How to Address Negative Company Reviews in a Job Interview
In today’s job search world, company reviews can tell you a lot about the culture, leadership, and working conditions of a potential employer. But what happens when you stumble upon negative reviews? Should you bring them up in the interview? How do you ask without sounding accusatory or hurting your chances of landing the job?
Well, good news! J.T. O’Donnell, Work It DAILY’s CEO and head career coach, recently shared the perfect way to ask about negative company reviews in an interview, and I’m excited to break it down for you in this post. Let's dive in!
Do Your Homework
First, kudos to you for taking the time to research the company. The fact that you're finding and paying attention to company reviews shows you're not just any job seeker—you're a smart job shopper! And that’s a great quality to bring into your interviews.
But remember, almost every company will have some form of negative feedback. No company is perfect. The key is to recognize when there’s a significant number of red flags that concern you. This is when asking questions becomes crucial. However, timing and tone are everything.
Timing Is Key
When you finally get the chance to ask questions during an interview, don’t make your first question about the negative reviews. Leading with this can instantly put the interviewer on the defensive, which is not the vibe you want to create. Instead, focus on showing genuine interest in the role and the company first.
Start with questions like:
"What made you decide to work here?"
"What qualities do you look for in the ideal candidate?"
"How do you measure success in this position?"
By asking these types of questions first, you’re demonstrating that you’re serious about the opportunity and genuinely interested in understanding what it’s like to work there.
Strategically Ask About the Reviews
Now, after you’ve built some rapport with your interviewer, it’s time to bring up the reviews. You want to do this carefully and in a way that’s not confrontational. J.T. suggests framing it like this:
“I’ve done a lot of research on the company, and I did come across some feedback that wasn’t perfect—which I know is completely normal. No company is without its flaws! I’m curious, from your perspective, what are the company’s strengths and weaknesses? Specifically, how are these weaknesses being addressed?”
This approach does a few things:
It acknowledges that no company is perfect, which takes the edge off the question.
It puts the focus on both the positives and the negatives, giving the interviewer an opportunity to discuss both.
It shows that you're a thoughtful, well-prepared candidate who cares about working for a company that’s committed to improvement.
This type of phrasing keeps the conversation professional and constructive while allowing you to get the information you need.
Pay Attention to Their Response
Once you’ve asked the question, really listen to what they say. Does their answer feel genuine, or are they dodging the question? Are they willing to admit there are areas for improvement, or are they overhyping the company? This is your opportunity to assess whether this company is a good fit for you.
Also, make sure you ask more than one person about this if you’re going through multiple rounds of interviews. Comparing responses from different people can help you spot any inconsistencies and give you a more well-rounded view of the company.
Trust Your Instincts
If the answers seem too rehearsed or if you’re getting conflicting information, trust your gut. It’s better to ask these tough questions now rather than find out after you've accepted the job that the negative reviews were right. You’re interviewing the company just as much as they’re interviewing you!
Ready to Take Your Job Search to the Next Level?
Being a smart job seeker means knowing how to ask the right questions at the right time. If you’re looking for more personalized advice on how to ace your job interviews and get real results in your job search, why not sign up for Work It DAILY’s 7-day free trial? Our coaching platform is designed to help you every step of the way, from building your resume to negotiating offers. You deserve to land a job you love, and we’re here to help make that happen.
By approaching negative reviews strategically, you can gain valuable insights into a company’s culture while still showing yourself as a strong, thoughtful candidate. Ready to try out this strategy in your next interview?
You’ve got this!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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