Have you ever felt this way? We spend more time with the people we work with than we do with anyone else. There is bound to be confrontations and conflicts. If you have had a boss that was not as ideal as you would have liked….you know where I’m coming from. So how would you answer ‘tell me about the worst boss you ever had’ if asked in an interview? Come with us as we discover how to answer that question as well as others.
Intro To Series: Click Here
Week One Answers: Click here
Week Two Answers: Click Here
Week Three Answers: Click Here
Week Four Answers: Click Here
Welcome to part four of the series Interview tips: Answering the tough questions. (part one , part two, part three) This week we will discuss the following questions:
- Why were you laid off?
- Why were you fired?
- Why are you leaving your last job?
- Tell me about the worst boss you ever had.
- Is there anyone you could not work with?
We will take an in depth look (with a simple format to follow) of what the interviewer is asking, what they do not want to hear, what they do want to hear and example answers you can use in real life scenarios. If you are not already following this series, follow us as we discuss 20 hard to answer interview questions. (Subscribe by RSS feed or Email to follow the series) Answers to these questions have the ability to make you more money, accentuate your job experiences and get you the job. That is, if answered truthfully and correctly.
Keep this in mind: Always stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or an organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Your interviewer is looking for a positive, motivated, hardworking candidate. They want to hear about your potential as a superstar at the position you are seeking.
1. Why were you laid off?
Being laid off can be a very humbling experience that can pack a punch. First you need to find out what your former employer will say in their reference and make sure you know how you will be represented to a potential employer. Then write out your own explanation ahead of time so that you’re on top of the situation. If you have copies of old performance reviews, showing you were a good performer (or your layoff was not performance related), that would be helpful as well.
Do: Ask what your former employer will say in regards to a reference check.
Don’t: Lie under any circumstance.
Example Answers: “I was laid off because (downsizing, relocation, cut costs, last person hired, etc). I have taken the liberty to bring copies of my old performance reviews to show my ability to perform.”
2. Why were you fired?
It is important to find out what your former employer will say, or not say, about you if called for a reference. What you say should be in sync with what your former employer will say. If you left the employer under agreeable terms, check with your former employer to find out what you can expect.
Do: Ask what your former employer will say in regards to a reference check.
Don’t: Lie under any circumstance.
Example Answers: There is really not an example answer that can be used for this question. You need to be honest with the interviewer in a humbling way. People get fired…it is just a fact of life. Make sure you are honest and END ON A GOOD NOTE.
3.Why are you leaving your last job?
There may be many reasons you are potentially looking to leave your current/last job. Such as: looking for more challenges, growth, pay, technology, advancement, etc. You know why you are possibly looking to make a move. Be honest and let the interviewer know what your intentions are.
Do: Identify WHY you are looking to leave and make sure it is a good enough reason to leave.
Don’t: Talk about the company or staff negatively.
Example Answers “This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I am very thankful for the job experience and opportunities my current employer has given me. The company has helped me become the person I am today. However, after much thought and consideration, I feel it is time for me to move on because (your reason, be truthful).”
4. Tell me about the worst boss you ever had.
You never want to talk bad about a former employer. A potential boss will anticipate that you’ll talk about him/her in the same manner somewhere down the line. Be confident, pleasant, smile and NEVER be rude.
Do: Focus on the positives and end on a positive note.
Don’t: Talk about your former boss or company in a negative light.
Example Answers: “While none of my past bosses were awful, there were some that I had the opportunity to learn more from. These are the ones I try to emulate and be to my coworkers. I understand that there are times where tensions may rise, however, its is always important to come to an agreement/understanding. “
5.Is there anyone you could not work with?
You can not answer this question with a laundry list of people you would rather not work with, it shows you as being negative and difficult. So the obvious answer here is no I have not, but lets dig a little deeper. I would suggest to wait a moment, think, then answer the question in some variation of the example answer below.
Do: Listen and give the question some thought and then answer.
Don’t: Talk about your worst enemy that sat in the office right next to you 
Example Answer: “You know…I have been fortunate to always get along with my co-workers. I understand there are disagreements, however, I strive to create a opportunity to learn from these disagreements and not approach with the attitude that I am always right.”
Make sure to subscribe via Email or RSS feed to follow the series. Next week we will be discussing the following questions:
- If you could choose any company to work for, where would you go?
- Where else have you applied?
- Why do you want this job?
- What have you been doing since your last job?
- Tell me what you know about the company.
- What questions do you have for me?
I would be interested in hearing what you have to say. Do you agree with the answers? Or have more ideas/suggestions? Please leave a comment below.
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Christopher McGill impacts businesses by giving companies access to the best and the brightest within the IT Profession. He provides 360 degree full service talent management solution that help companies hire with precision & insight.
What they are saying: “Chris is the example of what I expect a recruiter to be.”
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