As a talent recruiter, I talk with job candidates day in and day out. And if you know me, you know that I am always the candidates’ advocate! My goal is to help every professional I interact with take the next step in their job search or career path and change their lives for the better.  

From time to time, candidates will come to me and vent frustrations they have experienced in their current or previous jobs. Unfortunately, they allow those frustrations to overpower our conversation, rather than use our time together to focus on their amazing accomplishments and strengths.  

We all understand that there can be a lot of unpleasant things at work, from difficult managers or co-workers to lack of training, limited opportunities for career advancement, or an upsetting work environment. The list goes on. There are many studies around why people choose to quit! But simply put, using valuable interview time with a recruiter or hiring manager to talk about these things isn’t helpful.  

So, I wanted to offer some professional advice and interview tips to help you move the mark in your next interview.  

Concentrate on your skillset

First impressions matter! Even though your frustrations are valid, decide that you will not let them enter or take over the conversation you are having with a recruiter or potential employer. By the same token, don’t let your frustrations hold you back in a job interview. You know your abilities, so let your confidence and positivity shine.  

Focus on the goals of the interview

Your goal should be to build a genuine connection with the person with whom you’re meeting. Be inquisitive. Learn more about the position and job description, the hiring company, and the company culture. Highlight how your work experience and skillset make you a good fit so that you and the interviewer can advance to the next step in the conversation or interview process.  

Flip your script

When answering interview questions, rather than say what you don’t like, express what you want! Here’s what I mean. If your plan is to leave a less-than-ideal work situation, that’s fine, but when asked why you’re leaving (or why you left), respond with what you’re looking for and your goals. Skip the part about what you’re trying to escape or any simmering frustrations, which takes the focus away from what makes you a good fit for the role – and it can also raise concerns. For example, if you say, “They wanted me to work too much overtime,” the interviewer may interpret that you aren’t able to be flexible to help meet shifts in workload. Again, flipping the script lets you state your desire to grow professionally while being a valuable team member in a new role. 

Think about the future

Focus on what you want in a future job, rather than let your outlook be dampened by discouraging experiences you have had in the past.  

Bounce ideas off your recruiter

Recruiters can be a great middle person, advisor, and career coach! Use this relationship to share your career aspirations and ideas, talk things through, get seasoned guidance, and make connections with great employers. Be sure to speak with candor and always focus on your future goals.  

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career or explore a new one, give me a call or send an email today. I am a senior recruiter with Goodwin Recruiting and would love to champion your ambitions!