How will you handle having difficult conversations with your colleagues here at Quest Diagnostics?

"I certainly do not enjoy communicating bad news to a co-worker, but I have experience doing so. When this type of task is required of me, I practice empathy. Truth is always key, so I will be honest and clear when communicating the news. For instance, if I am to terminate someone's employment, I will not sugarcoat the reasons why. It's best they know so they can learn from the experience."

"I am very to-the-point when it comes to my communication skills. Good or bad news, there is always a way to improve the situation and create something good from it. After delivering bad news, I will work with my coworker to find a viable solution."

Whether it is providing a less-than-positive work review or a simple criticism of something a colleague is doing, having a difficult conversation is not an easy task. Assure the interviewer that you can handle this duty transparently, concisely, and professionally. If you have an example of a difficult conversation on the job, talk in detail about how you approached it and the outcome.