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American Express Mock Interview

Question 9 of 35 for our American Express Mock Interview

American Express was updated by on June 14th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 9 of 35

If your manager did something that annoyed you, how would you handle it?

Notice here the interviewer has asked this question about your manager. Yet we're all human, and anyone can do annoying things. But the main reason this question centers on your manager is to see how you deal with and cope with people in positions of authority. How you frame your answer is the answer they're looking for.

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How to Answer: If your manager did something that annoyed you, how would you handle it?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an American Express job interview.

  • 9. If your manager did something that annoyed you, how would you handle it?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Notice here the interviewer has asked this question about your manager. Yet we're all human, and anyone can do annoying things. But the main reason this question centers on your manager is to see how you deal with and cope with people in positions of authority. How you frame your answer is the answer they're looking for.

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      How to Answer

      Even some of the best managers have that one annoying thing they do that drives you up the wall. Whether they speak condescendingly when giving you feedback or they just don't wash their dishes in the break room, managers can be challenging to deal with at times. By merely being relaxed and flexible, you don't let anything get you down. Talk about how you can brush off people's quirks and stay focused on the task at hand.

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      Pro Tip

      Avoid answers that frame your manager as an oppressor or you as a victim. Take care not to place too much emotional value on your choice of words. You want to answer this question as lightheartedly as possible.

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      1st Answer Example

      "I'm pretty relaxed. When focused on my work it's hard for me to pay attention to little annoyances."

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      2nd Answer Example

      "I think the golden rule often rings true. Treat others the way you'd want them to treat you. A good rule to live by, but you can't confuse that with the expectations of others. Everyone is different. If someone, whether a manager or not, does something annoying, I first ask myself, was that in character? If so, you can't expect anything else. That'd be like expecting someone to apologize for being themselves. If it was out of character, or a mistake that affects workflow or operations, then I might pull that manager aside and give them a heads-up. It's worth pointing out so they know how others might perceive the situation. That's the golden rule in action."

      Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I'll just let it go, small things don't bother me much until it is something very serious."

      Chad's Feedback

      Great! It sounds like you have a relaxed attitude to small annoyances, and are able to easily overlook them. Next, discuss how you would handle it if your manager did something that seriously annoyed you since you indicate in your response that you may deal with that differently.