What do you think of your previous boss? Job Interview Question and Answer!

What do you think of your previous boss?

When answering the job interview question “What do you think of your previous boss?” it’s important to approach it in a professional and respectful manner. This question can be tricky because you don’t want to say anything negative about your previous boss, but you also don’t want to come across as insincere.

Here’s how you can answer the question effectively:

Start with something positive
Start your answer with something positive about your previous boss. This could be anything from their leadership skills to their work ethic. It’s important to show that you can find positive qualities in people, even if you may not have had the best working relationship with them.

For example, you could say, “I had the opportunity to work with a boss who was very knowledgeable in the industry and had a strong work ethic.”

Discuss how you learned from them
Next, talk about how you learned from your previous boss. Even if you didn’t have the best working relationship with them, there’s always something to be learned from every experience. Discuss the skills or knowledge you gained from working with them.

For example, you could say, “I learned a lot from my previous boss about project management and how to prioritize tasks. They were very organized and helped me develop my own organizational skills.”

Be honest, but professional
If you had a difficult working relationship with your previous boss, be honest about it, but always maintain a professional demeanor. Avoid saying anything negative or personal about them.

For example, you could say, “While we may have had some disagreements, I always respected their authority and learned a lot from our discussions. I think they had a lot of valuable insights and I appreciated the opportunity to work under their leadership.”

End on a positive note
Finally, end your answer on a positive note. You want to leave a good impression with the interviewer, so reiterate the positive qualities you mentioned at the beginning of your answer.

For example, you could say, “Overall, I had a very positive experience working with my previous boss. They were knowledgeable, hardworking, and helped me develop my skills as a professional. I’m grateful for the experience and look forward to applying what I’ve learned in future positions.”

Remember to always approach this question with honesty, respect, and professionalism. With a well thought out answer, you can show the interviewer that you are able to find positive qualities in everyone and can learn from any situation.