share the videos with trusted professional mentors and get their feedback. Incorporate the changes and practice the script so it flows.
- Even if you have a bad experience, don't go on a negative rant. Be honest, yet respectful. - Talk more about what you've learnt, how you've grown as individual
Even if you are in a toxic environment or don't have a good relationship with your manager, don't use the interview to talk negatively about it or gossip about your workplace. Don't blame others for your current work situation. Don't spend time explaining why you want to leave your current employer. You can briefly say the reason why you are job searching, but move on and explain why you are there. You can say, 'I want to continue to improve my skills in X area, and my current job isn't allowing me to do that. I believe this position with your company will allow me to thrive and grow in my career.' You are your Chief Career Officer! Even when you deal with unpleasant work environments, you can still rise above!
Sabemos que existem ambientes de trabalho negativos, tóxicos, líderes abusivos, assédio moral e até mesmo assédio sexual em algumas empresas, mas evitem usar a entrevista para fazer comentários negativos, desabafar ou expor pessoas do seu trabalho. Foque sua energia em sair dessa situa??o difícil e se apresentar ao entrevistador destacando suas qualidades. Se for questionado sobre o motivo de deixar o emprego atual, seja sucinto e aproveite a oportunidade para enfatizar os aspectos positivos, como o quanto uma nova oportunidade pode contribuir para sua carreira.
When discussing a previous employer in an interview: Stay positive: Highlight positive experiences and accomplishments. Be concise: Focus on key achievements and skills gained. Avoid negativity: Don't criticize or dwell on problems. Emphasize learning: Explain how your experience has prepared you for the new role. Maintain professionalism: Keep the conversation constructive and respectful.
Since an interview is about YOU, always focus your answers about previous employers on *the work you did at the company* and the results you achieved, not the company itself.