Behind standard interview questions about handling difficult situations and conflict in the workplace there is usually a specific concern or requirement.
A candidate needs to think about what the interviewer’s concern might be:
These difficult situation and conflict interview questions are likely to be asked in some form or
other during your interview. Be ready and use the interview answers to
prepare for them.
Conflict occurs in virtually every work setting. Employers are looking
for a person who can rise above conflict, challenges and problems and find win-win
solutions.
The interviewer wants to know how you react to conflict and how you manage it. Try to focus your job interview answer on the behavioral process that you use to resolve the conflict.
Don't direct your answer at how difficult you boss or co-workers are and how hard it is to work with them. This portrays you as someone who does not get on easily with other people and employers want someone who gets on well with others.
Use your interview answer to highlight your interpersonal skills, your maturity and your ability to stay calm in the face of difficulty.
Sample interview answer:
"Everyone has to deal with conflict at some point. I have found that when there is conflict it helps to try and put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their perspective.
It is important to ask questions and listen to their point of view. If you know what their interpretation of the situation is, then it is easier to work out a solution. For example.... (give a specific example of a conflict situation and how you dealt with it)."
Emphasize the techniques you use to diffuse conflict such as:
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively to reach an acceptable resolution.
Here is another of those standard interview questions that is exploring a number of different aspects at once.
This job interview question is trying to determine two things - what your definition of "difficult" is and how you approach challenges and problems.
In your interview answer:
Examples of difficult situations:
Job skills to highlight include:
Sample interview answer:
"I have faced a number of difficult situations, but the one that comes to mind now is ...( describe the situation). I was able to deal with it by assessing the situation, determining the possible different approaches and deciding on the most effective one.
I had to remain unemotional and objective and focused on a solution."
This typical interview question also evaluates your judgment and decision-making ability. Show how:
Good decisions are based on factual information.
Good general interview answer to "How did you handle a difficult situation?"
Preparing your answers to standard interview questions about challenges in the workplace sets you up for interview success.
Behavioral
interview questions are now standard interview questions. Prepare for
these type of questions by going to the sample behavioral or
competency-based interview questions with answer guidelines at answers to behavioral interview questions
These typical interview questions explore your motivation, what you like and dislike in your job and why you want to leave. This provides the employer with an indication of your attitude to your job and company and any challenges you have to deal with.
Phone Standard Interview Questions
Have good interview answers prepared for standard interview questions and convince the interviewer of your suitability for the job opportunity.