Interview Question: why do they ask this one? (job, company, interest)

[Kemba]

On several interviews, I have been asked to name one thing that I like and one thing that I don't like about my present job. Does anyone know why they would ask that question?

[uptown_urbanist]

It gives the interviewer a better insight into your personality, and whether or not you'd be a good fit for the company. It could matter for the big picture, or even for the little things (that still matter); if, for example, you said "I hate the open floor plan of my office," and the new place believes in the value of open workspaces, then you're probably not a good fit for the job. Mostly, though, I think it's just another way to get a sense of who you are, how you work, and how you think. It's a pretty good question, really. I haven't used it myself, but think I will do so the next time I interview someone.

[fishbrains]

It is an open fishing question.

As the previous poster said, they are checking to make sure your values/interests are in line with theirs.

If you say something dumb like "I liked all the hot women who worked there", you do not get the job.

In general, if you talk about things you like and don't like because of how they effect you personally, (good health benefits, long lunches, reserved parking...) rather than job related things (they had excellent IT, great home office support, poor marketing....) it is a bad answer.

The interviewer is essentially asking you to think critically about your last job and let them know that you understand the position, and are capable of analyzing the situation.

YMMV, that is the type of thing that I am looking for in a response.

[janeto]

Yes, they are looking for your personality good answer should be something general and positive attitude like: I enjoyed my work I always give a lot of attention and commitment to what I do.. Sometimes I should be more accepting other people levels of commitment to their jobs, However my attitude to 100% commitment tend to motivated others.

[1984vt]

A good way to answer the question is to have the thing you like and don't like be one in the same.

For example, "The thing I like is that my job is challenging and I am always learning new things". Then go "HMMMM (like you have to think about it) The thing I don't like is that at time it can be so challenging that I don't feel there are enough hours in the day sometimes." and then laugh.

Try not to say anything on the Don't Like that could come back to bite you. For example, "sometimes I couldn't find someone to answer my questions when I needed assistance". Some businesses realize that this could very well be them and not readily have staff to assist a new comer and wouldn't like the answer.