What is the best way to answer the question about what you liked or disliked about your previous job?

Introduction / Context:
Interviewers ask what you liked or disliked about your previous job to understand your preferences, values and work style. They also want to spot any potential conflicts with the new role. A thoughtful answer can reassure them that you will fit well, while a very negative answer can raise concerns. This question focuses on how to respond in a balanced and professional way.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You have had both positive and negative experiences in previous roles.
• The interviewer wants honest feedback, not only flattery.
• You want to avoid sounding bitter or disloyal.
• The new job may share some features with your previous job.

Concept / Approach:
A strong answer highlights aspects that you genuinely liked, especially those that connect to the position you are now seeking, such as teamwork, learning or responsibility. When discussing dislikes, you choose one or two points that you can frame constructively, such as limited growth opportunities or lack of alignment with your strengths. You then explain what you learned from those experiences and how they have influenced what you are looking for in your next role. This approach shows maturity and self awareness while keeping the focus on the future.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify two or three things you appreciated about your previous job, such as supportive colleagues, exposure to clients or chances to learn new tools. Step 2: Mention these likes first and connect them to similar aspects of the new role where possible, showing continuity. Step 3: Choose one or two dislikes that are reasonable, such as limited career progression or misalignment with your preferred type of work, rather than personal attacks. Step 4: Explain how those dislikes helped you clarify your priorities. For example, they may have shown you that you thrive in a more collaborative environment or in a different industry. Step 5: Conclude by linking your preferences to what you see in the new position, emphasising that it offers a better fit with your strengths and goals.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare two candidates. One says, "I hated my last job, my manager was useless, and the company had no idea what it was doing." This answer provides little useful information and sounds hostile. Another says, "I really liked the chance to work with cross functional teams and learned a lot about customer needs. Over time, I found that opportunities for growth in my area were limited, and much of my work became repetitive. That experience helped me realise that I want a role with more continuous learning and responsibility, which is why this position appeals to me." The second answer is balanced and forward looking, confirming the approach in the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B goes into excessive negative detail and criticises individuals, which can make you appear unprofessional. Option C suggests that you are difficult to satisfy and might react the same way to future jobs. Option D shows resentment and an unwillingness to acknowledge any positive aspects. Option E avoids answering the question and misses a chance to demonstrate insight. None of these responses build confidence in your fit or judgement.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes overshare confidential information, complain emotionally or talk only about surface features such as office location. Others say they liked everything, which sounds unrealistic and gives no insight. In your answer, aim for honesty filtered through professionalism. Acknowledge both positive and negative experiences but show that you have learned from them and that you are now choosing opportunities with intention. This helps interviewers see you as thoughtful, stable and aligned with their role.

Final Answer:
Emphasise what you liked that relates to the new role, mention dislikes carefully in a professional way and focus on what you learned and what you are looking for next.