Interview Questions: Work History

Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment.

Be prepared to tell the interviewer the names of the companies you worked for, your job title, your starting and ending dates of employment, how much you earned and what your job entailed.
You'd be surprised how many job applicants fumble when asked about prior employment. Don't be one of them! Refresh your memory prior to the interview by reviewing your resume, so you can speak about your prior work history in detail and accurately.
If you don't have a resume, make sure what you tell the interviewer matches what you filled out on your job application.
The best way to prepare is to download a sample job application ahead of time. Complete the sample application and bring it with you when you are applying for employment. This way you will be able to copy the information rather than having to remember dates and other employment information.

Questions about your resume.

Interviewers frequently start a job interview by asking you to provide an overview of your experience. This will often take the form of a request like "Walk me through your resume."
Typically, candidates will recount their experiences in order from past to present and focus their presentation on their job titles and the names of their employers. However, interviewees taking this approach don't tell employers much that they don't already know - and miss out on a critical opportunity to frame their case positively.
Be Selective
You can take advantage of the opportunity to create a favorable impression early in the interview by leading the interviewer through your resume in a more selective manner. You should highlight the most compelling elements of your experience. You don't need to share everything you have done.
Prepare by analyzing the most critical requirements for the job for which you are interviewing. Then select the aspects of your work, academic and volunteer history which best demonstrate that you have the right stuff to excel in that position.
Focus on Your Accomplishments and Skills
Rather than a bland rendition of your position titles and responsibilities, cite key accomplishments and reference the skills that enabled you to achieve those successes.
Be sure to mention how you impacted the bottom line in those roles, and how you added value to your employer. Try to present your points in the form of stories that portray problems you solved and challenges you met.
You Don't Have to Cover Everything on Your Resume
Feel free to leave out jobs that are not relevant or impressive, and to deviate from a chronological presentation. At the end of your presentation, the interviewer should have a clear understanding of 5 - 7 assets in your background that will enable you to perform at a high level in the job for which you are interviewing.
Get Your Facts Straight
It's important be accurate when you're recounting your work history. When you're stressed about interviewing, it can be easy to forget the exact details of your employment history. Review your resume ahead of time and bring a copy with you to the interview. Here's information on sharing your work history during job interviews

What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?

In many cases, interviewers will want to know what you expected from your last job when you were hired, so be prepared to answer the interview question "What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?"
How to Respond to Questions About What You Expected at Your Last Job
There isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. The best way to respond is to discuss what you expected when you took the job and give examples of how the position worked out for you.
If the job wasn't exactly what you expected, it's fine to mention that. However, you should focus on the job itself, not the company, your boss, or your co-workers (if they were a problem). Do be careful how you answer and don't focus too much on the negative. Instead, address the highlights of the job.
When responding, be specific. Prepare some examples to share with the interviewer in advance. For example, if your job involved creating web applications, discuss the specific programs you developed and the responsibilities you were given. If you were provided training and opportunities for professional development to help you achieve your goals, mention that, as well.

What were your starting and final levels of compensation?

Interviewers expect a candidate for employment to be able to provide the details of their compensation history. Be prepared to tell the interviewer how much you earned at each of your prior positions.
Make sure that what you tell the interviewer matches what you listed on your job application. Refresh your memory prior to the interview by reviewing your salary history, so, you can speak in detail and accurately. Don't exaggerate or inflate your earnings. Many employers will check references and confirm your salary history prior to making a job offer. A discrepancy between what you reported and what the employer says could knock you out of contention for the job.

What were your responsibilities?

When you are asked questions related to your current or previous positions, it's important to be specific and to be positive about what you did in your previous position(s).
The best way to respond is to describe your responsibilities in detail and to connect them to the job you are interviewing for. Try to tie your responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new position. That way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. Focus most on your responsibilities that are directly related to the new job's requirements.
It's also important to be honest. Don't embellish your job, because you don't know who the hiring manager will be checking with when they check your references.

What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?

When asked the job interview question "How did you handle a challenge?" be sure to include specific examples of how you handled a particular difficult situation. Discuss how you researched the issue and contributed to finding a solution. Examples of good responses include:

• During a difficult financial period, I was able to satisfactorily negotiate repayment schedules with multiple vendors.
• When the software development of our new product stalled, I coordinated the team which managed to get the schedule back on track. We were able to successfully troubleshoot the issues and solve the problems, within a very short period of time.
• A long-term client was about to take their business to a competitor. I met with the customer and was able to change how we handled the account on a day-to-day basis, in order to keep the business.

What Have You Learned From Your Mistakes?

When asked the job interview question "What have you learned from your mistakes?" one way to respond is to give an example that turn a negative (a mistake) into a positive.

Examples of good responses include:

• I think one of the most important things I've learned is persistence. Not to give up too soon, because the solution is probably right in front of me.
• I have learned to give every person a second chance, because first impressions can often be misleading.
• I used to think that there was one best solution to a problem, but I've learned that that kind of thinking limits the possibility of great success.

Everyone makes mistakes. It happens. It's fine to share your mistakes during an interview as long as you are clear that you have learned from it. However, it's a good idea to not mention a mistake that would be critical for success in the new position.

If you're asked to give an example of a mistake that you have learned from, give an example from your last position that isn't specifically related to the job requirements for the new position. It's also a good idea to mention something that is relatively minor.

Explain, as well, what you learned from the mistake and what you did to ensure it won't happen again.

What Did You Like or Dislike About Your Previous Job?

When you're asked what didn't like about your previous job, don't be too negative. The reason is that you don't want the interviewer to think that you'll speak negatively about the new job or the company when you're ready to move on, if you get this job. Rather, it makes sense to talk about yourself and what you're looking for in a new role.
Sample Answers
I enjoyed the people I worked with. It was a friendly and fun atmosphere and I actually enjoyed going into work each morning. I felt the leadership team was great as well. They knew all of their employees on a first name basis and tried to make those personal connections. I also enjoyed that fact that the office tried to do community outreach with local organizations.
One of the reasons I am leaving is that I felt I was not challenged enough at the job. As a new employee in the working world, the company offers a great opportunity for a good entry level position. However, after being there for so many years, I felt I was not able to reach my full potential because of the lack of challenge and there was no room for advancement in the company. While I did enjoy working there and appreciate the skills I developed while with the company, I feel my skill set can be better utilized elsewhere, where my capabilities are more recognized and there is the opportunity for growth.
The people I worked with at ABC Company were top notch at what they do. Through my experience there, I learned a lot about different management styles, and strategies for maintaining cooperation in a large group project setting. I feel that as valuable as that experience has been, I am anxious to work on more specialized projects where I will have the opportunity to be more of a leader.
While the people at XYZ Company were terrific to work with, I felt that the opportunities for me there were limited by the structure and size of the company. I believe that a larger company with an international presence can offer challenges, as well as opportunities unavailable at a smaller firm. The position with your company is a great match for my skill set, and I feel that I would be an asset in your marketing (or HR or IT) department.

What Was Most / Least Rewarding?

Interview questions about what was most rewarding and least rewarding can be tricky. You want to make sure that the things you say are least rewarding aren't responsibilities that are going to be a major part of the job you are interviewing for.
For example, if the last job you had involved extensive customer service telephone work that you hated, and if being on the phone doing something similar is even a minor part of the new job, don't mention it. Instead, focus on the tasks that were most rewarding and highlight those.
Match Your Response to the Job
When interviewing, always be cognizant of the job you are interviewing for and tailor your response accordingly. Try to accentuate the positive, regardless of what question you have been asked, because you don't want to be construed as someone who is negative about work, in general.
Make a List
Take the time to make a list of the qualifications the employer is seeking, and be sure the responsibilities you mention as most rewarding are a match.
When asked about what was least rewarding, mention something that won't be required in the new job. Again, keep it as positive as possible. You could frame it as something that was the least rewarding as compared to the most rewarding activities.

What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position?

Your potential employer will want to know what you accomplished, and what you didn't, in your current or last position.

Questions About Your Accomplishments

The best way to respond is to give an example of something you accomplished that is directly related to the job you are interviewing for. Review your resume and review the job posting. Find the best match and use that to show how what you accomplished will be beneficial to the company you are interviewing with.

When you're asked about your accomplishments, give a specific example of what you did in your last position.

If you wrote a targeted cover letter when applying for the job use the information you included to create your response. For example, if you are interviewing for a job at a school where you will need to manage student registration, explain to the interviewer how you registered students for courses, designed and managed registration software, and solved customer problems.

Questions About Failure

If you didn't fail at anything, say so. If you can think of an example, be sure that it's a minor one and turn it into a positive. For example, if you were working on a project that was behind deadline, explain to the interviewer how you adjusted the workload and the timeline to get back on track and ahead of schedule.

Also explain what caused the failure, and discuss what you did to ensure it wouldn't happen it the future. This way you won't leave the interviewer with the impression that you have failed.

Questions about job demotions.

If you've made any obvious steps down the career ladder, you should be prepared for your potential employer to ask about the demotion during your interview. While this doesn't have to be a deal breaker for the position, you should try to frame that transition in the least damaging way possible.

The Best Way to Answer Interview Questions About a Demotion

If your demotion was in the past and you have now moved on to a higher level job, you can emphasize what you have learned and accomplished since the demotion, and how it qualifies you for a higher level job. Perhaps you identified a weakness and took steps like courses or workshops to strengthen that area.

Your task will be more challenging if you are currently in a job which represents a step down. You should emphasize the skills you have applied and the positive results which you have generated in your current role. If there were circumstances beyond your control, like a restructuring which reduced the number of management positions, then you can explain those factors.

Don't Criticize the Company

Regardless of which angle you're coming from, be careful not to criticize management in any way. If you have identified any issues in your skill set or performance which led to your demotion and taken concrete, documented steps to address those issues, you might include some of that information.

For example, if a previous job required you to create reports in Excel and you were demoted because you weren't able to do so, but now have taken online courses and mastered Excel, then you might reference that development.

A preemptive way to defuse any concern about a demotion is to acquire a reference from a boss or colleague at that organization which clearly affirms the value you have added as an employee. You can also start the spin in a positive direction by framing the issue in your cover letter or resume, so you have a foundation which you can elaborate on during the interview.

Questions about your supervisors and co-workers

For the most part, the following questions may be asked to determine if you are a team player. Take a few seconds, when asked a difficult question, before you answer. An interviewer is not expecting you to have a ready answer. However, the Boy Scout Motto - Be Prepared - - certainly applies here as well.
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a co-worker who wasn't doing his/her fair share of the work. What did you do and what was the outcome?
I worked closely with Ann who, for the most part, always carried her fair share of the work load. During a stressful time, working on a project with a deadline, I realized Ann's contributions to the project were almost minimal. I made the decision to wait until after the project to speak with her. I'm glad I did, because I learned she'd been going through a very tough time in her personal life and she appreciated my willingness to go the extra mile so the project was completed on time. As a result, our ability to work well together significantly increased.
Give me an example of a time when you took the time to share a co-worker's or supervisor's achievements with other?
At my most recent position, one of my co-workers, Dan, did an outstanding job of calming an irate customer, solving the customer's problem and completing a sale. When our boss asked me how things were going, I told him everything was going fine and that Dan had just completed calming an irate customer and closing a sale. It was a win-win-win- for our boss, Dan and the customer.
Tell me about a time that you didn't work well with a supervisor. What was the outcome and how would you have changed the outcome?
Early in my career, I had a supervisor (Judy) who was in a fairly good mood on Monday, but it deteriorated each day until by Friday, the supervisor was finding fault with everything I did. I didn't realize, until I left that position, that I had been a contributor to the decline in her mood. Judy would ask me how my weekend was (on Monday) and during the week she would ask how it was going. I would tell her how much fun I was having (I was single) and how I was looking forward to the weekend plans. After I left, I realized my life was in complete contrast to hers and I reminded her of it almost daily. When she asked the questions, I should have had a quick answer, and then asked her how she was doing!!!!
Have you worked with someone you didn't like? If so, how did you handle it?
Yes, I've worked with someone whom I found difficult to like as a person. However, when I focused on the skills they brought to the job, their ability to solve problems and the two things I did appreciate, slowly my attitude towards them changed. We were never friends, but we did work well together.
Tell me about a time that you helped someone.
Most recently, we had a new hire (Paul) that was really struggling with getting to work on time, and I knew the boss (Harry) was getting irritated. Over lunch one day I explained to Paul how important it was to our boss for everyone to be there at least 10 minutes early. It was personal with the Harry, but you could really get on his bad side when you were frequently late. The new employee was grateful for the advice. At his previous employment, the boss was only concerned about the work getting done on time; he/she did not "watch the clock".
Tell me about a time that you misjudged a person.
There was a long-time employee (George) at my second company who was very gruff when he spoke to me. At first, I went out of my way to win the George's approval. Then I realized that was compounding the problem. So I observed how he interacted with other employees and discovered I wasn't alone. He was gruff to most people. I quit trying to gain his approval and, in the process, discovered he'd learned his behavior from a former boss he'd had whom he admired.
How do you get along with older (younger) co-workers?
Suggested answer if your co-workers are older: There are times when I just know that a new way of doing something makes more sense to me; but, first hand, I learned that my "better way" may not be the best way to get the job done. As a consequence, I respect my older co-workers knowledge and I've learned how to make a suggestion at the appropriate time.
Suggested answer if your co-workers are younger: I quickly realized it was not my job to "parent" the younger people with whom I work; it was my job to get to know them and for us to find common ground where we could effectively work together. It took time, but the result was worth the effort.

Who was your best boss and who was the worst?

With the question "Who was your best boss and who was the worst?" the interviewer is trying to discover if you assess blame or carry a grudge. The interviewer also wants to determine if you are match for the leadership style of the company.

Best Answers

• I've learned from each boss I've had. From the good ones, what to do, from the challenging ones - what not to do.
• Early in my career, I had a mentor who helped me a great deal, we still stay in touch. I've honestly learned something from each boss I've had.

Review sample answers to the interview question "Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?" Be careful answering questions about previous managers. You don't want to come across as difficult, and you want to cast any past experiences in the most positive light possible.

• I had a rocky start with a manager once, because we had different expectations for the flow of the workday. Once we talked about it, we realized that our goals were very compatible, and we were able to work very successfully together for several years.
• I have found that if I take the time to talk with my manager at the beginning of a project, we can all get off to a great start on the same page.
• I would say that I have never really had a problem working with anyone. I try to find our common ground, and get along with everyone's different personality.

Why Are You Leaving Your Job?

One of the questions that is typically asked in an interview is "Why are you leaving your job?" or "Why did you leave your previous job?" if you have already moved on. If you were fired from your job, use these answers to respond. If you left of your own accord, review these suggestions on how best to answer and tailor your response to meet your particular situation. Be direct and focus your interview answer on the future, especially if your leaving wasn't under the best of circumstances.

Don't Badmouth Your Boss

Regardless of why you left, don't speak badly about your previous employer. The interviewer may wonder if you will be bad-mouthing his company next time you're looking for work. I once interviewed a person who told me that her last employer was terrible. They didn't pay her enough, the hours were awful and she hated the job. That company happened to be my company's biggest, and most important, customer. And there is no way I would have hired someone who felt that way, justified or not, about our valuable client. So, she gave up any opportunity of getting the job as soon as she answered the "Why did you leave?" question.

Prepare answers to typical job interview questions, like this one, in advance. Practice your responses so you sound positive, and clear, about your circumstances and your goals for the future.

Sample answers to the interview question "Why did you leave your job?

• I found myself bored with the work and looking for more challenges. I am an excellent employee and I didn't want my unhappiness to have any impact on the job I was doing for my employer.
• There isn't room for growth with my current employer and I'm ready to move on to a new challenge.
• I'm looking for a bigger challenge and to grow my career and I couldn't job hunt part time while working. It didn't seem ethical to use my former employer's time.
• I was laid-off from my last position when our department was eliminated due to corporate restructuring.
• I'm relocating to this area due to family circumstances and left my previous position in order to make the move.
• I've decided that is not the direction I want to go in my career and my current employer has no opportunities in the direction I'd like to head.
• After several years in my last position, I'm looking for an company where I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment.
• I am interested in a new challenge and an opportunity to use my technical skills and experience in a different capacity than I have in the past.
• I recently received my degree and I want to utilize my educational background in my next position.
• I am interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am very ready for a new challenge.
• I left my last position in order to spend more time with my family. Circumstances have changed and I'm more than ready for full-time employment again.
• I am seeking a position with a stable company with room for growth and opportunity for advancement.
• I was commuting to the city and spending a significant amount of time each day on travel. I would prefer to be closer to home.
• To be honest, I wasn't considering a move, but, I saw this job posting and was intrigued by the position and the company. It sounds like an exciting opportunity and an ideal match with my qualifications.
• This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and experience and I am not able to fully utilize them in my present job.
• The company was cutting back and, unfortunately, my job was one of those eliminated.

Why do you want to change jobs?

Hiring managers are often curious about why you want to change jobs. They often need to be reassured that you aren't covering for poor performance or difficult working relationships. When responding to questions about why you are switching jobs, it's important to provide reassurance that you are moving on for career reasons, not just to get out of a bad situation.

Here are some approaches you can use to reassure the interviewer that you are leaving your job for the right reasons.

How to Respond: Why Do You Want Change Jobs?

Emphasize the positive reasons why you are targeting a job with their organization. Refer to specific aspects of the work and employer which correspond well with your interests and skills.

Frame your move as a path to advancing your career without disparaging your current job. One way to do that is to reference the aspects of the new job which appear to carry more responsibility. Even if the new job doesn't have a higher status, you could mention that you believe it would provide a springboard for future career advancement down the road (after you have spent considerable time in the first job and mastered it).

Integrate positive references about you current job in your response, so that it is clear that you are not fleeing a bad situation. You are just seeking to improve upon an already good situation. Of course, you should avoid any negative references to management or the number of hours worked.

Incorporate some positive reflections upon rewarding relationships with supervisors, co-workers and clients, whenever feasible.

Consider giving an external reason for leaving. Another option is to refer to factors such as relocating to a more urban area or looking for a job that is closer to home. Be sure that it is clear that this is not the primary reason that you are applying for a job at the organization. The primary emphasis should always be placed on the fit of the job itself.

If it is a well-known (public) fact that your current employer has a shrinking market share or other financial problems you might refer to this issue after making a strong case for why the new job is suitable. Be sure to avoid sharing any proprietary information or painting an overly negative picture of your current employer's situation. A vague reference to your employer's difficulties will usually be sufficient.

What have you been doing since your last job?

f you have an employment gap on your resume, the interviewer will probably ask you what you have been doing while you were out of work.

The best way to answer this question is to be honest, but do have an answer prepared. You will want to let the interviewer know that you were busy and active, regardless of whether you were out of work by choice, or otherwise. Here are some suggestions on how to explain what you did while you were out of the workforce.

• I worked on several freelance projects, while actively job seeking.
• I volunteered for a literacy program that assists disadvantaged children.
• My aging parents needed a temporary caregiver and I spent time looking after them.
• I spent time being a stay-at-home mom and volunteering at my daughter's school.
• I took some continuing education classes and seminars.

As I said, it doesn't really matter what you did, as long as you have an explanation. Hiring managers understand that people lose their job - it can happen to anyone - and it's not always easy to find a new job fast. Also, there are legitimate non-employment reasons for being out of the workforce.

Why have you been out of work so long?

Job seekers often worry about how the fact that they are unemployed will be perceived by prospective employers, particularly if they have been out of work for a long period of time. Employers will often ask why you have been out of work for so long, and it's important to be prepared to answer.

One thing to keep in mind is that employers are more understanding of employment gaps in a down economy. In addition to high unemployment, there has also been a trend towards more hiring of temporary workers leaving more workers with time in between jobs. However, you still need to be prepared to respond to questions about the length of time you have been unemployed.

What's the best way to answer questions about being out of work? Even though you may really need a job, it's important to maintain a positive attitude and to provide a detailed and convincing explanation as to why the job you are interviewing for will be a good fit in terms of your skills and interests. Employers will be hesitant to hire you if they think you are randomly targeting jobs out of desperation because you have been unemployed for a long period of time.

When You Have Been Fired or Laid-Off

The most difficult case to make will be for those who have been fired for cause and have been unemployed for an extended period of time. Mentioning taking the time to reassess job options or retrain can be an effective approach if you are seeking work in a different field. In these cases, be prepared to reference a weakness that limited your productivity in your last job, while also discussing the strengths you have that will lead to success in a new job. For example, if you are transitioning from an outside sales position to a customer support job, you could mention that you struggled in the sales job because you were not very effective at cold calling, but also mention that you excelled in satisfying current customers.

Discussing a lay off can be tricky, as well. A lay off due to company or industry financial problems can be addressed directly in your cover letter. In this case, it can be helpful to reference any personal success in the job and briefly mention that financial difficulties that caused your former employer to downsize.

You could also mention how you are looking forward to taking on a new role and, even though the lay-off was difficult, it gave you an opportunity to seek a more challenging position. The actual length of time you have been out of work after a layoff can sometimes be addressed by mentioning factors like the time it may have taken to reevaluate your job options.

When You Are Voluntarily Unemployed

Individuals who are voluntarily unemployed for an extended period of time will have the easiest task in countering any negative perceptions. Job seekers may have left the workforce to care for an ill parent, relocate, have a baby, travel, recover from an illness, or go back to school before changing careers. In these cases, mentioning your break from work upfront may be the best approach.

You could include language in your cover letter that mentions the reason for this period of unemployment and assert your readiness to return to the workplace. You can then build upon that position during the interview. Brief explanations will usually be the most appropriate, for example, "I left my last job to care for my mom who was undergoing treatment for cancer. She recently passed away, and I am eager to resume my career."