Think about a difficult boss, professor, or coworker. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?
Show the interviewer that you are adept at working with most personalities, even when you recognize some may be more challenging than others. Take some time to consider how you would define a challenging person. How you interpret this can say more about you and your attitude and perception than theirs. Focus your answer on your attitude, how you already embrace American Airlines' culture and values, and how that has guided you to success. Highlight your interpersonal skills and your team mentality. Avoid speaking poorly of anyone, and be sure to end your response on a positive note. They advertise that their culture is built on respect for their collective future and respect for each other. "At American, our purpose is to care for people on life's journey."
"In my summers in college, I worked at a locally owned shop where the owner was very demanding, and not everyone liked him. I liked him, and we got along well enough, but I recognize he wasn't the easiest person to get along with. Anytime the owner would walk into the store, employees would announce over their headset system that the owner was in the building so that everyone could be prepared for his entrance into their department. I thought the owner had great intentions; however, his people skills were rough. I could see that he meant well, and I recognized that he wanted to do a lot of good things. When we interacted, I always took his feedback with the understanding that he didn't mean things as harshly as he might say them, and I tried to make others aware of that perspective as well."
"I struggled most with my previous company's new VP of Sales. She was brought on with no experience in our industry and seemed to have little interest in it. I invited her on a business trip for an out-of-town client to win her over. I wanted her to meet my clients and spend one-on-one time together. We bonded as humans, mothers, and sales executives. She learned a lot about the company and industry, and I learned a lot about what skills she brought from her previous roles."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I always make sure I know my job and I always go above and beyond. If they have a problem with my work I listen and make a change if needed. I rather kill people with kindness instead of engaging in any form of negative interaction. Think positively and stay focused on your task.
Stephanie's Feedback
While your answer comes across as being very positive and strengths-focused, I suggest sharing a specific instance when you navigated a professional relationship with someone challenging. What was the situation? How did you react? How did you create a successful relationship moving forward? Specifics are critical here!
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