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Question 23 of 30
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer asks this question to gain insight into your conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. In every workplace, you will encounter difficult personalities and situations that arise, and the interviewer wants to know that you are equipped to handle them in a professional and effective manner. They want to see that you can handle challenging people professionally and maturely. Your answer to this question can also provide insight into your communication and critical thinking skills and your ability to remain calm and focused under pressure. Additionally, it can indicate how you approach teamwork and collaboration, which are essential qualities in any workplace. Working well with challenging coworkers and bosses is a valuable asset that can benefit you and your employer.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"At my previous job, I had a coworker who was very negative and often complained about everything. It was challenging to work with them because their attitude brought everyone down and made it hard to focus on our tasks.
To successfully interact with this person, I always remained positive and focused on finding solutions to any issues that arose. I would actively listen to their concerns and try to address them in a constructive manner rather than getting defensive or dismissive.
I also made an effort to build a positive relationship with them by finding common interests and engaging in small talk when appropriate. This helped to create a more pleasant work environment and reduce tension between us.
By staying positive, focusing on solutions, and building a positive relationship, I discovered they were going through a tough time, making them bitter and unhappy. After seeing that I was interested in helping them get through what they were going through, they eventually became happier and were more pleasant to work with."

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I once had a boss who was extremely demanding and never seemed satisfied with my work. No matter how much effort I put into a project, she always found something to criticize. It was demotivating and made me question my abilities. However, I knew I couldn't let her negativity bring me down.
To successfully interact with her, I made sure to communicate clearly and frequently. I asked for specific feedback and tried to understand her expectations. I also made sure to take breaks and not let her criticism consume me. Eventually, I learned to accept her feedback in stride and use it as an opportunity for growth. It wasn't easy, but I'm proud of how I navigated a difficult situation."

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Imperial College Healthcare takes a proactive approach to handling conflict. The organization values open communication and encourages employees to express their concerns or grievances through the appropriate channels. When an employee displays inappropriate behavior or is not meeting performance expectations, the organization takes steps to address the issue fairly and respectfully. This may involve coaching and training, performance improvement plans, or disciplinary action if necessary. Ultimately, Imperial College Healthcare strives to create a positive and supportive work environment for all employees.
Show the interviewer that you work well with most personalities even though you recognize some folks who are difficult to please. Think about that one person at work who is challenging to be around. Perhaps there is someone who tries to intimidate others. Talk to the interviewer about what made this person difficult and their relationship with you. Avoid speaking poorly of anyone, and be sure to end your response on a positive note.

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Written by Krista Wenz
30 Questions & Answers • Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

By Krista

By Krista