How to Answer: Talk about a time you had to work closely with someone who had a problematic personality.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Aetna job interview.
3. Talk about a time you had to work closely with someone who had a problematic personality.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the fast-paced and cutthroat world of a world-class health insurer at Aetna, you will work with some difficult people. In asking this question, your interviewer wants to know how well you work with others despite a difference in personality.
Written by Ryan Brunner on July 6th, 2022
How to Answer
Your ability to adapt to various people, regardless of a positive personality match, shows that you are mature and professional even when factors are not ideal. Avoid extreme responses and speaking negatively of others or naming people. Also, avoid telling the interviewer that you always get along with everyone. Most interviewers will interpret a cliche response like that as dodging the question.
Focus on when your work style was different from another person's, but you still had to complete a project together. Discuss, in a positive tone, how you made it work!
Written by Ryan Brunner on July 6th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my previous job, I had a team member who would scoff at other co-workers' ideas in meetings. As the Marketing Manager, I knew I could not let this behavior continue. The HR Partner and I approached this person to discuss our company culture and how his behavior disrupted the environment. We wanted to create a resolution with this person. He did not want to work in our division as he felt the projects were too 'junior' for his experience. He ended up requesting and receiving a transfer. By initiating an open conversation with this person, we uncovered his need. We also met the needs of our team by protecting the positive culture we had worked so hard to create."
Written by Ryan Brunner on July 6th, 2022