What do you think of your previous boss?

What do you think of your previous boss?
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1 Answer

Answer :

Bad answer: “He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I’ve moved on” 


Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was). 


Good answer: “My last boss taught me the importance of time management – he didn’t pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.” 

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Related questions

What do you think of your previous boss?

Description : What do you think of your previous boss?

Last Answer : Do not belittle or talk badly of your last boss - it will come o as being petty. Instead, talk about the positive lessons you were able to learn from your last boss.

Tell me about any issues you've had with a previous boss?

Description : Tell me about any issues you've had with a previous boss?

Last Answer : Arrgh! If you fall for this one you shouldn't be hired anyway. The interviewer is testing you to see if you'll speak badly about your previous supervisor. Simply answer this question with extreme tact, diplomacy and if necessary, a big fat loss of memory. In short, you've never had any issues.

What would you say to your boss if he’s crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks?

Description : What would you say to your boss if he’s crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks?

Last Answer : TRAPS: This is another question that pits two values, in this case loyalty and honesty, against one another. BEST ANSWER: Remember the rule stated earlier: In any conflict between values, always choose integrity ... then I owe him my full and enthusiastic support to make it work as best it can.   

I see from your resume this isn’t your first job working in a medical office. What skills did you pick up on your two previous jobs that you think would help you on this job?

Description : I see from your resume this isn’t your first job working in a medical office. What skills did you pick up on your two previous jobs that you think would help you on this job?

Last Answer : When you described the job to me, you said you needed someone who was good with patients. You also said you wanted someone who knows a lot about the different insurance plans. My primary ... who is good with patients and insurance. That would be me. This candidate needs to elaborate.

Does your boss know you're here today?

Description : Does your boss know you're here today?

Last Answer : Usually, you probably haven't told your boss for obvious reasons. So it's ok to say that they do not. You don’t want to upset the balance at your current job after all and nothing is guaranteed in an interview. The interviewer should understand this stance.

What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Description : What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Last Answer : "He/She wouldn't say anything bad, but he/she may point out I could improve in a certain area, and I've taken steps to become better at those skills"

What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?

Description : What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?

Last Answer : Hopefully they would have hundreds of positive things to say about you! Just pick the top three. Then explain why!

What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Description : What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Last Answer : This question is about your weaknesses. In fact, it is a very hard question for a candidate to answer as it is very difficult to be honest with oneself and say out loud about negative ... have learn since then the skill to delegate and cooperate with others to complete the job more effectively.

Who was your best boss?

Description : Who was your best boss?

Last Answer : Answer tips/answer samples: The interviewer wants to know that whether you blame or judge badly about your previous boss by asking the question Who was your best boss and who was the worst? Best ... keep in touch. Truly speaking, I have learned something from each boss that I have worked for.

Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

Description : Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

Last Answer : Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find a conflict. The key is how you behaviourally reacted to conflict and what you did to resolve it. For example: ... . . . Focus your answer on the behavioural process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.

What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Description : What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Last Answer : Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humour, fair, loyal to subordinates, and leads by example All bosses think they have these traits.

Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)…

Description : Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc.)… 

Last Answer : TRAPS: Skillfull interviewers sometimes make it almost irresistible to open up and air a little dirty laundry from your previous position. DON'T BEST ANSWER: Remember the rule: Never be negative. ... company. This question is your opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to those you work with.    

What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Description : What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Last Answer : Interview questions: What negative thing would your last boss say about you? Answer tips/answer samples: This question is about your weaknesses. In fact, it is a very hard question for a ... learn since then the skill to delegate and cooperate with others to complete the job more effectively.

Who was your best boss?

Description : Who was your best boss?

Last Answer : Interview questions: Who was your best boss? Answer tips/answer samples: The interviewer wants to know that whether you blame or judge badly about your previous boss by asking the question Who was ... keep in touch. Truly speaking, I have learned something from each boss that I have worked for.

How do you handle it if the boss is wrong?

Description : How do you handle it if the boss is wrong?

Last Answer : Interview questions: Answer tips/answer samples: The best answer is to tell it depends on certain situations , but after that, you should debate some situations with the interviewer which are based on your practical ... there is a lot of things one doesn't know, me, too, and my boss is, too.

What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Description : What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Last Answer : What qualities do you look for in a boss? Answer tips Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are knowledgeable, a sense of humor, fair, loyal to subordinates and holder of high standards. All ... can control his team & team members. He has capacity to lead the team according to circumstances.

Tell me how you were of value to your previous employer.

Description : Tell me how you were of value to your previous employer.

Last Answer : My previous employer valued my ability to deal with difficult clients. Whenever we had a client who was very demanding, my boss would ask me to be the one to work with her. He said he knew I was so ... up on time. Showing up on time is expected and doesn't set this candidate apart from any other.

Give two examples of things you've done in previous jobs or school that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.

Description : Give two examples of things you've done in previous jobs or school that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.

Last Answer : It would be good to have an example from school and from work. Explain what you did and why you wanted to work hard, and how you managed your time.

Give an example of how you applied knowledge from previous coursework to a project in another class.

Description : Give an example of how you applied knowledge from previous coursework to a project in another class.

Last Answer : Many classes require knowledge from previous classes, even basic skills like writing and math came from previous classes at some point. If you've ever had a research class, the skills learned in that class will transfer over to most future classes.

Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?

Description : Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?

Last Answer : Answer tips: No matter the response, don't get too negative. Possible answers: not enough of a challenge, not given enough responsibilities for your qualifications, unable to continue developing skills ... our greatest and only asset. I would definitely consider this if ever looking for another one.

What did you like or dislike about your previous job ?

Description : What did you like or dislike about your previous job ?

Last Answer : What you liked - and what you didn't like - about your last job or the company you worked for is an indicator of how you might feel about this position if you were to be hired. Be careful ... last one. It's important to be positive and enthusiastic about the job for which you're being considered.

If your previous co-workers were here, what would they say about you?

Description : If your previous co-workers were here, what would they say about you?

Last Answer : Ok, this is not the time for full disclosure. If some people from your past are going to say you're a boring A-hole, you don't need to bring that up. Stay positive, always, and maybe have a ... or even better "John Doe has always said I was the most reliable, creative problem-solver he'd ever met."

What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Description : What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Last Answer : Again another chance to reinforce your positive traits - There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solve

Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position?

Description : Have you been absent from work more than a few days in any previous position? 

Last Answer : TRAPS: If you've had a problem, you can't lie. You could easily be found out. Yet admitting an attendance problem could raise many flags. BEST ANSWER: If you have had no problem, emphasize ... , consistent attendance is important because (Pick up the rest of the answer as outlined above.).    

What previous experience do you have in retail?

Description : What previous experience do you have in retail?

Last Answer : Sub: Free Retail interview questions and answers Interview questions: What previous experience do you have in retail? Answer tips/answer samples: There is nothing stopping you from showing off a ... working, starting from those that are the most similar to the company you are applying into.

What did you like or dislike about your previous job?

Description : What did you like or dislike about your previous job?

Last Answer : Interview questions: What did you like or dislike about your previous job? Answer tips/answer samples: Do not be too negative when answering the question about your dislike of your previous ... at another place where can understand deeply my ability and there are more opportunities to go further.

Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?

Description : Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job?

Last Answer : Explain what has disappointed you most about a previous job? Answer tips 1. No matter the response, don't get too negative. Possible answers: not enough of a challenge, not given enough ... but I always thought it would have been great to add that community' component to the workplace.

What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Description : What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Last Answer : What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is? Answer samples There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver.

What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Description : What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Last Answer : I think I was very successful in all aspects of my last job. I'm particularly proud of my work with new hires. I developed programs that helped integrate them into the company and this in turn helped our ... . If not, it appears that you can't think of anything you did well at your last job.

If I asked your current employer to tell us about your accomplishments, what do you think he would say?

Description : If I asked your current employer to tell us about your accomplishments, what do you think he would say?

Last Answer : He would probably talk about the time he asked me to present a new marketing campaign to one of our more difficult clients. I spent over a week preparing for that presentation. Since I knew this ... breaks one of the cardinal rules of job interviewing - to never speak negatively about a former boss.

Why do you think you’ve been successful in your career so far?

Description : Why do you think you’ve been successful in your career so far?

Last Answer : I've been successful so far because I've always worked very hard and I've always been willing to accept any challenges that are offered to me. Actually, I usually seek them out. I have excellent time- ... to think he had anything to do with his own success. If he doesn't believe it, who will?

How do you think others rate you as a supervisor?

Description : How do you think others rate you as a supervisor?

Last Answer : Turnover in my department since I was promoted to supervisor five years ago has decreased from 30 percent to 10 percent. The reason, I believe, is that I treat those who work under me fairly. When a big ... and they do what I tell them to do. There's more to being a good supervisor than this.

You haven’t worked in this field before. What makes you think you’d be good at this?

Description : You haven’t worked in this field before. What makes you think you’d be good at this?

Last Answer : I am very organized, I work well on a team, and I have very good communication skills. Although I haven't worked in this particular field before, I know these skills will make me a valuable ... the mistake of dwelling on her lack of experience in this particular field instead of on her strengths.

How well do you think you perform as a manager?

Description : How well do you think you perform as a manager?

Last Answer : I've never officially had the title manager, but I've often had to act as manager when my boss was out of the office. He's always been very pleased with the job I've done. This ... you should talk about that. If you've had no managerial experience, then you can talk about it hypothetically.

Do others think of you as a leader?

Description : Do others think of you as a leader?

Last Answer : I believe those who have seen me in action are confident in my ability to lead them. Whenever we had to work in committees in my marketing class, my fellow committee members always chose me to be ... example. Never Say: I lead and others follow. Confidence is good, but cockiness is not.

Do you think your grades adequately represent your abilities?

Description : Do you think your grades adequately represent your abilities?

Last Answer : If your grades are good, you will likely say yes. If you had some lower grades in a few classes, you may want to explain why you struggled, but how you worked your hardest to do well. You still learned even if your grades didn’t reflect it.

This organization is very dierent to your current employer, how do you think you are going to fit in?

Description : This organization is very dierent to your current employer, how do you think you are going to fit in?

Last Answer : Explain what makes you a great fit. If the company culture is more to your liking, or if the industry is more appealing, then explain those things. Give some examples of how you adapt to dierent situations.

Do you think you are qualified for this position?

Description : Do you think you are qualified for this position?

Last Answer : You should always answer yes to this question, followed with an explanation of why you are qualified. Give examples of experience, and skills that make you qualified.

Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to extricate yourself from a dicult situation.

Description : Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to extricate yourself from a dicult situation.

Last Answer : Only give examples of where the end result was good, not an example of where it didn't work out or you had to lie yourself out of situation. This question will see how you act under pressure. Paint yourself in a good light when it comes to handling pressure.

In what areas do you think you will need guidance?

Description : In what areas do you think you will need guidance?

Last Answer : Think about what you need to learn going into the job. Skill sets, industry knowledge, relationship building, team dynamics. Which areas are ones you're lacking?

Think about the changes you have seen and tell me how you handle change.

Description : Think about the changes you have seen and tell me how you handle change.

Last Answer : You can cite personal life changes, work place changes, career changes, technology change, industry change. The key is to discuss how seeing or experiencing that change has helped your development. For ... in social media has broadened my horizons and helped me learn new forms of ecient marketing.

How do you think I rate as an interviewer?

Description : How do you think I rate as an interviewer?

Last Answer : Don't insult them. If they're asking you good questions, they're a good interviewer - let them know that. If they're asking you bad / ridiculous questions that don't relate to the job role or you then suggest a few areas of improvement in a courteous way.

Do you think a leader should be feared or liked?

Description : Do you think a leader should be feared or liked?

Last Answer : Liked. You want to work harder for people that inspire and motivate you. Fear only lasts for so long

Give me an example of a time when you had to think out of the box?

Description : Give me an example of a time when you had to think out of the box?

Last Answer : Interview questions: Give me an example of a time when you had to think out of the box Answer tips/answer samples: The interview is expecting to see if you are a man of initiative, innovation and ... as to prove to the interviewer that you are totally able to think of something for the new job.

Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Description : Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Last Answer : TRAPS: The employer may be concerned that you'll grow dissatisfied and leave. BEST ANSWER: As with any objection, don't view this as a sign of imminent defeat. It's an invitation to teach the ... reassure him that you're looking to stay for the long-term will help you overcome this objection.  

Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Description : Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Last Answer : Why do you think you would do well at this job? Answers samples Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest. 1. I am a person that learn quickly and perform better under ... experience. I also have the drive, interest and determination to make a real success of this role.

Is there anything I’ve missed?

Description : Is there anything I’ve missed?

Last Answer : Well, I did want to mention that I was honored by my organization's board of directors for developing a program that reached out to a large number of senior citizens in need of financial assistance. We ... has been covered, he may be missing a chance to discuss something that can work in his favor.

It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Description : It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Last Answer : When I was a freshman in college, I decided to run for president of the management club. My opponent was in his junior year. I came up with what I thought and still think was a great ... must give a more detailed answer. This one leaves the interviewer to wonder why the applicant lost the election.

Have you ever done something that directly helped your employer either increase profits or decrease costs?

Description : Have you ever done something that directly helped your employer either increase profits or decrease costs?

Last Answer : I recently found a way to help my employer save money on office supplies. For years, they bought office supplies from the same place. It was several blocks away, so it was pretty convenient. I have found that shopping ... of saying he'll just do the job, he needs to show why he'd be great at it.

Have you ever been asked to take on a project because of your unique skill or ability?

Description : Have you ever been asked to take on a project because of your unique skill or ability?

Last Answer : Our senior developer regularly asks me to troubleshoot new programs. I've been very successful at figuring out why programs aren't working properly, and I can usually do it pretty quickly, allowing the ... to plan the party. This skill probably won't be very important to the prospective employer.