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USPS Mock Interview

Question 8 of 30 for our USPS Mock Interview

USPS was updated by on March 31st, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 8 of 30

If you had a conflict with a colleague, how would you handle the situation?

"Depending on the conflict, I would either directly approach my colleague and talk things through or bring a more serious issue directly to my supervisor. I'm a very direct person and was raised by my parents to discuss issues face-to-face and not let them linger. I would come to your team at the USPS with great listening skills to hear the viewpoint of others to find mutual ground."

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How to Answer: If you had a conflict with a colleague, how would you handle the situation?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an USPS job interview.

  • 8. If you had a conflict with a colleague, how would you handle the situation?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Conflict is inevitable, and, in my experience, hiring managers love to ask a question or two during interviews that dive into a candidate's ability to handle conflict respectfully and productively. With the large group you would be joining at the United States Postal Service, working through conflicts in a healthy manner will be vital, and doing so during stressful times will be critical to your success there.

      Written by Ryan Brunner on March 31st, 2023

      How to Answer

      To best answer a question like this, talking about a specific example of a time when you worked efficiently through an on-the-job conflict will help give you more credibility. Having a concrete situation to draw from will also help you to think through the steps you take to deal with conflict. Keep in mind that sometimes it is better to be kind than to be right. Use an example that demonstrates your care and compassion when a dispute arises to prove your ability to do this at the USPS.

      Written by Ryan Brunner on March 31st, 2023

      Entry Level Example

      "Depending on the conflict, I would either directly approach my colleague and talk things through or bring a more serious issue directly to my supervisor. I'm a very direct person and was raised by my parents to discuss issues face-to-face and not let them linger. I would come to your team at the USPS with great listening skills to hear the viewpoint of others to find mutual ground."

      Written by Ryan Brunner on March 31st, 2023

      Answer Example

      "I'm not very confrontational, but if I feel like someone is acting out of line, I will try to find a way to talk about it. Some of my coworkers use to gossip a lot at lunchtime about other people in the office. It bothered me, so I decided to approach one of the girls in the group. I was direct but considerate of her feelings. Even though it was a little awkward, we had a calm discussion about it, and I was glad I said something."

      Written by Ryan Brunner on March 31st, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I will try to stay calm and try to find out the reason that is bothering him/her and try to keep it simple. Its just about time everything going to be normal again."

      Kevin's Feedback

      I've reworded you answer slightly slightly for clarity. See below.
      "I would communicate with my co-worker and try to resolve any issues between us. I would speak to him or her calmly and try to uncover the reason for the tension. I would listen, understand, talk, and then resolve the problem as best I could."

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