Tough Interview Questions
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Question 14 of 30
What was your least favorite job? Why?
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Christine Pasqueretta is a human resource and recruitment professional with experience creating, developing, implementing, leading, and measuring HR impact initiatives.
Most people have had a job that they don't particularly love. Think about your least favorite situation and break down for the interviewer what made it so tiresome. Perhaps the responsibilities were mundane, or the co-workers were unfriendly. Discuss with the interviewer what made the job so complicated, and what you did to make it better for yourself. The interviewer wants to see that you are proactive in situations like this rather than just giving up and quitting.
Christine Pasqueretta is a human resource and recruitment professional with experience creating, developing, implementing, leading, and measuring HR impact initiatives.
"Many years ago, I worked as a waitress at a local sports bar. I liked the job because the customers, but I didn't feel appreciated by my boss. He was negative, even during the busiest and most challenging shifts. I did my best and worked hard, but moved on when I had the opportunity. I learned that having a boss who is encouraging and motivating can make such a world of difference!"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I am proud to say I have never had a job I did not like. Not all jobs have been glamorous, but each one gave me experience and taught me something valuable I did not necessarily have before."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"My least favorite job was as an accountants assistant when I was in high school. A lot of it became mostly data entry, and it was too slow paced for me. I prefer human interaction and something that uses my brain to solve problems creatively. However, I learned a fair amount about accounting software which has proven valuable over the course of my career."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
I have enjoyed the jobs that I've had to date, but if I had to choose my least favorite, it would probably be serving in college. I liked the people aspect of the job and sales, but I prefer the predictability of customer base, and selling in a more professional environment."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"In college, I worked at Home Depot, and the position itself was fine. The issue I had was with the return policy. We'd take anything back, even if it were a used Christmas tree after Christmas- no questions asked. It drove me nuts to see people taking advantage of a policy created with good intentions. It's important for a company to flex for their customers but there should be a line drawn, at some point."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"While going to University, I took night-job as a pick-packer in a local warehouse. The money was good, but the work was a grind! We were all timed on our productivity and could not even stop the clock for a washroom break. It felt like a sweatshop environment from the 1930's, to be honest! I look back now and am proud of myself for what I was willing to do to make a paycheck."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"My least favorite job was working a door to door magazine sales job at the end of high school. I thought I could make thousands in commission, which was not the case. Instead, I got some pretty thick skin from being yelled at and having doors slammed in my face! This thick skin is still useful in the classroom from time to time."
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Anonymous Answer
One of my least favorite jobs was when I worked in a QC lab. It was a temporary administrative job where I was supposed to be helping write product certifications but got pushed into scanning documents all day. I prefer human interaction, but it did teach me when to speak up about my abilities and ask for more responsibilities.
Rachelle's Feedback
Ugh, scanning documents sounds like a bore, but you managed to turn it into a learning opportunity. Your mentality shows a lot about your work ethic and mindset. Great answer!
Anonymous Answer
I can't say that I have had a least favorite job. There have been aspects of certain jobs that I did not particularly like, e.g. filling out timesheets.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a good start! Try explaining why you don't particularly like this tasks. Then, to end on a positive note, you could discuss what you do to get yourself through it anyways :)
Anonymous Answer
I enjoyed all the jobs I had. I know that not all jobs are glamorous, but each one gave me experience and taught me something valuable I did not necessarily have before. When I was working as a customer service specialist I've learned a lot of skills in problem-solving, resolving customers' concerns, and dealing with different types of people. Those experiences that I've learned I will continue to use for my next career opportunity.
Stephanie's Feedback
Great response! Although this doesn't directly answer the question about a least favorite job, it feels genuine and illustrates a growth mindset.
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