During an interview, potential employers will assess your suitability for the role. This not only includes highlighting your skills and experience; but also, your personality and professionalism. You want to showcase that you make a great fit for the role, and one important thing to avoid is bad-mouthing your current or former employer. The way in which you speak of your job history, colleagues, managers, and bosses reflects on your image, professionalism, values and attitude. While it is important to speak truthfully, speaking poorly of a former employer can damage the image that you are hoping to convey. Whilst speaking positively demonstrates professionalism, integrity, optimism and a respectful attitude.
Some phrases to avoid and what to say instead:
1. “I couldn’t stand my boss.” “My previous manager was the worst.”
Giving unnecessary information or too many details of the work environment, or manager/boss reflects poorly on you. It can make you come across as unhappy, frustrated and gossipy. Show potential employers that you are a professional and that you can be trusted.
“Although my previous boss/manager and I had different perspectives, I was able to develop new communications and problem-solving skills that allowed us to reach an agreement and work together.”
“While I enjoyed my responsibilities in my previous role, there was little communication between management and the team, which made it hard to thrive there.”
2. “The company culture was toxic, and I couldn't wait to leave."
“While I appreciate the opportunity I had, I found aspects of the culture challenging and I believe my values were no longer aligned with the company’s values.”
3. “I didn’t find the work challenging or fulfilling.”
“Some of my tasks were less complex than I was expecting, I took the initiative to seek additional responsibilities and projects, but at the moment I am looking to grow and expand my skill set further.”
4. “I felt undervalued and underpaid at my previous role.”
“Reflecting on my current/previous role, I have a better understanding of what I am looking for in my next role. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of the industry’s market value and now I know what a fair compensation would be when exploring new opportunities.”
5. Sharing confidential information about your company, responsibilities or projects.
“I want to emphasize the importance of respecting the confidentiality of sensitive information and maintaining the trust placed in me during my time there. I would describe the project but due to the nature of it I’ll skip some confidential details...”
Tips for speaking positively about previous employers:
- Focus on the positive aspects: Highlight the valuable experiences, skills, and opportunities you gained while working with your previous employers.
- Discussed lessons learned: Emphasize the lessons and skills you acquired that have prepared you for future challenges and how those experiences positively influenced your professional growth. Demonstrate what you are bringing to the team.
- Show appreciation: Even if you had negative experiences, it is essential to maintain professionalism and avoid speaking negatively. Express gratitude for the support, guidance, and mentorship you received from your previous employers.
- Maintain professionalism: Avoid showing negative emotions that detract on your image. Focus on constructive ways you manage challenges or conflicts.
- Be authentic: Share genuine anecdotes and examples that illustrate your positive experiences while working with previous employers. Authenticity can help you build rapport with interviewers and create a lasting impression.
In job interviews, speaking favorably about previous employers is an effective strategy that can significantly impact your chances of securing employment. Demonstrating professionalism, reflecting a positive attitude, and expressing gratitude and respect for your previous employers are qualities that employers highly value. By focusing on the positive aspects of your past experiences, you showcase your adaptability, work ethic, and commitment to personal growth. Remember, a job interview is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate what you are bringing to the company and why they should hire you.
