During an Interview, How Do You Describe a Negative Job Situation Without Coming Off as Negative?

by Anonymous
(Somewhere)

How do you handle a situation such as a conflict or management situation?

ANSWER: Your question was kind of vague, so I'm guessing at your real meaning. I may be off base, but I'll answer what I think you are asking.

If you had a negative experience at a past or present employer that motivated the job change, I wouldn't go into too much detail about it in interviews. Even if your issues were valid, when you complain or describe negative things, you come off as looking negative, etc., yourself. It may not be fair, but that's the impression recruiters will get anyway.

I would think of something vague to say, such as "I realized the job wasn't a good fit for me" or "My values conflicted with those of my employer... or boss" or "I needed to make a change..."

Something along those lines. If I haven't hit the mark with what you were asking, please feel free to repost a comment here to clarify and I'll take another stab at it, OK?

Kathi