Preparing for an interview is always nerve wracking, but one question that often surprises candidates is:
“What are your likes and dislikes in interview?”
On the surface, it seems like a casual conversation starter. In reality, it’s a strategic question recruiters use to test your personality, values, and cultural fit. The way you answer can strongly influence the interviewer’s perception of whether you’re the right person for the role.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about answering the likes and dislikes in interview question. You’ll discover safe likes to mention, dislikes to avoid, fresher friendly examples, and sample answers for both entry level and experienced professionals.
Why Employers Ask About Likes and Dislikes in Interview
Recruiters don’t ask this question randomly. It’s designed to reveal three key things:
1. Your Work Habits and Motivations
- Likes show what energizes you. For example, enjoying teamwork, problem solving, or learning new skills.
- Dislikes show what drains you but they must be framed carefully. For example, disliking lack of feedback, not colleagues.
2. Your Cultural Fit
Companies have unique workplace cultures. Some thrive on collaboration, others value independence. Your likes and dislikes reveal whether you’ll align or clash.
- If you say you like positive work environments, you’ll fit well in people focused companies.
- If you dislike unclear goals, it shows you value clarity important for structured organizations.
3. Your Growth Mindset
Employers love candidates who turn dislikes into learning opportunities.
Weak: “I hate deadlines.”
Strong: “Tight deadlines can be stressful, but they’ve improved my time management.”
Difference Between Likes and Dislikes vs. Strengths and Weaknesses
It’s easy to confuse these two. Here’s the distinction:
| Category | Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Your abilities and skills | “I am strong at problem solving.” |
| Weaknesses | Personal challenges | “I find public speaking difficult.” |
| Likes | Job aspects that motivate you | “I enjoy creative problem solving in teams.” |
| Dislikes | Job aspects that drain you | “I find it draining when meetings lack focus.” |
Read more: How to use former and latter correctly
Common Likes to Mention in an Interview
Here are safe and professional likes you can naturally use:
- Team Collaboration – “I like working in teams where ideas are shared openly.”
- Learning New Skills – “I enjoy learning new tools that make me more productive.”
- Problem Solving – “I like challenges that push me to think creatively.”
- Helping Others – “I enjoy supporting colleagues to reach goals.”
- Feedback and Recognition – “I like receiving feedback because it helps me improve.”
- Workplace Culture – “I enjoy positive work environments that encourage growth.”
Common Dislikes to Mention in an Interview (Safe Examples)
Remember, never sound overly negative. Frame dislikes in a professional way:
- Lack of Feedback → “I prefer clear feedback because it helps me grow.”
- Unclear Goals → “I dislike unclear expectations, so I ask questions early.”
- Repetitive Tasks → “I enjoy variety, so repetitive tasks can feel limiting.”
- Inefficient Meetings → “Meetings without structure are draining, but I suggest agendas.”
- Tight Deadlines → “They can be stressful, but I’ve built better time management skills.”
Avoid: salary complaints, disliking coworkers, criticizing managers.
Sample Answers for Likes and Dislikes in Interview
Fresher Example
“I really like working in teams and learning from others. During university, I enjoyed group projects where we shared ideas. What I dislike is when there are unclear goals, but I’ve learned to ask for clarification early to avoid confusion. One of the things I learned from my parents is the importance of clear communication, and that helps me stay focused and collaborative.”
Experienced Professional Example
“I like leading teams where collaboration and feedback are encouraged. It motivates me when the workplace culture is supportive. A dislike for me is when meetings drag without purpose but I usually suggest agendas or summaries to improve efficiency.”
How to Frame Dislikes Positively
This is the heart of the question: turn a potential negative into a growth story.
Formula:
Dislike → Impact → Learning → Positive Outcome
Example:
- Dislike: “Unclear instructions.”
- Impact: “It sometimes delayed progress.”
- Learning: “I started confirming details early.”
- Outcome: “Now I complete tasks faster and avoid confusion.”
Do’s and Don’ts of Answering Likes and Dislikes in Interview
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Be honest but professional | Complain about salary |
| Link likes to job role | Criticize past employers |
| Reframe dislikes as growth | Sound too negative |
| Keep answers concise | Over share personal issues |
Conclusion
The likes and dislikes in interview question is more than small talk it’s a powerful way for employers to measure your personality, cultural fit, and growth mindset. By preparing safe and professional answers, you can avoid pitfalls, highlight your strengths, and show that you’re a thoughtful, adaptable candidate.
FAQs About Likes and Dislikes in Interview
Q1: What are good likes to say in interview?
Safe options include teamwork, learning new skills, solving challenges, or contributing to a positive workplace culture.
Q2: What are safe dislikes to mention?
Lack of feedback, unclear goals, or repetitive tasks framed positively.
Q3: Can freshers answer likes and dislikes?
Yes. Mention liking teamwork, learning, and guidance. Dislikes can be unclear expectations.
Q4: How is this different from strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths/weaknesses are about skills. Likes/dislikes are about preferences.
