Practice 31 Jacobs interview questions covering engineering projects, infrastructure solutions, and technical problem-solving.
Question 16 of 31
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Karrie Day is a certified career coach and strategist with a passion for helping her clients define and reach their professional goals. She offers career advancement services such as brand development, resume writing and critiques, job search strategies,
Your Jacobs interviewer likely knows that this question serves a dual purpose. On the surface, it validates your ability to successfully work with a difficult client. However, it also serves to identify candidates who overshare and lack tact. Be sure to keep your answer brief and avoid any negative judgment of the client you describe. Focus on your ability to remain patient, rational, and ultimately achieve a positive outcome.

Karrie Day is a certified career coach and strategist with a passion for helping her clients define and reach their professional goals. She offers career advancement services such as brand development, resume writing and critiques, job search strategies,
"Just last week, a customer called our design team and demanded access to the designs that were in progress. He had originally made his demand to our lead engineer and the situation was escalated to me for resolution. We spoke further and, in the end, he was feeling uncomfortable not being a part of the decision-making every step of the way.
I walked him through our process and highlighted the value he would receive by allowing the team to draft the design without client oversight. However, I reassured him that our process includes a detailed customer review and we would modify the design to his liking before finalizing the project. He thanked me for talking the situation through and was ultimately happy with the result.
With any customer concern, I remain patient, listen to their points of feedback, and reassure the customer we would do anything within reason to satisfy their requests. Specifically, I take the time to highlight the value that will be created through the proposed solution while ensuring the original concerns are addressed. I am confident my skills and experience in this area are a great fit for the clients I will be working with here at Jacobs if hired."

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Anonymous Answer
From the power-interest grid, clients always fall in the high-power high-interest segment. So, they should be managed closely. I have faced difficult clients that want to be heard and respected. In these situations, I would listen, empathize and reassure the client that I am there to support the team and resolve the issues. Involving them in decision-making as well as communicating on a regular basis are essential factors.

Amanda's Feedback
I really like the way you used an example to answer this question. You've also done a good job of relating specific skills you use to diffuse difficult situations and help resolve the issue going forward.
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Written by Karrie Day
31 Questions & Answers • Jacobs

By Karrie

By Karrie