How to Answer: What major challenges and problems did you face at your last position?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Admissions Officer job interview.
10. What major challenges and problems did you face at your last position?
How to Answer
Without being too negative, share something that you didn't necessarily enjoy in your last role. Consider how it made your job challenging or interfered with the department's flow. Maybe you did not have an opportunity to grow professionally or your values did not line up with those of the organization. Briefly describe the challenges you faced and what you hope for in this new position.
Written by Audra Kresinske on February 18th, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this to get a feel for the challenges you faced that ultimately led you to seek out a new role. They want to learn more about the kind of dilemmas you've faced and what helps you to thrive at work. Without being too negative or casting blame on anyone, share the challenges or problems you faced, how you handled them, and what you're hoping for in this new role.
Written by Audra Kresinske on February 18th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my last role, there was very little workplace culture. There was high turnover, so no one got to know each other, and it wasn't an inviting place to be. This, of course, can impact productivity and mood. I prefer to work in an environment in which I know my colleagues and have a positive working relationship with them. I enjoy working in a space where people want to be. I have strengths in building relationships, recognizing my colleagues, living out organization values, and contributing to positive workplace culture."
Written by Audra Kresinske on February 18th, 2022