How to Answer: Think about a difficult colleague, manager, or physician you've worked with in the past. What made them difficult, and how did you successfully interact with this person?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a The Mount Sinai Hospital job interview.
3. Think about a difficult colleague, manager, or physician you've worked with in the past. What made them difficult, and how did you successfully interact with this person?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The RNs at the Mount Sinai Hospital work closely with many different people, including patients, colleagues, physicians, and other support staff. Your interviewer knows that you will likely be working with some difficult people or some personalities that you clash with, so it will be imperative that they know you can handle those interactions respectfully and professionally as an RN on their team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 20th, 2023
How to Answer
Before your interview with Mount Sinai Hospital, think about that one person you've collaborated with who was hard to please. Talk openly about what made this person challenging and their relationship with you. Avoid speaking poorly of anyone, and focus on ending your response on a positive note. In your answer, you want to show the interviewer that you work well with most personalities even though you recognize there will be some staff at Mount Sinai that are pretty difficult to please.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 20th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"During my clinical rotations, I was at a small medical facility where the primary physician was demanding. When he would walk into the facility, employees would quietly announce that he was in the building so that everyone could be prepared for his arrival. Watching my preceptor interact with him was eye-opening and something I will bring to Mount Sinai Hospital. She was very forthright and upfront with him, keeping conversations focused on patients. If he balked at anything she said or recommended, she held firm while hearing him out."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"In my current RN role, I have a colleague who sometimes doesn't pull their weight. While it was frustrating at first, some simple conversations made it clear that she was bringing some issues from home into work, and it was hindering her performance at work. I was the one person on our team who took the time to truly listen. Things continue to get better, but she still has her days. We have a great relationship now, and she knows she can approach me at any time to talk."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 20th, 2023