What Will You Miss About Your Present/Last Job?

Answering question after question during an interview can be taxing and intimidating. That is why practicing your responses can really help you land the job you want. One question you will likely be asked and thus should practice, is, “What will you miss about your present/last job”

While this may seem a bit irrelevant to the job you are applying for, your interviewer is really asking how your past job can help you succeed in the position you are aiming to earn.

Points to Emphasize

When you respond to this question, make sure to keep your answer short but informative. Other elements to include are:

• Positive aspects of your job that you hope to experience again with this new company.
• Situations that helped you grow and learn.
• Your supportive staff members and relationships with them.
• Responsibilities and tasks of your past employment that can connect with this new position.

While you may want to go into great detail about your wonderful boss who taught you so much or your inspiring trainings, keep your answers succinct. If the hiring manager wants to hear more, they will ask you.

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Just as there are many professional answers to this question, there are also many poor choices you should not include. When you respond to your interviewer do not include:

• How you will miss your high paying salary.
• Criticizing stories about the company or employees.
• Long-winded tales about the holiday employee parties.
• Your excitement over leaving such a boring or low paying job.

Remember to never shine a negative light onto your past employer as this will make you seem bitter and resentful. These features are not something a hiring manager looks for, so stay away from disparaging stories.

Sample Answer

When you ready your response to this question, remember to be positive, hopeful and not too lengthy. A way to answer might go something like this:

“ At my previous job I was able to form strong relationships with my colleagues. By working together we benefited the company and our customers. I was given opportunities to use my various skills and my days were successful. I know that your company would provide me with these same prospects, and that is very exciting to me. ”

Remember to always be optimistic and find ways to connect your previous employment with your prospective job.

Popular Interview Questions