Interview Answers: How to Answer “What Was Your Favorite Job?”

There are a few questions that always seem to come up during job interviews. The question, “What was your favorite job?” is one of them – and it’s a fun one to talk about!

The things you choose to say about your favorite job can reveal a lot about yourself, your work ethic, how you get along with others, and so on. As you’re preparing your answer, here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Identify your favorite job

Decide in advance which of your previous jobs was your favorite. Know why that job was your favorite, and practice talking about that job out loud.

Do…

• talk about challenges you faced and the professional growth you experienced in that position.
• discuss the personal and professional rewards of working in a job you love.
• be sincere. Smile when you remember your favorite moments in that old position.

Don’t…

• discuss any less-than-wholesome reasons that you may have loved a previous job.
• discuss pay or benefits.
• focus too much on the people or personalities you worked with there.

Be ready to discuss why you left

The more time you spend gushing about your favorite job, the more inclined the interviewer will be to ask why you left that job. Some good responses may include:

“That position was a stepping stone into a position with greater responsibilities. I’ve learned a lot, and that prepared me for my next role. While I hated to leave, it was the right thing to do.”

“Professionally, I did so well in that position that I was quickly promoted.”

“I stayed in that role for several years and when I stepped up into my next role, it was the right time for me professionally.”

Could this job be your next favorite? Be ready to discuss

The job you’re interviewing for now could be your next favorite position – and now you’ve arrived at the perfect segue into that discussion. Talk about any overlapping qualities between your old favorite job and this new potential job.

Use sentences like “I really loved the types of projects I managed in [Job A], and I see a lot of those opportunities with your company.”

Practice makes perfect

We’ve said it already, but it’s worth saying again: practicing your interview answers out loud is very important. The answer you prepare mentally may sound very elegant in your head, but less elegant when stated out loud. Speaking your answer, either in front of a mirror or to a friend, can help prepare your mental script.

About the Author: Kathryn Elwell grew up in the Midwest. She has experience in management and human resources, and has been writing on these topics and more for 12 years.