Operations Analyst job interviews focus on evaluating your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of business processes. Employers prioritize your experience with data analysis tools, process improvement, and effective communication of findings. Demonstrating a strong grasp of operational efficiency and the ability to adapt to dynamic environments is crucial for success.
Tell me about yourself.
Focus on relevant experience such as data analysis, process optimization, and project management in previous roles, highlighting achievements in improving operational efficiency. Emphasize skills like proficiency in SQL, Excel, and analytical tools, along with your ability to collaborate across teams and solve complex problems. Connect your background to Mastercard's core values by showcasing your commitment to innovation, accuracy, and supporting business decisions through insightful data analysis.
Do's
- Relevant Experience - Highlight your background in data analysis, process improvement, and operational efficiency related to financial services.
- Skills Alignment - Emphasize skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and proficiency with data tools like SQL or Excel.
- Company Knowledge - Mention your understanding of Mastercard's business model and how your role supports operational excellence and innovation.
Don'ts
- Personal Details - Avoid sharing unrelated personal information or hobbies not connected to the job requirements.
- Generic Responses - Do not give vague answers lacking specific examples or measurable achievements.
- Negative Comments - Refrain from speaking poorly about previous employers or experiences.
Why do you want to work at Mastercard?
Highlight Mastercard's global leadership in payment technology, emphasizing your interest in contributing to its innovative financial solutions. Showcase your skills in data analysis, process optimization, and problem-solving to support efficient operations and drive continuous improvement. Express enthusiasm for Mastercard's commitment to diversity, sustainability, and career growth opportunities in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
Do's
- Research Mastercard - Demonstrate knowledge of Mastercard's mission, values, and industry impact.
- Align Skills with Role - Highlight your operations analysis skills and how they fit Mastercard's needs.
- Show Enthusiasm - Express genuine interest in contributing to Mastercard's innovation and growth.
Don'ts
- Generic Answers - Avoid vague responses unrelated to Mastercard or the operations analyst position.
- Focus on Salary - Don't prioritize compensation over interest in the company and role.
- Negative Comments - Refrain from speaking poorly about past employers or job experiences.
Why are you interested in the Operations Analyst role?
Highlight your enthusiasm for data-driven decision-making and process optimization tailored to Mastercard's dynamic global financial environment. Emphasize your skills in analyzing operational metrics and supporting strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency and risk management. Express your alignment with Mastercard's commitment to innovation and your desire to contribute to their continued growth as an Operations Analyst.
Do's
- Research Mastercard - Understand the company's mission, values, and recent projects to align your interest with their goals.
- Highlight relevant skills - Emphasize analytical, problem-solving, and data management skills pertinent to the Operations Analyst role.
- Express motivation - Show genuine enthusiasm for improving operational efficiency and contributing to Mastercard's success.
Don'ts
- Be vague - Avoid generic answers like "I want to gain experience" without specifying why this role or company appeals to you.
- Focus solely on salary - Do not mention compensation as your primary reason for interest in the role.
- Overstate qualifications - Avoid exaggerating skills or experiences that you cannot support with concrete examples.
What do you know about Mastercard's operations?
Mastercard operates a global payments network facilitating secure, fast electronic transactions across more than 210 countries and territories, processing billions of transactions annually. Its core operations include payment processing, risk management, data analytics, and the development of innovative financial technology solutions to enhance consumer and merchant experiences. Understanding these aspects demonstrates awareness of Mastercard's commitment to seamless, secure payment services and continuous operational efficiency improvements relevant to the Operations Analyst role.
Do's
- Research Mastercard - Understand Mastercard's global payment network, core services, and mission to facilitate secure and efficient transactions.
- Highlight Operations Knowledge - Discuss Mastercard's operational focus on transaction processing, data analytics, and fraud prevention.
- Show Analytical Skills - Emphasize your ability to analyze operational data to improve process efficiency and support business objectives.
Don'ts
- Speculate Without Facts - Avoid guessing about Mastercard's operations or mentioning inaccurate information.
- Ignore Company Values - Do not overlook Mastercard's emphasis on innovation, security, and customer-centric solutions.
- Be Vague - Avoid generic or unrelated answers that do not connect to the Operations Analyst role or Mastercard's business.
Describe your experience with data analysis.
Focus on your experience with data extraction, cleaning, and visualization using tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau to support operational decision-making. Emphasize your ability to analyze large datasets to identify trends, optimize processes, and improve efficiency in a fast-paced environment. Highlight any experience with predictive analytics or reporting that aligns with Mastercard's emphasis on data-driven insights for operational excellence.
Do's
- Quantify achievements - Share specific metrics or results from data analysis projects to demonstrate impact.
- Highlight tools proficiency - Mention relevant data analysis software such as SQL, Excel, Python, or Tableau used in past roles.
- Explain problem-solving approach - Describe how you use data to identify operational inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
Don'ts
- Use vague statements - Avoid general comments without backing up with concrete examples or results.
- Ignore Mastercard's context - Do not neglect to align your experience with Mastercard's industry, operations, or strategic goals.
- Focus only on technical skills - Do not omit communication and teamwork skills essential for an Operations Analyst role.
How would you handle a large set of operational data?
To handle a large set of operational data effectively, begin by organizing the data using tools such as SQL databases and Excel for initial sorting, ensuring data integrity through validation checks. Utilize advanced analytics software like Tableau or Python libraries (Pandas, NumPy) to visualize trends and perform statistical analysis, enabling data-driven decision-making. Focus on identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to Mastercard's operational goals and communicate insights clearly to stakeholders for continuous process improvement.
Do's
- Data Cleaning - Ensure accuracy by identifying and correcting errors in the large dataset before analysis.
- Data Segmentation - Break down data into manageable subsets to identify trends and patterns efficiently.
- Use of Analytical Tools - Utilize software like SQL, Excel, or Python for effective data manipulation and visualization.
Don'ts
- Avoid Assumptions - Don't infer conclusions without thorough data validation and cross-checking.
- Overlook Data Security - Don't compromise sensitive operational data; follow Mastercard's compliance and security policies.
- Ignore Stakeholder Needs - Don't disregard the requirements and questions posed by business stakeholders during analysis.
Tell us about a time you resolved a problem within a team.
When answering the question about resolving a problem within a team for an Operations Analyst role at Mastercard, focus on demonstrating analytical skills and collaboration. Describe a specific situation where you identified a process inefficiency or data discrepancy, how you coordinated with team members to analyze the root cause, and the actionable solution you implemented to enhance operational accuracy or workflow. Highlight measurable outcomes such as improved data integrity, reduced processing time, or enhanced team communication to align with Mastercard's emphasis on operational excellence.
Do's
- Describe a specific example - Share a clear and detailed story highlighting your problem-solving skills within a team context.
- Emphasize collaboration - Showcase your ability to work effectively with team members and stakeholders to resolve issues.
- Highlight outcomes - Focus on the positive impact your solution had on the team's performance or project goals.
Don'ts
- Generalize or be vague - Avoid broad or unclear answers that lack concrete details about the situation or your actions.
- Blame others - Refrain from pointing fingers or focusing on team conflicts instead of resolution.
- Ignore the role of data - Do not omit how you used data analysis or insights to inform your problem-solving approach, important for an Operations Analyst role at Mastercard.
How do you prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines?
To effectively prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines as an Operations Analyst at Mastercard, evaluate each task based on its impact on business objectives and urgency, using tools like project management software and priority matrices. Develop a clear schedule that allocates time efficiently, ensuring high-priority projects like transaction analysis or operational reporting are completed first. Regularly communicate with team members and stakeholders to adjust priorities in response to changing business needs and maintain alignment with Mastercard's operational goals.
Do's
- Time Management -Explain strategies for effective scheduling and deadline tracking using tools like calendars or project management software.
- Task Prioritization -Describe criteria such as urgency, impact, and dependencies to prioritize operational tasks objectively.
- Communication -Highlight collaboration with teams and stakeholders to align priorities and update progress consistently.
Don'ts
- Overloading -Avoid claiming you can handle all tasks simultaneously without prioritizing or delegating.
- Ignoring Deadlines -Don't suggest neglecting less urgent tasks or pushing deadlines without valid justification.
- Lack of Structure -Refrain from giving vague answers that show no systematic approach to managing multiple tasks.
Describe your proficiency with Excel and other analytical tools.
Highlight advanced Excel skills such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros, and data visualization to demonstrate strong data manipulation and analysis capabilities. Emphasize experience with analytical tools like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI to showcase ability to extract insights and support data-driven decision-making. Tailor examples to operations analysis by mentioning process optimization, reporting automation, and handling large datasets efficiently.
Do's
- Excel Functions - Highlight proficiency in key Excel functions like VLOOKUP, PivotTables, and conditional formatting.
- Data Analysis - Emphasize experience in analyzing large datasets to identify trends and insights relevant to operations.
- Analytical Tools - Mention familiarity with tools such as SQL, Tableau, or Power BI for advanced data visualization and reporting.
Don'ts
- Overgeneralization - Avoid vague statements like "I use Excel" without providing specific examples or contexts.
- Ignoring Software Updates - Do not overlook mentioning familiarity with the latest Excel versions and relevant analytical software upgrades.
- Neglecting Business Impact - Avoid describing skills without linking them to business outcomes or operational improvements.
Have you used SQL or similar databases? Give an example.
Highlight practical experience with SQL or database management tools by describing a specific project or task where you utilized SQL to analyze data, generate reports, or improve operational processes. Emphasize your ability to write complex queries, join tables, and extract actionable insights that supported decision-making or enhanced efficiency. Mention relevant database platforms like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle and relate your skills to Mastercard's focus on data-driven operations and analytical problem-solving.
Do's
- SQL -Explain your experience writing queries to extract, analyze, and manipulate data effectively.
- Database Management -Describe your familiarity with relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle.
- Real-World Example -Provide a specific example of using SQL to solve a business problem or improve operational processes.
Don'ts
- Vague Answers -Avoid vague or generic statements without concrete examples of your SQL skills.
- Overcomplicated Terminology -Do not overwhelm with technical jargon without clear relevance to the role.
- Ignoring Business Impact -Do not focus solely on technical details without explaining how it benefited operations or decision-making.
How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work?
Demonstrate systematic approaches to verifying data accuracy, such as cross-referencing reports and utilizing data validation tools commonly employed at Mastercard. Highlight experience with process improvement methodologies like Six Sigma or Lean to minimize errors and enhance operational precision. Emphasize strong organizational skills and the habit of reviewing work thoroughly to maintain high standards in an Operations Analyst role.
Do's
- Provide specific examples - Highlight past experiences where your attention to detail prevented errors or improved outcomes.
- Mention tools and techniques - Reference software or methodologies used to maintain accuracy, such as data validation or checklists.
- Emphasize consistency - Explain how you maintain high standards through routine reviews and double-checking your work.
Don'ts
- Generalize or be vague - Avoid broad statements without concrete evidence or examples demonstrating attention to detail.
- Blame others - Do not attribute errors to teammates or external factors; focus on your personal accountability.
- Overpromise perfection - Avoid claiming flawless work; instead, emphasize commitment to minimizing errors and continuous improvement.
Give an example of a challenging project you worked on.
Describe a specific operations project at Mastercard where you identified inefficiencies and implemented data-driven solutions to streamline processes, highlighting measurable improvements in operational performance. Emphasize your role in analyzing complex data sets, collaborating cross-functionally, and using tools like SQL or Excel to support decision-making. Conclude by detailing the positive impact on cost reduction, productivity, or customer satisfaction metrics.
Do's
- Specific project details - Describe the project's objectives, scope, and your role clearly.
- Problem-solving skills - Explain the challenges encountered and how you addressed them effectively.
- Quantifiable results - Highlight measurable outcomes, such as improved efficiency or cost savings.
Don'ts
- Vague answers - Avoid general statements without concrete examples or outcomes.
- Blaming others - Refrain from attributing challenges to teammates or external factors.
- Overly technical jargon - Do not use complex terms that may confuse interviewers unfamiliar with specific tools.
Explain how you would communicate a complex process to stakeholders.
Break down the complex process into clear, concise steps using simple language tailored to the stakeholders' expertise levels. Utilize visual aids such as flowcharts or data dashboards to enhance understanding and highlight key metrics relevant to Mastercard's operational goals. Emphasize active listening and solicit feedback to ensure alignment and address any concerns promptly.
Do's
- Clear explanation - Break down the complex process into simple, understandable steps tailored to stakeholder knowledge levels.
- Visual aids - Use charts, diagrams, or flowcharts to illustrate the process clearly.
- Stakeholder engagement - Ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding and encourage feedback.
Don'ts
- Technical jargon - Avoid using overly technical language that may confuse stakeholders.
- Overloading information - Do not provide excessive details that distract from the main points.
- Ignoring feedback - Do not overlook stakeholder questions or concerns during the explanation.
Describe a time you found a process improvement opportunity.
Identify a specific instance where you analyzed a workflow or data set to uncover inefficiencies or bottlenecks in an operations process at Mastercard or a similar financial services environment. Explain the methods used, such as data analysis tools or stakeholder feedback, to propose and implement changes that enhanced accuracy, reduced cycle time, or lowered costs. Highlight measurable outcomes like percentage improvements in operational efficiency or error reduction to demonstrate the impact on Mastercard's business objectives.
Do's
- Specific Example - Provide a clear, detailed scenario of the process improvement you identified at work.
- Quantifiable Results - Highlight measurable outcomes such as increased efficiency or cost savings.
- Problem-Solving Skills - Emphasize your approach to analyzing data and implementing changes effectively.
Don'ts
- Vague Responses - Avoid general statements without concrete examples or outcomes.
- Blame Others - Do not attribute process flaws to colleagues or departments negatively.
- Ignore Teamwork - Don't exclude mention of collaboration or communication with stakeholders.
How do you handle tight timelines?
Emphasize your ability to prioritize tasks using data-driven analysis and time-management tools to ensure timely delivery of key performance indicators. Highlight experience collaborating cross-functionally to allocate resources efficiently and mitigate risks under pressure. Demonstrate adaptability by sharing examples of maintaining high-quality outputs while meeting tight deadlines in fast-paced environments like Mastercard.
Do's
- Demonstrate Prioritization - Explain how you identify key tasks to focus on under tight deadlines.
- Highlight Time Management Skills - Share methods you use to organize work efficiently and meet deadlines.
- Show Problem-Solving Ability - Describe how you quickly adapt and find solutions when timelines are compressed.
Don'ts
- Avoid Negativity - Do not express frustration or stress about tight deadlines.
- Don't Blame Others - Refrain from blaming team members or external factors for timeline challenges.
- Don't Give Vague Answers - Avoid general responses; provide clear, actionable examples.
How do you analyze and present metrics to management?
Focus on gathering accurate data from multiple sources like CRM systems and financial reports to ensure comprehensive metric analysis. Utilize visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI to create clear, concise dashboards that highlight trends, anomalies, and key performance indicators relevant to Mastercard's operations. Present findings in a structured format emphasizing actionable insights, aligning metrics with business goals to support data-driven decision-making by management.
Do's
- Data accuracy - Ensure all metrics are verified and error-free before presenting to management.
- Clear visualization - Use charts and graphs to make complex data easily understandable.
- Insightful interpretation - Explain the implications of the metrics and suggest actionable recommendations.
Don'ts
- Overloading with data - Avoid presenting too many metrics that can overwhelm management.
- Ignoring context - Do not present numbers without explaining the business context or trends.
- Using jargon - Avoid technical terms that management may not understand without proper explanation.
Tell us about an experience dealing with cross-functional teams.
When answering the question about experience working with cross-functional teams for an Operations Analyst role at Mastercard, emphasize collaboration with diverse departments such as finance, IT, and marketing to streamline processes. Highlight specific projects where you facilitated communication, aligned goals, and resolved conflicts to achieve operational efficiency. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact, such as reducing processing time or improving data accuracy through team-driven initiatives.
Do's
- Highlight Collaboration - Emphasize your ability to work effectively with diverse teams such as marketing, finance, and IT to achieve common goals.
- Show Problem-Solving - Describe a specific challenge you faced within a cross-functional team and how you contributed to resolving it.
- Quantify Results - Provide measurable outcomes from your teamwork, such as improved process efficiency or cost savings.
Don'ts
- Avoid Vagueness - Do not give a generic answer without concrete examples or details about your role in the team.
- Don't Blame Others - Avoid pointing fingers or highlighting conflicts without showing how you helped overcome them.
- Exclude Mastercard Context - Do not omit relevant skills or experiences that align with Mastercard's operations and analytical focus.
Are you familiar with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies?
Describe your hands-on experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies by highlighting specific projects where you applied DMAIC or Kaizen techniques to streamline processes. Emphasize your ability to analyze data, identify inefficiencies, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that align with Mastercard's operations goals. Showcase your familiarity with tools like Value Stream Mapping and Statistical Process Control to demonstrate measurable impacts on productivity and quality.
Do's
- Lean methodology - Explain your understanding of Lean principles focusing on waste reduction and process efficiency in operations.
- Six Sigma - Mention your experience or knowledge of Six Sigma tools for improving quality and reducing defects in processes.
- Relevant examples - Provide specific examples of how you have applied Lean or Six Sigma techniques to optimize workflows or solve complex problems.
Don'ts
- Vague responses - Avoid giving generic answers without demonstrating knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma concepts.
- Overstating expertise - Do not claim mastery of methodologies if your experience is limited; focus on your willingness to learn and apply them.
- Ignoring Mastercard context - Avoid neglecting the relevance of these methodologies to Mastercard's operations and business goals.
How would you investigate an operational outage or incident?
Begin by systematically collecting relevant data from monitoring tools and incident reports to identify the scope and impact of the outage. Analyze system logs, network status, and recent configuration changes to pinpoint the root cause while collaborating with cross-functional teams for comprehensive insight. Document findings clearly and implement incident response protocols to restore services promptly and prevent future occurrences.
Do's
- Incident identification - Quickly recognize and categorize the outage to determine its impact and urgency.
- Root cause analysis - Use systematic methods like the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram to find the primary cause of the incident.
- Clear communication - Provide timely updates to stakeholders and team members with accurate incident status information.
Don'ts
- Assumptions - Avoid guessing the cause without collecting and analyzing data.
- Ignoring documentation - Don't skip recording the incident details, investigation steps, and resolutions.
- Blaming individuals - Focus on processes and system issues rather than pointing fingers at employees.
Where do you see your career in five years?
Focus on expressing a clear vision of growth within Mastercard's operations team by highlighting goals such as mastering data analysis tools, improving process efficiencies, and contributing to strategic projects. Emphasize a commitment to developing skills in operational analytics and cross-functional collaboration to support Mastercard's innovation in payment solutions. Demonstrate alignment with the company's mission by aiming for a leadership role where you can drive impactful operational improvements.
Do's
- Align with company goals -Describe career aspirations that connect with Mastercard's values and business strategy.
- Show growth mindset -Highlight desire to develop skills relevant to operations analysis and data-driven decision making.
- Be realistic -Set achievable milestones within five years reflecting progression in analytical responsibilities or leadership roles.
Don'ts
- Be vague -Avoid unclear or generic answers without specific reference to the role or company.
- Overpromise -Do not exaggerate abilities or future roles beyond reasonable expectations.
- Focus only on salary -Refrain from emphasizing compensation rather than professional development and contribution.
Describe a situation where you had to quickly learn new skills.
When answering the job interview question about quickly learning new skills for an Operations Analyst role at Mastercard, focus on a specific example where you demonstrated adaptability and rapid skill acquisition. Highlight how you identified the gap, utilized resources like online courses or mentorship, and applied the new skills to improve process efficiency or data analysis accuracy. Emphasize measurable outcomes such as reduced processing time or enhanced reporting quality that benefited Mastercard's operations.
Do's
- Relevant Skills - Highlight specific skills quickly acquired related to data analysis, financial operations, or risk management.
- Problem-Solving - Explain how the new skills helped you solve a business challenge or improve a process efficiently.
- Adaptability - Emphasize your ability to learn under pressure and apply knowledge to support Mastercard's operational goals.
Don'ts
- Irrelevant Examples - Avoid describing situations unrelated to the finance, payments, or data analysis fields.
- Vagueness - Don't give generic answers without detailing what skills were learned or the impact achieved.
- Lack of Outcome - Avoid failing to mention measurable results or improvements stemming from your new skills.
How do you stay organized with competing priorities?
Demonstrate a structured approach by explaining the use of project management tools and prioritization frameworks like Eisenhower Matrix to manage tasks effectively. Highlight experience in breaking down complex projects into smaller milestones and aligning them with strategic business goals, ensuring timely delivery despite shifting priorities. Emphasize communication skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams and adapting plans based on real-time data analysis at Mastercard.
Do's
- Prioritize Tasks - Identify urgent and important tasks to allocate time efficiently and meet deadlines.
- Use Project Management Tools - Implement software like Asana or Trello to track tasks and progress systematically.
- Communicate Clearly - Maintain transparent communication with team members and stakeholders about workload and deadlines.
Don'ts
- Ignore Deadlines - Avoid neglecting or postponing deadlines, which can disrupt workflow and priorities.
- Multitask Excessively - Refrain from juggling too many tasks simultaneously, which reduces focus and productivity.
- Fail to Adjust - Don't stick rigidly to a plan without reassessing priorities when new information or urgent tasks emerge.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?
When answering the job interview question about a mistake, focus on a specific example relevant to operations analysis, such as an error in data interpretation or process documentation at Mastercard. Describe the situation clearly, emphasizing your proactive steps to identify the root cause, communicate transparently with stakeholders, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence. Highlight your ability to learn from errors, demonstrate accountability, and improve operational efficiency in a fast-paced financial environment.
Do's
- Honesty - Admit your mistake clearly and take responsibility without shifting blame.
- Problem-Solving - Describe the specific steps you took to resolve the issue effectively.
- Learning Outcome - Highlight what you learned and how you implemented changes to avoid similar mistakes.
Don'ts
- Blaming Others - Avoid blaming colleagues or external factors for the mistake.
- Vagueness - Do not give unclear or generic answers without concrete examples.
- Minimizing Impact - Avoid downplaying the mistake or failing to acknowledge its significance.
What operational KPIs would you track in this role?
Track key operational KPIs like transaction processing time, error rates, and system uptime to ensure efficient payment operations. Monitor cost per transaction and customer satisfaction scores to evaluate financial performance and user experience. Utilize data on fraud detection rates and compliance adherence to maintain security and regulatory standards.
Do's
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Identify relevant KPIs such as transaction accuracy, process efficiency, and cost per transaction to measure operational success.
- Data-Driven Insights - Use data analytics to track trends and provide actionable recommendations for process improvement.
- Alignment with Business Goals - Ensure KPIs align with Mastercard's strategic objectives like customer satisfaction and fraud reduction.
Don'ts
- Vague Metrics - Avoid mentioning generic or irrelevant KPIs that do not directly impact the operations function.
- Ignoring Real-Time Monitoring - Do not overlook the importance of continuous monitoring of KPIs for timely decision-making.
- Overcomplicating KPIs - Avoid proposing too many or overly complex KPIs that could dilute focus and hinder clear performance assessment.
Why should we hire you as an Operations Analyst at Mastercard?
Highlight your expertise in data analysis, process optimization, and risk management, emphasizing how your skills align with Mastercard's commitment to secure, efficient financial transactions. Demonstrate your ability to leverage analytical tools and cross-functional collaboration to drive operational improvements and support strategic decision-making. Emphasize your knowledge of the payments industry and your proactive approach to identifying opportunities for innovation and cost reduction.
Do's
- Highlight Analytical Skills - Demonstrate your ability to analyze data and improve operational processes efficiently.
- Emphasize Mastercard Knowledge - Show understanding of Mastercard's business model, values, and global operations.
- Show Problem-Solving Ability - Provide examples of how you've identified and resolved operational challenges in previous roles.
Don'ts
- Avoid Generic Responses - Do not give vague answers unrelated to Mastercard or the Operations Analyst role.
- Don't Overstate Qualifications - Avoid exaggerating experience or skills that you cannot substantiate.
- Refrain from Negative Comments - Avoid speaking poorly about past employers or experiences.