Export Development Canada Mock Interview
Master 27 Export Development Canada interview questions covering trade finance, risk assessment, and international markets.
Question 11 of 27
Talk to me about a challenging situation you had to handle on the job that involved another colleague. How did you handle that situation?
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Example Answer
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Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
At the heart of this question, your interviewer is looking to hear how you use solid interpersonal and relationship building skills to diffuse a difficult situation with a coworker when on the job. No matter what situation that you talk about, make sure to focus your answer on a positive mindset and the steps that you walked through to turn a potentially hazardous situation into a good one. As well, talk about lessons learned from that situation that you keep with you to this day on the job.
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
"A couple of years ago, we had hired a new Junior Advisor on to our team and I was tasked with being his mentor. Having mentored several other thriving Junior Advisors prior to him starting, I was excited for the opportunity. Within the first week of him being on the job, I overheard a colleague of mine talking very openly about his disdain for the hire of this new Advisor and witnessing him personally criticizing him in a face-to-face encounter. Immediately, I spoke to my colleague in a private office about my concern over his actions and words towards the new Advisor. Having been a part of the interview process and his early mentorship, I knew that he had the skills to succeed and I reiterated that to my colleague. After agreeing to back off on any private criticizing of the new Advisor and a promise to help mentor him, I learned that direct conversations are the best way to handle workplace conflicts."
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Anonymous Answer
I think what helps me the most in a challenging situation is to be able to keep my cool and not to let emotions take control of the situation. I remember when I took over the bid manager position, I had to coordinate the tasks of a large proposal team who develops the bid. One of the engineers was someone who couldn't handle pressure easily and who became very nervous and aggressive in such situations, which made it hard for me to approach him and coordinate his work with the rest of the team to meet the deadlines. I guess what helped me deal with this challenge is that I didn't take his behavior personally, I didn't allow myself to think that this is something against me, I put myself in his shoes, knowing his character, and I changed my approach in talking to him. Instead of sending him emails to follow up on his tasks, I would allocate 15 min to go talk to him, reassure him that I am on his side, and that I understand the pressure is not easy, and that he can get help from other colleagues if he needed. This increased the trust between us and made the communication much easier.
Marcie's Feedback
You have provided a very effective and strong answer to this question. Great job! The example you give definitely outlines a challenging situation, and you clearly explain how you managed your colleague. Your answer shows that you are empathetic, resilient, and adaptable. Excellent.
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