Job Interview How to Avoid Negativity about Your Employer - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Job Interview How to Avoid Negativity about Your Employer - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Everyone knows this interview tip: “Don’t bad mouth about your employer”. But interesting enough this happens quite often. I got some clue when I was talking to my client Tom few weeks back. Specifically he wanted to learn how to avoid falling in trap of talking negative about his current employer. Apparently he made this mistake in the past. To get his perspective, I asked him about his genuine feeling about the current employer/job. What I heard was that he had been looking for growth in certain areas that was not available in his job. This company’s priority (to fix legacy code issues to quickly unblock the customer) didnt exactly align with Tom’s interests. I also heard some disappointments and frustration in his voice. I then asked him what he wanted from the next job. “I want to work with a team where we innovate and develop new software, use state of the art technology and follow a good process to minimize maintenance overhead going forward”. He replied. “Metaphorically saying, you boarded on a train and it is going to New York whereas you realized you now want to go to Florida. So you want to get on a Florida bound train. The New York bound train has issues with food and other services but that doesnt seem to be your main reason to change.” I drew the analogy to offer him a perspective of the situation. “Wow that helps! If I focus on what I want next, I don’t even think about the problems at my current job, they become irrelevant”. Tom uttered in great relief. Bottom Line Understand what you really feel about your current job. Are you running away from it or moving towards your vision? ”Running from” mindset focuses on the problems it is hard to avoid negativity when you are in this mindset. A job change is a significant step to move towards what you want. Focus on your vision.  That way you won’t even think about the problems anymore.  Best part is, in the interview you don’t have to fake your feelings you will show up as the authentic you! Last week Tom called me saying he accepted a job offer and he very much liked the team and the growth opportunities there:). His voice sounded quite energetic for the new possibilities! Author: Sharmin Banu   is a development partner for high performers who wants to have more Growth, Purpose and Joy for their work and lives. On top of her coach training, a deep eastern cultural background and a 12-year of high tech corporate experience give her a unique position of learning what blocks people to move up in their career path and what helps them to excel. She is very passionate about helping professionals so they can honor their core selves and leverage those to thrive and succeed in the high paced corporate culture and have more fulfillment from their lives. Sharmin’s clientele   is mostly high-tech professionals in the mid-level in their career. Sharmin and her husband have a young daughter and lives in Kirkland WA. Sharmin loves to stay in touch with her friends and the extended family.