12 Job Satisfaction Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Job Satisfaction interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. What gives you satisfaction in this particular career?
How to Answer
Job satisfaction is a significant factor in whether people stay or leave their employers. Talk to the interviewer about what satisfies you about your career and why you continue to remain in this particular path.
Answer Example
"I am delighted with this career path, and I believe it is because I can help people on a daily basis. It is important for me to feel as though I am contributing to my community and this career certainly generates those feelings."
Admin
"My satisfaction always comes from a job well done. I am self-led and disciplined, so my satisfaction truly comes from within."
Manager
"I have worked very hard to gain a leadership position. Being a manager gives me the sense that my work and actions genuinely matter to other people. If my work ethic and attitude can positively influence someone else, that is the most satisfying moment for me."
Marketing
"As a marketing professional, I gain the most satisfaction from exercising the creative side of my brain. I have a high amount of energy and ideas so when my days are filled with brainstorming, and spontaneity, that satisfies me very much."
Retail
"I enjoy helping people, so seeing, or hearing from, a satisfied customer is what drives me."
Sales
"I am competitive by nature, so my satisfaction comes from the chase and the win. I love a friendly negotiation, to chase a deal, and to uncover a potential new client."
Teacher
"As a teacher, I gain the most satisfaction from knowing my students are gaining a solid foundation for their future. I care about the success of my students, and when one of them pulls up their grades or shows a genuine passion for a particular topic, it makes me so happy."
2. What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how to avoid demotivating you on the job. Everyone will have some particular triggers that cause them to feel dissatisfaction on the job. Talk to the interviewer about any factors that may deflate or discourage you in the workplace.
Answer Example
"I can feel dissatisfaction on the job when I am not feeling heard or when there is not mutual respect among the team members. I work best in more harmonious situations where there is little drama or gossip."
Admin
"I feel dissatisfied when I work hard but constantly hit roadblocks. Obstacles happen, but when you can't get anywhere because there are so many of them, it is frustrating."
Manager
"I feel dissatisfied when an employee becomes unresponsive or quits. I feel a sense of responsibility for my team, and those they train. When they are unhappy, I feel as though I failed them."
Marketing
"I become dissatisfied with my job when I do not work in a collaborative team environment. I have held marketing roles where I am in my office most of the day and rarely interact with any other creatives on my team. I much prefer team and cross-departmental collaboration."
Retail
"I have felt dissatisfied on the job when I feel underpaid and overworked. I don't mind working hard at all, but I don't like to feel as though I'm being taken advantage of."
Sales
"When I see success few and far between, it is very unmotivating for me. I am a hunter and a true salesperson. These personality traits mean that I am most satisfied when deals are closing, and negotiations are challenging. I am most dissatisfied with slow-paced sales environments with long sales cycles of 6 months or more."
Teacher
"I find that my dissatisfaction, as an educator, comes when the board or district cuts budgets which disallows me to give my students experience such a new technology in the classroom or educational field trips. In an ideal world, teachers would have all resources at their fingertips. This factor is why I am seeking a move into the private education sector where there are more financial allowances and better opportunities for the students."
3. Describe to me your ideal employer.
How to Answer
A job search isn't just a one-sided hunt. You must also feel as though this is a good fit for yourself. Tell the interviewer what your ideal employer may be. Be specific and be sure to keep the conversation positive. Avoid speaking poorly of any previous managers or organizations.
Answer Example
"My ideal employer is one that brings charisma and passion to their work. I work best with organizations who have a penchant for learning and promote their employees based on performance."
Admin
"My ideal employer will trust me to get the job done without standing over my shoulder or critiquing everything that I do or say. I am highly competent and would like my boss to keep that in mind."
Manager
"My ideal employer will be forward-thinking and unresistant to change. I like to streamline processes, for instance, and I would love to work for a company that receives a request for change with an open mind."
Marketing
"Ideally, I would work for an agency led by passion, curiosity, and a high amount of energy. I am enthusiastic about what I do and work best with like-minded creatives. I would also love to work for an employer who attracts great clients with big budgets and open minds."
Retail
"My ideal employer is one that allows me to take the reigns when it comes to problem-solving. I like to be hands-on and prefer to work for people who value this in me."
Sales
"My ideal employer is one that gives me a goal and then lets me run with it. I am creative when it comes to closing deals and building a sales pipeline. I would love to be working for a company that trusts my process and knows that I will land deals and exceed targets without having to be told what to do every step of the way."
Teacher
"My ideal district is one where the community openly supports the school and its students. My ideal Principal is one that has empathy for students and is a hands-on leader versus one who likes to sit in their office demanding a position of power."
4. How do you define success?
How to Answer
What does success mean to you? Tell the interviewer how you see success and be sure to tie your answer into the success that you plan to bring to this particular position, should you be offered the role.
Answer Example
"I define success by my ability to reach the goals that are set out for me. On a personal level, the things I wish to achieve in my life. On a work level, the targets that are set out for me as well as the professional development that I seek."
Admin
"I define success by reaching all of my goals and exceeding some. If my employer is happy, that makes me happy."
Manager
"Success, in my mind, is defined by knowing that the choices I made, the words that I say, and the actions that I take are helping others to lead better lives."
Marketing
"I define success by what we achieve as a marketing team. The project, as a whole, needs to deliver on expectations before I consider the job a success."
Retail
"Success, for me, is always providing my customers with what they need, while keeping a positive mindset and smile on my face. People need friendliness more than ever, and I know when I have lifted someone's spirits, how great that makes me feel in return."
Sales
"I consider myself or my work a success when I know I have made a positive impact on a coworker or a client. I want to do more than just sell to them; I want to inspire them to elevate their business, think in new ways, and consider options they may not have considered before."
Teacher
"For me, as a teacher, I associate success with my students finding a purpose in their education and coming to a full understanding that their future contributions and knowledge will make a difference in the world."
5. What attracts you the most to this particular position?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know what you will enjoy most in this particular position. The perfect fit needs to go both ways. Assure the interviewer that you see this role as a secure fit for you and discuss the reasons why. Be specific.
Here are some items to assess before accepting a new role:
- Day to day activities. Do they excite you, offer enough variety, and stimulate you?
- Skills growth. Is the position challenging enough that it will test and push your current skill level?
- Skills match. How carefully do the job description and job posting match the skills that you enjoy using the most?
- Job security. Sre you attracted to their growth and employee retention rate?
- Future boss. What are your initial feelings about the person to whom you will be reporting?
- Work style. Do they have a work style that matches yours? For instance, hands-on vs. dictatorship.
- Career growth. What are the opportunities for advancement in the next 3, 5, 10 years? Do these align with your career goals?
- Travel. Also, how much overnight travel is required of you and will you be able to sustain that type of schedule?
- Commute. Do you like the location? Many people quit their jobs because the commute becomes a grind.
- Company goals. Do you agree with the company's mission statement, short and long-term growth plans?
- Workplace culture. How well does this role fit with your personality, lifestyle, and needs?
Admin
"I like this position because it is a role that I know, but in an industry that I am interested in learning more about."
Manager
"This position is desirable to me because it is an answer to my desire to learn software ABC while gaining experience in project management."
Marketing
"I initially applied for the role because I admire the work of your agency and have followed the career of your marketing director very closely. Aside from the opportunity to work alongside her, I also appreciate the workplace culture here and the values which you describe."
Retail
"What attracts me most to this position is the fact that your organization puts so much effort into professional development for your employees. It's awe-inspiring to me."
Sales
"What attracts me most to this particular position is the job security. Your company has been around for over forty years and is a household name at this point. I am highly attracted the fact that I would have an opportunity for exponential growth and a long-term fit."
Teacher
"This school is just down the street from my home with is very convenient and a major selling point for me. In addition to being the most convenient location possible, I appreciate that you have French and Spanish language programs. I strongly believe in bilingualism for all, and I am thrilled that your school supports that thought."
6. What kind of people do you enjoy working with?
How to Answer
Company culture is a significant factor when looking for a new position. Talk to the interviewer about the types of personalities with which you best work. Be sure to remain positive and avoid using this as an opportunity to speak poorly of previous colleagues.
Think of a few traits that co-workers should have, and include that in your answer. Such as, motivated to succeed, enjoys collaborating with others, and passionate about their careers.
Answer Example
"I best enjoy working with driven individuals, people who are positive, energetic, and take accountability for their work. I do have the ability to work with a large variety of individuals; however, these are the ideal traits I would see in future colleagues."
Admin
"I like to work in a friendly environment where my co-workers are cordial, professional, and organized."
Manager
"I love working with fellow creatives who have little inhibitions when it comes to pitching ideas."
Marketing
"I work best with people who have a strong work ethic. Every project goes smoother when you have dedicated people on your team!"
Retail
"I enjoy working with people who are driven to succeed, but not at the expense of others. I want to be around people who pick each other up and keep the team moving."
Sales
"I enjoy working with individuals who work hard and love what they do. Being surrounded by passionate people motivates me."
Teacher
"I most enjoy working with driven educators who are focused and have an empathetic heart for their students. How would you describe the environment and culture at your school?"
7. Do you prefer to work in a team based position or individually?
How to Answer
In which situation are you the happiest and most productive? Talk to the interviewer about your preference when it comes to teamwork or working individually. Be sure to avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular scenario (IE: I only like to work by myself).
Answer Example
"I have found, in the past, that I work best in an individually driven environment; however, I can certainly be productive in a team-based setting as well."
Admin
"I can work successfully in either a team-based or individual environment. I am comfortable sharing the workload and responsibility with others, or hunkering down and getting it all done myself."
Manager
"I love having a team! I thrive when I can coach or mentor a new team member, and when my knowledge can help someone else succeed in their job. I have been successful, in the past, in more independent roles as well. Could you describe for me the preference here?"
Marketing
"I am a fan of team-based positions where everyone has something unique to offer. It creates a great amount of diversity and generates ideas that may not have occurred in an individual based work environment."
Retail
"I have worked only in team-based roles so I would have to say that is my preference; however, I am an independent person as well and am sure I could thrive in either environment."
Sales
"I prefer to manage my day to day activities on an individual basis -simply because I like to work at a breakneck pace. With that said, my preference for collaboration comes after my cold calls, and I need the support of a team to generate fresh ideas for selling or to ensure all documents are up to standard."
Teacher
"I work well in a team on certain tasks and then when it comes to my time in the classroom, I prefer to work on an individual basis. I am confident in my abilities as a teacher and my lesson plans are highly organized."
8. How can we motivate you on the job?
How to Answer
Every employer should know how each staff member is best motivated. Talk to the interviewer about the variety of ways in which you are best motivated on the job.
Here are some ways that an employer may try to motivate you.
Which ones resonate most with you?
- Incentive programs where points are earned
- Showing complete trust in your work and performance
- Setting smaller, more achievable goals
- Helping you to find your higher career purpose
- Being a positive example to you
- Maintaining an open and transparent workplace
- Personalized incentives vs. Team driven incentives
- Getting to know you on a personal level
- Positive feedback based rewards system
- Offering a stable work/life balance by encouraging time off
- Letting you know your voice matters
- Allowing you to take the lead on projects that excite you
- Handing out big-picture projects, so you feel that you are contributing to the company's future
- Public recognition
Admin
"I am motivated by skills advancement opportunities. My previous employer put me through a technical writing course as well as two advanced Excel workshops. That was motivating to me."
Manager
"I am best motivated through words of praise and recognition for a job well done. I do like to know that my efforts are noticed. In my current position, we have a team leaderboard, and I do like that concept because it creates a healthy bit of personal competition for me as well."
Marketing
"My current manager motivates me by reminding me that she has full faith in my work. Those words give me a boost of confidence and feed my fire, especially on more challenging creative projects."
Retail
"I especially enjoy sales competitions and challenges to earn bonus' and gifts. In my current role, the sales associate with the most sales at the end of the week receives a $100 in-store-credit."
Sales
"I am motivated by knowing something about the end customer and being able to relate to them as a person. A personal touch is always helpful for me."
Teacher
"I remain motivated when I know that I am in a secure job and am a valued member of the faulty and student body. Feelings of inclusiveness are important to me."
9. How do you feel about joining a new organization?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how you are feeling in regards to making a significant change. Changing employers can be exciting, scary, and all of the feels wrapped into one big weird emotion. Talk to the interviewer about how you feel regarding this particular career move.
Answer Example
"For me, the thought of joining a new organization is stimulating. I am excited about learning new skills although I am also aware that it will be a lot of hard work. Overall, I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity."
Admin
"I am excited and nervous, but I am ready to move on. I have been with my current company for eight years now and am ready for the change that this opportunity will bring."
Manager
"I have on-boarded many new staff members in my 12-year management career. I see how nervous people can be on their first day. I feel that nervous excitement right now. I love to have strong tenure in my career so making a move is scary after all of these years; however, I know in my heart that this is the right thing to do."
Marketing
"I would not want to leave my current organization for just any role; however, I have had an eye on your group for a very long time. For that reason, I would feel incredibly honored and thrilled to join your organization."
Retail
"I am very excited about the opportunity and welcome the change! I thoroughly enjoy your products and know that this will be a great move for me."
Sales
"Your product is incredible, and your workplace culture offers what I have been missing over the past few years. I feel excited and pumped! I'm ready for this."
Teacher
"I am what you would call nervous-excited when I think about the opportunity to join your district. It will be a big change for me with relocation and all; however, I know it is the best choice for my career plan."
10. Tell me about a responsibility in your former or current position that you really enjoyed.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know about the types of responsibilities that excite you. Were you asked to take on a particular task, project, or responsibility that gave you a strong sense of enjoyment? Talk to the interviewer about this specific task and what it meant to you.
Answer Example
"In additional to my regular responsibilities, my previous employer also asked me to be the head of our social committee. This opportunity was stimulating for me because I love to have a workplace where people know each other, are comfortable having a meaningful conversation, and where everyone can let loose now and then. I planned four social events per year, and the turnout was always wonderful. Employee engagement went up, and some powerful connections created."
Admin
"In my former position, I took on our social media marketing which was a lot of fun. I was pretty good with it as well!"
Manager
"I was tasked with hosting tours of the facility. My tours included VPs, vendors, and potential customers. It was nice learning about our stakeholders while showing them around."
Marketing
"I was recently given the opportunity to speak to a class of university students who were in their first year of marketing and communications. I spoke to them for an hour, all about the variety of career paths available to them, the perks of the job, and how to properly network in their industry. It was amazing to have all eyes on me and to be able to share my wealth of knowledge."
Retail
"In my current role, I was asked to review resume submissions and shortlist them for the regional manager. He gave me the must-have's that we were looking for and let me do it all. It was fascinating to see the range of backgrounds in the applicants."
Sales
"My current manager tasked me with revamping our sales training so that our new hires would feel they were given more thorough training from the start. It was a big undertaking, and it sparked ideas in me that I forgot I had!"
Teacher
"I enjoyed being the soccer coach this year for our boys' team. We made it all the way to nationals, an incredible experience for all involved. I have a passion for sports and would love to pick up a similar responsibility at your school."
11. What is the one thing you would change about this career path if you could?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know what changes you would make to this career path if you could. Are there any aspects of this career path that you always said you would change if you could? Talk to the interviewer about something that you would change - if it were possible. Be sure to avoid any factors that would create a red flag on the employers' part (IE: I wish I could work fewer hours).
Answer Example
"One thing that I would change about this career path, if I could, would be the number of apprenticeship hours that it takes to complete your education. I feel that if more apprenticeship hours were required, it would be easier to find quality and better-equipped staff when hiring."
Admin
"If anything could change in the administrative world, I would like to see administrative assistants seen as a more important part of a team. We truly can be the glue that holds an organization together through streamlining processes and helping team members with paperwork related tasks, and client needs."
Manager
"I have waited many years to find a solid management position in this industry. If I could change anything about this career path, I would create more opportunities for growth and advancement for those keen on it."
Marketing
"I find in marketing, and with the growth of social media, that everyone calls themselves a marketing pro now. If I could change anything, I would want appropriate credentials to hold a heavier weight for clients when they are deciding on who to hire."
Retail
"If I could, I would change the constant low-price battle between competitors. Price is important to compete, but I feel that quality suffers from it."
Sales
"If I could change anything about the software sales industry, I would change the length of time it takes to complete a sale. As a salesperson we like to see quick wins; however, some clients can take months to make a decision. At the same time, this does all to the thrill of the chase."
Teacher
"If I could change anything in education, I would ask for bigger budgets for public schools. We run on such a tight budget that we often need to head community fundraising efforts just to ensure that our kids are receiving the best learning opportunities possible."
12. Tell me your favorite, and least favorite, aspects of your current or most recent position.
How to Answer
Always answer a question like this with the negative first, so that you can end on a positive note. The way you respond can completely change the vibe of the interview.
When it comes to discussing your least favorite aspect of your current/most recent position, beware of complaining to the interviewer. Take this question as an opportunity to shine when it comes to your ability to overcome challenges and dislikes. Describe the obstacles your previous employer offered you, and how you thrived in that environment. Stay away from company gossip or drama. Avoid getting into a negative spiral from which you cannot recover!
When discussing your favorite aspect of your current/most recent role, stay away from company perks and choose to focus on something like growth, the culture, or your ability to make an impact. For example, do not say you enjoyed working at Google because of the fantastic cafeteria. Everyone knows they have a large cafeteria for their employees, but that's not why you work there, right?
For example "Every company has areas for improvement. My least favorite aspect of my current position is that I have very little autonomy when it comes to making decisions surrounding client relationships. The best part of this job and part of the reason I have stayed there for six years is that my coworkers are amazing and there is a strong environment for professional development."
Answer Example
"Every company has areas for improvement. My least favorite aspect of my current position is that I have very little autonomy when it comes to making decisions surrounding client relationships. The best part of this job and part of the reason I have stayed there for six years is that my coworkers are amazing and there is a strong environment for professional development."
Admin
"As an HR Administrator, I loved working with people, and I enjoyed making a difference in the direction of their careers through the guidance I provided. It was a very corporate environment, and sometimes things took longer to happen than I would have liked. A slow pace is what I like least, especially when people are waiting for you to pull through for them."
Manager
"My favorite aspect hands down are my customers. I love helping them. My least favorite is the lack of funding for travel to visit our customers in their facilities and show a higher interest in their operations."
Marketing
"My favorite and least favorite points are one in the same! I love that technology and marketing methods are ever-changing; however, it can be frustrating to master particular advertising algorithms just to have them change on you again in 2 months. Continued education is important, but some months it feels nearly impossible to keep up."
Retail
"I would have to say my least favorite part of this position is the fact that I have to split the leadership responsibilities and duties with another assistant manager, mostly because I'm eager for the chance to take the lead on my own. That said, on the flip side, I have learned so much by sharing these duties. I have learned to work not only cooperatively but incredibly efficiently and collaboratively with someone who is so very different than I. I have learned from her management style, her years in the industry, and how she relates to people that I feel I have grown tremendously as a person and manager."
Sales
"I find my biggest struggle to be that I have very little support from upper management, so I am often left to figure it out on my own, even when it is a time that I should have a supervisor involved, which can be frustrating. At the same time, I love the autonomy and creativity that this position affords me. I can set up my day, and client calls or visits, however, is most useful for me, which is such a breath of fresh air and has led to higher sales volume than if I were to be following a strict formula or script. I've grown tremendously at an accelerated pace in this role and with a hands-off approach."
Teacher
"I would say my least favorite part of the job is that I currently have to prove every year that our department is worth keeping. I am all about having to prove you still deserve your position, tenure or no tenure, but to have to continually battle to get the district to see that budgetary cuts or not, this is an incredibly valuable, significant offering from the region, especially in 2017, is exhausting. That said, I am looking for a district, much like 205, that values the world language program, notably its inclusion in the elementary grades. My favorite part of my job is my students, of course. I love what I do- I wake up with a spring in my step and a smile on my face that I get to do what I do every day, and it's because of the students. I love Spanish, I love teaching, and the icing on the cake is my fantastic, excellent, eager students. "