What experience do you have relating to people with a background different from yours?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

In the commercial airline industry, everybody has a powerful and unique story to tell regarding their background, culture, experiences, and beliefs. Given that Qatar Airways has a recent new focus on diversity and inclusion among its entire workforce, your interviewer will be curious to hear about your experience working in a diverse environment.

When you build relationships with people of a different background from yours, you must be open-minded, ready to listen, eager to learn, and open to new situations. Talk to the interviewer about the exposure that you bring in relating to others with a narrative different from your own. No matter how you answer, be sure to reiterate that your open-mindedness and desire to grow in acceptance of those different from you will continue to thrive at Qatar Airways.

"I enjoy listening to the stories of people from generations before me, and people with backgrounds different from my own. I will eagerly strike up a conversation with anyone in an attempt to learn something new. I recently read that ageism is still a prevalent issue in the workplace, which I find unfortunate. One bit of advice that has stuck with me for years is when my mentor suggested that I seek friendships with people of different generations. There are many benefits of friendships across generations, including a much broader perspective on life. I also notice different communication styles and varying core values, which I find interesting. Rest assured, should you choose me to join Qatar Airways, I will get to know my co-workers with an open mind and an interest in their background and story."

"In my current position, I feel very fortunate to be able to work with individuals from all over the world. This is my first experience working closely with people from a different background than me and it has really opened my eyes and my mind to new ideas and thought processes. If hired at Qatar Airways, I would come ready to thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment."