You know the signs. A racing heartbeat, sweaty palms and fast speech are just a few symptoms of interview anxiety. A job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone. One reason is the uncertainty around what may be asked. That's why it pays to anticipate the most common job interview questions. A classic question employers ask is, "What do you dislike about your job?" This question might also be phrased as, "What do you like least about your job?" Or, if you're in between positions, it might be worded, "What did you dislike about your last job?"

Many job seekers struggle with this question because they don't want to come across as bad-mouthing a previous employer. But if you prepare the proper response, you'll appear positive, competent and confident. Answering this question professionally will also ensure you leave a lasting impression.

Prepping for job interviews is a must, whether you're entering the job market for the first time or are a seasoned executive. Here are a few tips to answer this question and examples of winning answers.

Interviewers ask what you dislike about your job to determine whether the role will provide you with the opportunities or challenges you're looking for. They want to observe your preparedness and ability to perform under pressure. Employers also ask this question so they can analyze your response to assess your character and identify any red flags. Ultimately, your answer gives an employer a clear idea of whether your values align with the organizational culture.

When you craft a response, the goal is to remain positive and professional. For example, listing off complaints about your micromanaging boss won't reflect well on you. A better approach is to explain how your current position taught you that you perform best in an entrepreneurial environment with little structure. Consequently, you turn what could seem like resentment or bitterness into a learning experience.

As you prepare for this question, keep these tips in mind:

Before diving into what you dislike, describe the positive aspects of the previous role. For example, you could discuss what you learned or how you enjoyed working with other co-workers. You can even highlight your strengths by detailing a project you led that boosted the company's bottom line. Then, you can explain what motivated you to apply for the job and why you are the right candidate. Remaining upbeat in your response shows employers you are optimistic and easy to work with. In fact, according to a recent Resume Genius survey, 43% of hiring managers rated enthusiasm as the most influential factor in a job interview.

Your answer should avoid focusing on interpersonal issues with managers or co-workers. Instead, discuss tasks, situations and responsibilities. Start by identifying the differences between your current job and the position you're applying for.

Here are some elements of the previous role you can discuss:

Think carefully about what prompted you to apply for this job. Then use that information to tie your response back to the new opportunity.

As with most interview responses, you want to be honest and brief. Most interview answers should be 30 seconds to four minutes long, depending on the context of the question. Pause for a moment before answering so you can gather your thoughts. You can even use phrases like, "That's a great question," or paraphrase the question to give yourself a little extra time. Responding concisely shows you put thought into the job interview and came well-prepared. It also keeps the interview moving and prevents the interviewer from losing interest. By providing a succinct answer, you can devote more time to describing why you're the best fit for the role.

It's wise to include an explanation of how you tried to address the issue in your response. That way, you show you are proactive and action-oriented. It also gives an interviewer insight into how you handle unforeseen challenges and difficult situations. For instance, you could describe how you explored different internal roles or discussed other possible solutions with your manager. Hiring managers want to know that you can adapt and handle yourself well in tough times.

When wrapping up your answer, explain what you're looking for in a new role. This allows you to show how the new position fits into your career development plans. Mention how it will help you gain experience in a particular area or develop certain skills. Employers are more likely to hire and promote people who show enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.

Let's review some example responses depending on your reason for changing jobs.

When I accepted this entry-level role, I was excited to find a job that allowed me to leverage my undergraduate marketing degree. Now that I've mastered the day-to-day duties, I feel stagnant and unchallenged. When told my manager that I would like to improve my skills by taking on more demanding work, she made it clear that those types of projects aren't available right now. When I read the description for this position, I knew I was ready to take on a more stimulating role with increased responsibilities.

I've enjoyed working for a large tech company because it's given me the ability to gain exposure to many different business areas. Now that I've been working there for several years, I discovered I have a passion for developing and building new processes from the ground up. I discussed my career goals with my manager, but the company operates in a more traditional, structured way. While I'm grateful for my time there, I'm ready to be a part of a smaller organization where I can take on more responsibility and become more deeply involved in the daily operations.

I really value the people and culture at my current company. In fact, I recently led a cross-functional team that successfully launched our most innovative product line. While I enjoy my current role, I would like to progress into a senior-level position to utilize my leadership and communication skills better. Although I searched for internal roles, my current organization offers limited growth opportunities. I know that your organization recognizes the importance of career development. Since I'm a lifelong learner ready to level up my career, I would be a great asset to your organization.

To ace the question, "What do you dislike about your job?" it's critical to prepare a response beforehand. Consider why you are interested in the job and how it differs from your current role. By displaying preparation, self-awareness and an understanding of the role, you'll impress even the toughest interviewer.