Tell me about your worst job experience??

So tell me about your worst job experience? Why is this even asked by the interviewers? You might not want to talk or even remember those times when you were treated tribally. Isn’t it? I get it. It is hard for everybody. ?

But before we look further let’s understand What is your definition of the WORST JOB experience? Is it a job,?

1.????Where you were treated poorly?

2.????Is it where you were asked to do something which was not really part of your job responsibility?

3.????Where you were constantly pushed by your supervisor?

4.????Where you were micromanaged?

5.????Where you were forced to be part of a team or job you didn’t really want to be part of?

6.????Where were you asked to do overtime?

7.????Were you asked to do something which was someone else job?

8.????Someone else took credit for the job you did?

9.????All of the above??

If that is your definition of the worst job, then let me tell you that you are sadly mistaken. Of course, I stand corrected if were sexually harassed or asked to do something which is not ethical or illegal, If that is the case you should leave that place as soon as you can. ?

But, if not then re-think it, let me give you a perspective, how about I tell you that the worst job experiences you have had, made you the best man to handle similar situations again.?

So next time when you are asked to talk about your worst job experience, please do not consider it as an opportunity to rant out your emotions or a conversation where you can finally express how badly you were treated, but the exact opposite.

Tell them how those bad experiences have made you stronger character professionally and personally.?

To answer this question more effectively, let’s try and understand what is the purpose of this question? The interviewer or the employer is not your therapist who is there to accommodate you by hearing you out on how you were treated and comfort you. That person interviewing you is your potential employer.?

Let’s see behind the curtains and understand why is this question even asked??

The primary reason why this question is asked is that,

1.????The employer wants to know if you appreciate what you have and accept it along with challenges or are you a ‘cry baby’? ?

2.????They want to understand as what are your expectations from the job, supervisor, and management.

3.????Interviewer is trying to assess if you fit in their culture and work setup.

4.????Can you handle pressure and do that little extra required??

In order to answer this question, we will use the same strategy we used on the question “Tell me about your best Job experience”.?

You will have to remember that your worst job experience is not where:?

1.????Your limit was pushed

2.????It is not where you were held responsible or accountable for a certain error or mistake

3.????It is not where you were not given critical feedback

4.????Where there were no strict targets or deadlines

5.????Not the place where your job was very easy and you never really were anxious ?

6.????Not the job where you were not constantly challenged

7.????Even not a place where your boss never bothered about what and how you did your job.?

The worst job you have ever had is that job which:?

1.????Which did not give you the opportunity to learn

2.????Which did not demand you to try something new

3.????Which did not provide an opportunity to grow and develop skills

4.????Which did not challenge you or push you out of your comfort zone?

I see so many applicants talk about the best jobs they have had which were very easy and comfortable, and this is why it is important to change your perspective.?

Let’s be honest, how many times have we said this or at least thought to ourselves that “This is not my job” or “I am not taking that shit” ?

The jobs which are easy won’t teach you how to manage difficult situations because easy jobs don’t expose you to challenging situations. ?

If you get too comfortable with a so-called “very comforting manager” you will have a hard time when you will be working with a manager who is not as comforting as your previous one. Imagine if you have a manager who constantly pushes you and gave you a hard time, you will find it easy to work with anybody and at least appreciate where you are and make the best out of it. ?

If you were asked or rather forced by your supervisor to do multiple tasks while you were already occupied with your job, this has taught you to be an amazing multitasker. This would have also taught you the art of prioritization up to some degree, isn’t it??

So now you see how your so-called ‘worst job’ is actually the best job because it has taught you the things that an easy job would never offer and had made you a strong and worthy applicant.?

Are you ready for an example? Consider this next time in an interview.?

Your interviewer while gazing at your CV looks up to you and says, So tell me about the worst job you have ever had. ?

You look up confidently bring a smile on your face and tell him?

?“I am glad you asked me this question, I would like to talk about my job in (Name the company) where I was working as (mention the job title) and my primary responsibilities were (list a few). I don’t consider this my worst job, while I faced many challenges right from (talk about day-to-day tasks) till how I felt my supervisor was a nightmare and gave me sleepless nights (talk a little about challenges you faced) I think this has given me an immense learning opportunity and had me better in (list a few skills). While I sometimes felt that my supervisor was unreasonable, I do realize the responsibilities he had and I think he was doing his best in the interest of achieving organizational goals.?

I recommend you make a list of learning, and challenges and have the best examples thought through. It would also be beneficial if have this practiced either with your family member or a friend. Ask them to pretend as a hiring manager and you answer the question, this is helpful to determine where you need to get better at.?

I hope this helps, thank you.