Never bring this up during a job interview

No one can convince me that a job interview is not one of the most nerve-wracking moments. Suddenly, you feel like a twelve-year-old girl getting ready for her first day of high school. Did I just shake hands firmly enough? Oh, and am I not acting too awkward? Are my answers original enough? And what on earth is the dress code? Just watch: I show up in a suit, and everyone else is in casual jeans and a sweater. Awkward.

Long story short: you inevitably become a bit insecure, and the chances are high that you dread it. In the first thirty seconds, the person across from you already knows whether you are suitable for this position. So that first impression speaks volumes. And how can you completely ruin that? Let me give you the golden tip that you should never, ever bring up with your future employer.

A question that I bet will be asked is the reason for leaving your previous job. And as tempting as it may be to completely bash that one boss: don’t. Whether it’s true or not, you come across as a negative person who can only complain about others. No company on earth is waiting for that. Plus: it may seem like this is the only reason for leaving your previous job. You and your boss were not a match, so you’re just looking for another one, perhaps with a position that doesn’t necessarily fit your profile. Not charming.

Instead of talking negatively, you can frame it as a learning moment. Suppose, at your previous employer, it was an absolute no-go to work from home, don’t say that your boss never let you work from home. Instead, say that you are looking for a job where you find a flexible schedule an advantage. The same goes for a promotion that you just couldn’t get from your boss. Instead of whining that someone less qualified than you got the job, you can better say that you gained a lot of experience and are ready for the next step. Same message, different words. It doesn’t get easier than that.

Source: forbes.com