How to Talk About a Bad Job Experience in an Interview

No one has a perfect job history. If you have ever had a negative experience in a past job, you’re not alone.

In fact, it’s very likely that interviewers will ask you about a bad job experience at some point during your interview process.

This can be a difficult question to answer, but with the right strategy, you can turn the conversation around and make a strong impression on your interviewer.

Learn how to talk about a bad job experience in an interview and strategies for putting your best foot forward to get the job you want.

How to talk about a bad job in an interview

There are several strategic ways to talk about a previous bad job in an interview that can work to your advantage, including remaining objective, keeping things brief, focusing on the positives, and showing growth from your experience.

When talking about a previous bad job in an interview, be sure to:

Be objective in your interview
Focus on the positives in your interview
Show growth in your interview
Keep it brief in your interview
Ask the right questions in your interview
End on a high note in your interview

1. Be objective in your interview

Rather than talking about how you felt, try to focus on the facts. Be honest and state why the job wasn’t a good fit for you and avoid placing blame on others.

2. Focus on the positives in your interview

It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives, but try to focus on the positives as well. Talk about what you learned or how the experience helped you grow professionally and personally.

Being able to show your growth and resilience will go a long way with interviewers.

3. Show growth in your interview

One of the best things you can do when talking about a bad job experience is to show that you have grown from it.

Talk about how you have changed and how your approach or outlook has shifted since then.

Showing that you have developed and improved will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are capable of learning and adapting.

4. Keep it brief in your interview

It’s important to be honest, but you don’t need to go into great detail about your experience. Try to keep it as brief as possible and focus on what you have taken away from the situation.

The interviewer is not looking for a long story, they just want to get an understanding of how you handled a bad job experience.

5. Ask the right questions in your interview

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your own in the interview.

If you have certain scenarios from your old job that you’d like to avoid at your new one, ask questions to gauge how your new employer would handle these situations to see if you’re in alignment.

6. End on a high note in your interview

Once you have talked about your experience, be sure to put a positive spin on it.

Talk about what you learned from the situation and how it has made you a stronger professional.

Ending on a high note will show that despite the setback, you can still make progress and contribute to an organization.

Things to never say in an interview

There are several things you should never say in an interview if you want to avoid making a bad impression like badmouthing former bosses or coworkers, blaming others for bad experiences, and making excuses.

Never badmouth anyone in an interview

Even though you may have had negative experiences with a past boss or co-worker, it’s important to stay professional and refrain from speaking negatively about them.

Avoid negativity in an interview

When talking about a bad job experience, be sure to stay away from negative language.

This will show that you can maintain an objective and professional attitude even in difficult situations.

Don’t dwell on minor details in an interview

During your interview, it’s important to focus on the bigger picture rather than getting into specifics.

Avoid going into too much detail about a specific instance or situation as this can make you appear unprofessional.

Don’t make excuses in an interview

No matter how difficult a situation may have been in the past, it’s important to avoid making excuses.

This will show that you take responsibility for your actions and are capable of learning from your mistakes.

Don’t blame others in an interview

No matter what the situation may have been in the past, it’s important to take responsibility for your actions and avoid blaming others.

This shows that you are capable of taking ownership and can be trusted with responsibility.

Avoid speaking in absolutes in an interview

When talking about a bad job experience, it’s important to avoid speaking in absolutes — for example: “I will never do that again.”

This will show that you can remain objective and professional even when faced with difficult situations.

Talking about bad jobs in an interview

Talking about a bad job experience in an interview can be difficult, but it’s important to remain honest and professional.

By learning how to talk about bad job experiences in an interview the right way, you can make a positive impression on your interviewer and demonstrate that you are capable of learning and growing.

Overall, it’s important to approach the topic with honesty and humility while emphasizing that you have taken away valuable lessons from the experience.

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By Sarah Magazzo

Digital Marketing Manager for Mondo National Staffing Agency

How to Talk About a Bad Job Experience in an Interview