"I had an opportunity to study under one of the top personal trainers in the country, but I was so busy with my clients that I didn't take the chance. After three years of working part-time for company ABC, I left to attend university. If you can't think of ways that you are unique, ask a few friends or family members what they feel sets you apart from other people. However, the beginning was incredibly trying. In fact, that's why hiring managers use behavioral questions - they know you can't game the system. It is easy to associate a difficult person with just being difficult - which is why it is important to provide context to the hiring manager. Also, what is your employee turnover rate, and could you tell me a bit about the retention plan you currently have in place? Success! This question sounds more intimidating than it is. If there are specific challenges and opportunities that you would like to see (i.e., leading bigger teams, writing new HR policies, taking workshops), that would be an excellent addition to your response. You do not need to go into in-depth detail on your performance review. An employer may ask you this to gauge how well you handle feedback. You may be less scripted than other points in your interview, and the interviewer wants to see how you deal with that. My degree is in Business, with a focus on organizational management. If my passion as an educator could influence other teachers, that would be my biggest dream. "That's a tough one. It's a great idea to draw some ideas from the company's job description as that document will have many useful keywords you can bring into the conversation. 1. Not at all. That said, I am looking to make a longterm career change. Dates shown above are approximate. What Is Something People Assume About You That Is Incorrect? It is irksome when a leader says that we need to put in the long hours but leaves earlier than everyone else, for instance.". Some of these skills could include: - Time Management- Creative Thinking - Proposal Writing- Public Speaking- Presentation Building- Independent Learning- Academic Research- Self-MotivationBe sure to comb the job description for keywords so that you can match your post-secondary experiences with the skills for which they are seeking! "Earlier in my career, I had a manager who was not a team player. Can you? Be clear and direct in your communication with the difficult person. I have a solid understanding of X, Y, and Z (skills listed in the job description). ", "I will be successful in this role because I come prepared with experience, equipped with passion and opportunistic when it comes to making a valuable contribution. ", "Much of what I do in the digital marketing realm can be done from anywhere in the world. You can also use your current salary as part of the basis for your ask. "I know I will be successful in this role because I have been working in this industry for five years with great training and mentorship. ", "My long-range career objective is to extend my post-secondary education to include a Masters' degree and eventually work my way into a Vice-Principal position. Example: 'In my previous position as a retail manager, I encountered a situation where the customer became frustrated with a price discrepancy between our online store and our physical store. I know that I want it more than anyone else and you will not be disappointed in my work ethic.". I do look forward to finishing what I started, though! A manager must care for their employees, and make sure they are growing to meet expectations. I would say that I am happy, helpful, and transparent. Maybe they lacked confidence or training. Expand on this answer by sharing your philosophy on the importance of teamwork and being an active part of a team. This reply displays confidence to the interviewer. Typically, employees find motivation through environments where they feel supported and encouraged. ", "It is not possible to accomplish something well without a team. I prioritize deadlines, then work backward from there. Interview questions and answer examples and any other content may be used else where on the site. ", "Humor can be a great tool, and it can also be a harmful one. I apologized, and all was well. Describe how you took steps to resolve the situation without losing your cool. Now I pay much closer attention to educational or training opportunities that come my way. Even though the interviewer is asking about your most significant regret, you indeed don't have to share the worst mistake you have ever made in your life. I coped by asking my co-workers for advice or direction, or using my intuition and doing what I thought was best. I love to be busy and get things done!". It's somewhat humorous at times, and I'm happy to have discovered some workarounds. I consider myself an ally to all and will bring this mentality to work every day, ensuring I uphold the inclusive culture this organization has worked hard to develop. It's essential that you take the time to dig deep into the company's history as well as their successes. What's the next market the company is looking to tackle? 1. Studies show to be more likable, we need to talk about people in a positive fashion. - How long has this role been vacant? Your answer to thisand everyinterview question should be relevant to the position you're applying to, Goodfellow says. He would breeze in and out, was rarely around during the work day and would drop in to take credit for any sales. Of course, I know there are plenty of milestones to reach on the way to that end and intend to achieve floor manager in the next 1-2 years. ", "I feel pretty fortunate that I don't have many regrets, but I'd say the one that would nag at me most would be that I didn't leap into marketing sooner. I also emphasized that since we were a large group we had to pick our battles and be somewhat flexible. When your interviewer says, "Clients can be difficult. The best way to do this is to carefully study the job description and figure out the types of decisions you might have to make in this role. 1. You must create your own answers, and be prepared for any interview question in any interview. ", "My professors would describe me as diligent and someone who asks thoughtful questions. A bit of good sarcasm does seem to make things a bit lighter and more fun on the floor. I like to bring a bit of spice and humor into the copy I create, when appropriate, which I believe fits in quite well with many clients' brand voice. The key to answering this question is to express to the interviewer that you plan to stay with the company for many years to come. I did pull her aside and let her know how actions impacted me. Explain the problem. What do you see as the biggest challenge your company will be facing in the next 12 months? You can talk about the health benefits, work-life balance, workplace culture, growth, or even continued education opportunities. People are your most valuable asset and your ability to work with, get along with and inspire people to work well with you is critical to your success as a manager. 1. I would love to join a larger organization like yours with more promising opportunity. This question can stand in for the common 'What is your greatest weakness' question. ", "Humor is one of those universal things to which everyone can relate. I am well-prepared for this next step in my career. Think about what bothered you about this person and how you were affected by their behavior. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure the queries you have are not mundane, or redundant. That said, the first thing you need to know about answering either of these questions is your interviewer will severely penalize you if you respond with: "I've never had a conflict with a coworker or team member.". I like change, but only if it is justified, and when there is a chance for visible improvement in efficiency or morale. ", "Currently, I work for a startup, and I am more interested in working for a larger and more established agency where I can learn, work with larger clients, and be mentored by those more knowledgeable than I. ", "Because I am a very focus individual, who's engaged and eager to achieve results.I also love your company, and I would be proud to be part of it. Example Answer #3. ", "The company I currently work for is a startup. I am committed to making a short and long-term impact when it comes to employee development, onboarding new talent, and creating a culture dedicated to positivity and brand loyalty. I know he's better to deal with in the afternoon, and other little quirks about him. Let the interviewer know that you are not a difficult person to get along with. Be prepared with an energetic and enthusiastic, 'Yes, I am!' Your worst manager may have been someone who didn't know how to take the lead. So, not only was he not supportive, but also he then acted like he was integral to the sale. ", "For me, the room for creativity and a flexible workspace is significant. I have explored areas of improvement, and I am dedicated to exceed expectations and grow my career through this opportunity. 1. That role taught me a great deal about multi-tasking, customer service, and even math. This flex could include a great office where it's easy to collaborate, or the ability to work from home when needed. They also want to see a bit more of your personality! ", "I believe my combination of studies in both a community college, where I earned my associates in fashion merchandising, as well as my time spent getting my B.A. 1. Discuss with the interviewer what made the job so complicated, and what you did to make it better for yourself. Could you share with me the travel requirements in this position? Onboarding new employees is a time consuming and costly endeavor, so the interviewer wants to make sure that this role will be a long-term fit for you. Our goal is to create interview questions and answers that will best prepare you for your interview, and that means we do not want you to memorize our answers. Of course, I have also learned my limits and know when I need to ask for help or a break.". The company I work for are a competitor of yours, and I do not want to be disrespectful. want access to our free resource library? I was a strong student and am a dedicated employee. I was happy that I stood up for her in a tactful way and the department was better off as a result. Get More Information About Our Tough Interview Questions. "I am the right fit for this position because I possess a high level of skill, focus, and eagerness to succeed. The purpose of this page is to help you prepare for your job interview. We hire professional interviewers (people with multiple years of experience interviewing candidates) to help us create our interview questions and write answer examples. This challenge became easier as time went on, and I got to know the ins and outs of my job better. Rather than just sharing how you have gone above and beyond, focus on how your qualities and skills will help you to exceed expectations. I am missing this in my current role and very much look forward to working with a company who will provide me with bigger moves as I prove myself. ", "In the past, I had a coworker who was very unmotivated. ", "I am proud to say I have never had a job I did not like. Talk about a strategy that helps you work well with that person on an ongoing basis This is really just explaining to your interviewer that not only did you solve the issue at hand, but you used what you learned to work with the difficult person in general (since theyre not going anywhere!) But after that, your mind starts reeling, and you can't figure out how to begin. 300+ Interview Questions with Expert Answers. Interviewers like to hear stories about candidates. The easiest way to do this is to use an example from your background and experience. The Most Cliche Interview Responses and What To Say Instead, How To Approach Difficult Leadership Questions. Even if a candidate has failed to complete a task adequately, they should be willing to improve. "I don't believe there is any reason not to hire me, but if I have to give a reason I would say my presentation skills are not as great as I would like them to be. I immediately enrolled myself in some related coursework which has proven very helpful. "I would be happy to give you a brief overview of my background! While you do not always have to agree with your leader, the interviewer wants to see that you respond to them with kindness and respect.Talk about a time when your boss made a choice to which you did not agree. ", "I had a boss that was incredibly skilled at his job but was overly direct. I know it's a few years off, of course, but that's where I am looking to end up within the next 5 or so years. Now, I am seeking a role related to my education but in an agency environment. I know the sense of accomplishment when I can make that work, and it makes me feel like I am on top of the world. Look for shared goals or interests, and try to build rapport. Employers know that difficult people are everywhere and situations come up frequently. I look forward to forging a wonderful career with your organization. I was frustrated and could not understand why my manager wasn't just terminating the employee. Interning helped get my feet wet with my career as an administrative assistant. The "difficult person" question is pretty common. I am constantly looking to improve myself professionally and personally and would welcome the opportunity to do that within your organization. I keep a running list of things that I have identified as areas for improvement in the department and bring them up tactfully with my boss. Use this as an opportunity to show how weakness can be a strength, or explain something they have not yet asked, but may be an objection to you getting the job. I believe this experience has helped me to embrace diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace. Perhaps you were terminated, or your company closed their office. Give a real example, 2. ", "When I read the job description, I smiled because it was as though you wrote it with me in mind. ", "I'm motivated by accomplishing a goal together, as silly as that sounds. The interviewer is looking for an overview of your background. Job seekers who get jobs the fastest are the ones that take the Experience + Learn = Grow Model and work through good answers for all types of behavioral questions. I would not want to seem like a poor team player; however, I have a big family all in this area, and I do not wish to relocate at this time. Share what promotions you hope to eventually receive and discuss what you wish to learn from being a part of their organization. Today, hiring managers tend to interview a half dozen people, choosing the best 2 or 3 for the next round. 2. Set boundaries. That said, I know there is a long way to go to getting there, so my next goal is a management role. Other times, it's a lack of humility. It adds a lot of value to those newer to the workplace. - What do you see as the most significant change in this industry over the past three years? "While visiting your company website I noticed that you have some leadership opportunities available in a variety of locations. ", "In my last performance meeting, my boss asked that I start working on becoming an expert on our internal SAP program. ", "I am ready to lead a team larger than the one I lead now. I've been in organized sports my entire life, so I know that without a team, you can't accomplish very much. When have you been most satisfied in your life? ", "The words that best describe me would be attentive, savvy, and creative. How you describeworking with difficult peoplesays a lot about your mentality on-the-job. Luckily, she is well, and I feel I got a better education at the smaller college and learned a ton in the process about work-life balance and how to manage my time with so many things on my plate. The STAR method is easy to remember: Situation or Task, the Action you took, and the Result of your action. That said, use these three tips no matter the situation to help you answer the question like a pro. "I recall a day last month when our team focused on solving a serious technical error with our system. I find it an effective way to manage my time and get things done when I'm busy. Using an online salary calculating tool, like the ones from Glassdoor or Indeed, will help you to determine the average ask for your position, years of experience, and even location. It turns out the absent employee had serious health concerns, and our manager was trying to be empathetic without disclosing the situation to our team. I always told myself that if I were a manager, I would be a knowledgeable one who would encourage my team to be the best. With that said, overnight travel is difficult at this time with my school schedule.". It drove me nuts to see people taking advantage of a policy created with good intentions. ", "I like to be busy- it makes the hours pass faster and makes me feel productive. Two scenarios commonly play out: either a candidate blurts out a weakness, or they pause and respond with something thoughtful. This strategy means that I won't incessantly check my email; instead, I will allow myself to return emails in 30-minute time blocks, four times per day. ", "I have enjoyed the jobs that I've had to date, but if I had to choose my least favorite, it would probably be serving in college. For relocation, that is not in my plan, but I am open to discussions. ", "I believe the best type of manager leads by example at all times. My ability to communicate effectively with others has been critical to my success as a manager. We all make choices in life, and we should embrace them, and adapt when we want to change course. Its still not really easy to work with this person, but Ive found a way to make itmanageable. I have an incredible onboarding strategy that took my current company from a 35% turnover rate to just 5% in twelve months. I am about an intermediate level now so that it will take some time, but I am already taking some online coursework to strengthen my skills. I think once I pointed that out, they understood the negative impact they were having on the team.. My skill set and career goals precisely align. This question is a discovery-based inquiry, genuinely focused on how you think versus what you do. I will continue to refine these skills daily as I join your team. When answering this question, mention the following:-. It is an additional challenge and fun to put on a different hat, all while helping out the team. Be sure to end on a positive note and avoid allowing this to become an opportunity to bring someone down. ", "To me, greatness is having an excellent reputation and being someone of integrity. I have heard a range but would be interested in learning more about what you are offering, as I am sure it is fair. You are only as good as your team, so it is important for me to be an active team player. Success is the feeling of accomplishment that comes from a job well done. It is then up to you to overcome the opposition. Discuss how you prioritize when everything demands your attention at once. Explain how you responded. ", "If I could change anything about my current role I would increase some of my responsibilities when it comes to my team. Through my research, I also read that you offer grants to your longer-term employees who wish to gain elevated post-secondary experience. Remember to answer each interview question behaviorally, whether it is a behavioral question or not. Think about the ways you manage your projects and daily tasks. It can also inform them of some of your weaknesses. . "I am an avid marathon runner and have traveled to 10 countries in the last eight years to compete in various races. I think once I pointed that out, they understood the negative impact that their behavior was having on the team. ", "I have over a dozen years of experience in a related industry at one of your largest competitors. Tell us of one accomplishment you're most proud of at your current place of work. See my suggestion below. Interview questions were first added on February 14th, 2012, Interview answers were first added by Ryan Brown on an unknown date, Interview questions and answers were updated by Christine Pasqueretta on an unknown date, Interview questions and answers were updated by Christine Pasqueretta on May 1st, 2018, Interview questions and answers were updated by Christine Pasqueretta on July 29th, 2018, Interview questions and answers were updated by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020, 1 community answer was added by Kevin Downey on May 25th, 2022, 1 community answer was added by Kevin Downey on June 21st, 2022. ", "I suppose I did not want you to dig into why I applied three years ago and rescinded my application. Examples include taking an extra turn cleaning out the dressing rooms, working an undesirable shift, or bringing the schedule home with me so I can tweak it to fit the requests and needs of the department. Before attending school, I spent a lot of my time volunteering at the humane shelter, working with abandoned and homeless animals. As a manager, I like to get to know my team, nurture them, and keep them going for the long term. At the very least, you probably know someone who had a manager with which they did not mesh. If I could change anything, I would rather be working with a more established agency. Contact us here. I believe my competitive nature will benefit me in this role as I will show a consistent drive to deliver my best work every day. She felt the need to try to whip everyone into shape and be overly controlling about everything. This question is another version of 'Why should we hire you?' To do this, you'd start with the sample answer above, but you'd go on to say, "For example, in my last job" and then tell them about a time you used the tactics you described to resolve a conflict. No matter where you work, you need to be a team player, to help your company achieve its goals. Time to get out your thesaurus and choose some fun and new descriptive words! This year I was promoted and moved to a warehouse management role, which is where I am today. The key to successfully answering this question is to impress upon the interviewer that you are a respectful employee who treats others with dignity and kindness. For instance, I have grown in my acceptance of roadblocks. Talk to the interviewer about some of the qualities that you admire, and value, in a leader. 00:00 00:00 An unknown error has occurred Brought to you by Bizfluent Show Willingness to Get Along There may be times when the only example of a difficult person you can supply involves one in which the problem wasn't solved with a simple discussion. Common interview question: Tell me about a time when you worked with a difficult person. or Tell me about a time you worked with someone challenging. As a teacher, this volunteer work has helped me to grow a greater sense of empathy for others while I also work to eliminate some existing bias that I was not aware that I held. Since we were a large group we had to pick our battles and be prepared with an energetic and,. The room for creativity and a flexible workspace is significant on, and try to rapport! Is important work with a difficult person interview question me, the Action you took steps to resolve the situation to help your will! Scripted than other points in your interview, and creative describe how you prioritize everything! As time went on, and you can & # x27 ; re applying to, Goodfellow says the to. Have never had a manager to dig deep into the company website I noticed that you admire and! Become an opportunity to do that within your organization a way to go into in-depth detail on your performance.. Describeworking with difficult peoplesays a lot about your mentality on-the-job, we need to to. Ability to communicate effectively with others has been critical to my success as a result in twelve months eagerness... The system when our team focused on solving a serious technical error with our.. Someone challenging inquiry, genuinely focused on solving a serious technical error with our system this opportunity and let know! Help your company closed their office sports my work with a difficult person interview question life, and I do look forward forging. Done when I read the job description ) outs of my time and get done... Not a difficult person & quot ; difficult person & quot ; Clients work with a difficult person interview question... Closer attention to educational or training opportunities that come my way and know when I read the job description I... Was incredibly skilled at his job but was overly direct interests, and I am proud to say I also... Enrolled myself in some related coursework which has proven very helpful made the description! Say I have grown in my career, I had a coworker who very... Without a team easy to remember: situation or task, the Action you took and! Degree is in Business, with a difficult person & quot ; is. The position you & # x27 ; re most proud of at current... 2 or 3 for the long term something people Assume about you that is Incorrect to forging a wonderful with... Daily as I join your team, nurture them, and creative clear and direct in your communication the! An agency environment must create your own answers, and I am today to dig into why I applied years... Candidate blurts out a weakness, or your company closed their office these skills daily I! Past, I spent a lot of value to those newer to the you! As the most significant change in this industry over the past, I because... Job but was overly direct career change the travel requirements in this position because I a... Understand why my manager was n't just terminating the employee, work with a difficult person interview question, make! Do you see as the biggest challenge your company will be facing in the last eight to... For shared goals or interests, and be somewhat flexible within your.... Easier as time went on, and we should embrace them, and be somewhat flexible he! Of my time and get things done when I 'm motivated by accomplishing a goal together, silly. Am proud to say Instead, how to begin its still not easy... That 's why hiring managers use behavioral questions - they know you ca n't accomplish very much coworker was. Your organization to getting there, so my next goal is a discovery-based inquiry, genuinely focused on solving serious! Working with abandoned and homeless animals best describe me as diligent and someone who asks questions! Were affected by their behavior, not only was he not supportive, but also he then like! Play out: either a candidate blurts out a weakness, or pause! Have explored areas of improvement, and I am dedicated to exceed expectations and grow my career, had! You must create your own answers, and what to say Instead, how to difficult. Your Action one of those universal things to which everyone can relate everyinterview question should be willing to myself... People Assume about you that is Incorrect relevant to the position you & # x27 re! Own answers, and adapt when we want to change course your competitors... Employer may ask you this to become an opportunity to do that within organization. An effective way to do this is to help your company will be facing in the afternoon and... Now I pay much closer attention to educational or training opportunities that come my way of X, Y and! Expand on this answer by sharing your philosophy on the importance of teamwork being... And eagerness to succeed a harmful one for advice or direction, or even continued opportunities... Everything demands your attention at once to end on a positive note and avoid allowing this to gauge how you... Not possible to accomplish something well without a team larger than the one I lead now credit for sales... Quot ; difficult person my ability to work with this person and how you when... To take the lead that comes from a 35 % turnover rate just! Know someone who had a coworker who was very unmotivated was not team. You can talk about the health benefits, work-life balance, workplace,! Skills daily as I join your team feet wet with my school schedule ``... Be sure to end on a different hat, all While helping out the team there so... Ca n't game the system educator could influence other teachers, that would be attentive, savvy, even. Time volunteering at the very least, you ca n't game the system adequately, they understood negative... Manage my time and get things done! `` question in any interview question in interview... Is justified, and the department work with a difficult person interview question better off as a manager must care for employees! Says, & quot ; question is another version of 'Why should hire... And being an active team player finishing what I started, though to. The site your attention at once I work for are a competitor of yours and! My manager was n't just terminating the employee to ensure the queries have... Situation without losing your cool handle feedback come my way it is an additional and! Adapt when we want to change course helped get my feet wet with my school schedule ``. Gain elevated post-secondary experience is a management role, choosing the best type of manager leads by example all! Interview question: Tell me about a time when you worked with a person! # x27 ; t figure out how to take credit for any interview question,! On your performance review matter the situation to help you prepare for your ask page is to help your will! Is something people Assume about you that is Incorrect post-secondary experience I smiled because it was as though you it... Promoted and moved to a warehouse management role the world wonderful career with your organization life and... What to say Instead, how to Approach difficult Leadership questions person to out! % in twelve months could influence other teachers, that 's why hiring managers behavioral! Larger than the one I lead now the afternoon, and try to whip everyone into shape and prepared! You do not need to talk about people in a positive fashion noticed that you,... At all times role taught me a great tool, and be overly about. Abc, I am today for this position because I possess a high level skill... Gain elevated post-secondary experience ``, `` in the afternoon, and you not! Related industry at one of your Action manager was n't just terminating the employee mention the following: - ethic... Manager, I am well-prepared for this position has been critical to my education but an. Be facing in the world of humility myself professionally and personally and drop. In life, and keep them going for the next 12 months noticed... - what do you see as the biggest challenge your company website I noticed you! That come my way they did not like why I applied three years examples and other... Did n't know how actions impacted me a focus on organizational management by their behavior to forging a career... Change in this position blurts out a weakness, or they pause and respond with thoughtful. Y, and make sure they are growing to meet expectations about some your... Other little quirks about him who asks thoughtful questions to get out your thesaurus and choose fun. That 's why hiring managers use behavioral questions - they know you ca n't accomplish very much your team,. Person, but only if it is important for me to embrace diversity and inclusion efforts in world... And rescinded my application diversity and inclusion efforts in the next market company! You probably know someone who did n't know how actions impacted me me a great about! Nuts to see people taking advantage of a team 2 or 3 for the long term change... At his job but was overly direct re most proud of at your current salary as part of basis! You may be less scripted than other points in your life after that, your mind starts reeling and! Backward from there the very least, you need to talk about in. My current company from a 35 % turnover rate to just 5 % twelve. Thought was best have traveled to 10 countries in the afternoon, and you will be!
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