MockQuestions

Procter and Gamble Mock Interview

Question 33 of 35 for our Procter and Gamble Mock Interview

Procter and Gamble was updated by on March 12th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 33 of 35

How do you deal with distracting coworkers who stand in the way of your progress?

"In my volunteer role, I was responsible for answering the phone, checking email, and answering chat messages from the website. Another volunteer often lingered in the office and would want to show me videos, which was very distracting. I was upfront with this volunteer and let them know that being trusted with the position meant a lot to me and that I needed to focus my attention on my tasks. I also shared that I only had two hours a day to complete all the tasks, and answering the chats required a lot of attention and focus so that I could promptly provide accurate information. I told them I appreciated their friendship and would love to socialize with them after hours or on our breaks, but when at my desk, I needed it to be quiet so I could focus on my responsibilities. They appreciated the conversation and admitted they hadn't realized how much of a distraction they had been. I believe that being honest and direct sometimes is the best way to communicate in a situation like this."

Next Question

How to Answer: How do you deal with distracting coworkers who stand in the way of your progress?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Procter and Gamble job interview.

  • 33. How do you deal with distracting coworkers who stand in the way of your progress?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Even the most well-meaning coworkers can distract you from getting things done at work from time to time and you've likely run into this situation at some point in your career. The funny and entertaining coworkers who like to chat online and send YouTube videos are often the ones who can get in the way of your productivity if you let them. In asking this question, your interviewer at Procter and Gamble wants to hear that you can handle these colleagues in a healthy manner and that you don't hesitate to speak up if a situation gets out of hand.

      Written by Michelle Clark on March 12th, 2023

      How to Answer

      Prior to your interview at Procter and Gamble, put some thought into your experience in working with distracting coworkers and how you've handled those situations in a positive manner. As you answer, point out your ability to talk with your colleagues and point out why their behavior is limiting productivity. Don't hesitate to elaborate on why a distracting colleague can wreak havoc on a team effort and make sure your interviewer walks away knowing that you are a fun and focused employee that would join their team.

      Written by Ryan Brunner on December 26th, 2021

      1st Entry Level Example

      "In my volunteer role, I was responsible for answering the phone, checking email, and answering chat messages from the website. Another volunteer often lingered in the office and would want to show me videos, which was very distracting. I was upfront with this volunteer and let them know that being trusted with the position meant a lot to me and that I needed to focus my attention on my tasks. I also shared that I only had two hours a day to complete all the tasks, and answering the chats required a lot of attention and focus so that I could promptly provide accurate information. I told them I appreciated their friendship and would love to socialize with them after hours or on our breaks, but when at my desk, I needed it to be quiet so I could focus on my responsibilities. They appreciated the conversation and admitted they hadn't realized how much of a distraction they had been. I believe that being honest and direct sometimes is the best way to communicate in a situation like this."

      Written by Jaymie Payne on March 12th, 2023

      1st Answer Example

      "When I have run into this situation in the past, I have typically just set a kind, but clear, boundary and tell my coworker that I need to focus at the moment. I have offered an alternate time for a catch-up, over lunch for example. It is important for the sake of workplace culture to set aside time to be social with coworkers, so I usually just let them know when I'll be available for a quick break in the day."

      Written by Michelle Clark on March 12th, 2023

      2nd Answer Example

      "If I have a distracting co-worker, I will highlight the distraction right away while remaining kind. I feel it's always best to nip issues in the bud before they get out of control. Overall, I'm very good at setting personal and professional boundaries, so this has never been much of an issue for me. I've found that if I'm clear that my time is currently allocated to another task, people respect that and are happy to catch up and be social at another specified time."

      Written by Michelle Clark on March 12th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Honesty is one of my values, I would nicely invite the person to talk to me during our break or after work and mention that I have important deadlines to meet."

      Marcie's Feedback

      Confronting the person in a nice manner would undoubtedly be a good way to handle the situation. You can also mention to the interviewer that you would create a good exit strategy to use when the person started conversing with you. (Something like 'I have an important call I have to make.') You could also seek out alternative workspaces, but no matter what you do, make sure you don't talk negatively about this person to others.
      Show More Answers

    • Next Question