Interview Questions: When Were You Most Satisfied In Your Job?

By Selipha Kihagi

Job interviews are a roller coaster of never-ending questions and how you answer determines how you stand out from other applicants. As you prepare expected interview questions and rehearse probable answers, have you thought about when you were most satisfied at your job?

Job satisfaction is necessary if you are to enjoy being in a certain position and become productive at the end of the day. If your job lacks in satisfaction, then performing beyond expectation becomes a difficult task. It is also the reason most people start looking for opportunities elsewhere.

So, when were you most satisfied in your job?

The first step in answering any interview question is to understand what the recruiter or interview panel is seeking to find in your answer. What is the endgame of the question? In this case, the interview question on job satisfaction is queried to uncover your motivation for your previous job.

If an employer or recruiter can base the source of your motivation in achieving company goals and objectives, then they can evaluate if you are the best fit for the job or not. For example, if you mentioned a time you felt satisfied was when you closed a difficult client and received a bonus for it, then the employer may conclude that a reward is your greatest motivator.

On the other hand, if you just stopped at closing a difficult client (without mentioning the bonus) then an employer may conclude that you love a challenge and accomplishing goals is a great motivation. This works in your favour.

Best Answer To This Interview Question

Borrowing from the example cited above, you need to identify what is your greatest motivation in everything you do then gauge it with what the employer wants. Your greatest motivation may be money – I mean, who is not motivated by money? However, portraying this in your interview answer may not be in your best interest.

While you are asked not to lie during job interviews or the recruiting process in general, some truths are better skipped and replaced with different truths. In your answer to this question, let the interviewer or recruiter see that doing your job in itself gives you satisfaction.

For example, a good answer would be; “In my previous position, part of my job was to interact directly with customers and assist them with various pressing issues. This was always satisfying for me as I felt a form of achievement helping them find a solution to their problems.”

Businesses are built to help solve existing problems and address arising issues, which leads to profits. Identify where your job satisfaction is best in the former two, and your answer will be a winner.

Got an upcoming interview? Contact melody@corporatestaffing.co.ke for an interview coaching session.