How to Answer: What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a General Electric job interview.
13. What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
How to Answer
The interviewer asks this question to understand what motivates you, what distracts you, and what kind of work environment suits you best. They are also curious about your general attitude towards life. Someone who has a lot of negative things to say about their last position might feel that way about their workplace, no matter where they are.
Keep your answer focused on you and what you loved about your last job. Be honest about what you liked least, but stay focused on the positives. For example, saying that the leadership was toxic will indicate that you might have issues with people in positions of authority. Saying that you liked the break room the least at your last job and that the refrigerator kept breaking down says something different. Focus on the positive impact you made on your work environment, which demonstrates the positive, collaborative impact you'll make beyond the team.
Written by Kevin Downey on May 5th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I loved everyone I worked with, and I enjoyed the work itself. I felt grateful that the workplace adopted several of my systems to improve workflow and prevent rework. The thing I liked least was the water cooler. I get antsy when I'm not feeling productive."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 5th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"The break room was my least favorite aspect of my last job. No one ever cleaned out the fridge or the microwave. I tried coming up with solutions, but no one adopted them. This was frustrating because, in every other way, everyone on our teams got along. Everyone fostered growth and innovation, except when it came to that horrible break room."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 5th, 2022