How do you guys not let a toxic work environment make you negative? I got feedback that I “complained throughout” an interview but I didn’t even notice. I was just saying I’m ready for a better place

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Never bad mouth your current job in an interview.

likesmartfunny

I wouldn’t go into too much detail about what it is you don’t like about your job. The more vague the better. You can also turn it into a learning experience, like for example: “the work/life balance was tough but it helped me learn how to work under pressure.”

likehelpfulsmart

I wish I got feedback like this, then I’d know how to fix it. Anyway, you’re a copywriter. I’m sure you can put a positive spin on how you word your experience at your current position.

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90% of these answers are what’s wrong with this industry. Basic advice from what not to do in an interview 101. Help the person out or move on. 🙄

I’m sure the OP didn’t go in like a crazy person bitching and gossiping about how much they hated where they were now. OP, I think the person who said a good answer was something like, “I’m ready to push my career further and think this is a great opportunity to do that.” It’s not always a logical answer (esp if you’re at an agency known for their creative work) that part doesn’t matter. Just stick with a simple platitude and almost always the interviewer will leave it alone.

On another note: why is this question even
asked in the first place?!? It’s so stupid. Is it to see if you are a good bullshitter? That’s the only logical conclusion.

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Seeing if they can get some hot goss

funny

Yes - don’t complain until after you got the offer and started the new job. If even then.

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I think when moving on from a crappy work environment the key Is to share that experience subtly.

No matter how shitty the place you’re moving on from is you keep it classy.

Things like, it wasn’t a good fit, the challenges and opportunities I was seeking have still yet to present themselves, yet despite that the position did serve me in the fact that it has propelled me to be sought out and speaking with you today.

Ready to step into my next role.
Don’t throw shade because this a huge industry but a small world.-

likehelpful

Thanks, everyone for the feedback. I guess my point was that looking back, they weren't exactly wrong. I just didn't really notice that it came off as "complaining" (which I'm sure will sound dumb to some of you). I've always interviewed well so that feedback made me realize how negative I've innately become – I didn't use to be like this and hate that I left that impression on people. Luckily I had already accepted an offer from my first choice agency, but I'm working on changing my attitude and being more aware, so I don't mess up my next opportunity.

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LMAO. I don't think anyone addressed the questions at all.

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I think you should set your goals and limits early. Before you become the furniture at any shop. I like to take a day ever quarter or so to step back and reflect to make sure I'm still moving in the right direction.

likesmart

There’s always something positive about where you are or were. Focus on that. No one wants to know what was bad.

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Agreed! I would like to know what’s bad if I asked.

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No one wants a whiner. If they ask you why you’re looking keep it very brief and try to make it more what you’re looking for in your next opportunity. Good luck!

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Deny, deny, deny. Focus all your energy on denying and getting yourself out.

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In this corporatized environment we work in, the fact that there's a such thing as a "better place" means you're willing to speak truth to power. Most agencies would consider that to be a red flag because you might speak about them that way at your next interview.

More importantly, there should never be anything better than your current place because every place is the best in different ways. Those who adapt to the modern workplace by using hyperbolic positivity in all scenarios tend to work with clients most effectively. You hadn't demonstrated that ability.

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Restrict the complaining to friends and family (though they’ll probably tire of it soon enough!). The sooner you make the decision to either find a new job or create a more meaningful role where you are the better. Learning when to cap the negativity and forcing yourself to reframe stops you from becoming part of the toxicity problem for others around you! And practice responses for your interviews, trying to focus on what you’ve accomplished and now know you want from your next job/workplace

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Leave, if you can. If not, heads down until you can. There is no worse person in the world than the person that bitches but refuses to take action to change their situation.

smart

There are always a few outliers in a toxic work environment. Find your person/people to help keep your morale high.

Regarding the toxic work environment I think you’re on the money - leave. Regarding the interview feedback - just spin the truth but I agree w/ everyone - keep it vague (all they’re doing is trying to test if you’re going to talk shit about your current company). I recently left my agency after 4+ years & of course everyone asked. No one had any questions when I told them I enjoyed my time but the opportunities for me to advance had come to an end & I wanted to keep moving up (which was the truth in my case). I also sometimes I said Id been there for a long time and was simply looking for a change of scenery which also worked but may or may not apply.

Get a therapist and leave like an adult.

Focus on what you learned in that environment, either about work culture, skills, about yourself....

Interviews are about optimism and enthusiasm. If you jade that by chatting shit about your old job, it's inevitable you won't give as good an impression

Your question is odd. Is it about fixing the toxic work environment or how to frame it in an interview?

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