How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.
16. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know how well you get along with others despite personality or work style differences. Show the interviewer that you can encounter individuals in the workplace who may seem challenging without impacting the quality of your work or your level of professionalism.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Focus on when your work style was different from another person, but perhaps you still had to complete a project together. Discuss, in a positive tone, how you made the situation work. Outline your ability to be a team player and build a connection with others, even if their personality or approach to work is different from yours. At the end of your response, be sure to connect your communication abilities and level of professionalism and how these factors will benefit the hiring company.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid overdramatizing any event. It's also important to avoid extreme responses that include speaking negatively of others or telling the interviewer that you get along with everyone.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) Last month, I had to collaborate with another project manager with a different working style. (Task) As an experienced PM who comes from the tech industry, I find timely client follow-up to be mission-critical. This particular PM had a much more relaxed approach. (Action) Before the project launched, I asked to meet one-on-one. We discussed our strengths and created a basic outline of expectations and timelines. (Result) By taking this communicative approach right away, we were able to collaborate quite well and ensured a fantastic project outcome. In the end, I truly enjoyed working alongside this PM."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) About one year ago, I had an administrative team member who was constantly late to meetings and missed deadlines. (Task) This person was new to their career, and, as the administrative department lead, it was important to me that they succeeded. (Action) I approached this person privately to understand what was going on and what was preventing them from working well with the team. When they shared their struggles with me, I offered the proper support and resources. (Result) By taking the time to nurture the situation rather than simply terminate the person, I was able to mentor and grow one of the best Administrative Assistants I have ever had."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Years ago, I had a team member who would scoff at other coworkers' ideas in meetings and loudly proclaim that he was the smartest person in our office. (Task) As the Marketing Manager, I knew this behavior would not fly. (Action) I approached him in tandem with our Human Resources Partner to talk about the culture he was cultivating. We wanted to create a resolution with him. (Result) It turned out that he did not want to work in our division, as he felt the projects were too 'junior' for his experience. He ended up requesting and receiving a transfer. By initiating an open conversation with this person, we were able to uncover his need. We also looked after the needs of our team by protecting the workplace culture."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) I often have to collaborate with a sales manager who approaches problems, and people, much differently than I do. She is more comfortable taking an indirect, apologetic route, whereas I prefer to tackle things head-on and with enthusiasm. (Task) Our sales were slipping, and it was important for our department that we worked well together. (Action) I suggested a one-on-one meeting where we mapped out our vision for the department in the short and long term. We crafted a plan to leverage each of our strengths and build on the other's ideas. (Result) Not only has our sales department become stronger and more successful, but I have learned some great communication techniques from her."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Recently, our head office launched a sales competition between all store locations. (Task) This sales competition meant working alongside other associates to reach this goal. However, as a highly commissioned retail professional, these associates were typically my competition. (Action) I pushed those competitive thoughts to the side and jumped into action. I called a group meeting to outline goals and targets and to gain total buy-in from all sales associates. I distributed specific goals to each associate as per their hours and previous sales results. (Result) In the end, our store won first place out of fifteen locations. It felt great to win!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) I have conflicting teaching styles from one of the primary substitute teachers on my list. She likes the students to be quiet, and I like my students to be up and moving whenever possible and appropriate. (Task) I know my teaching style drives her nuts, and she's gone so far as to give my students conflicting information. As the full-time teacher, I knew that I needed to nip the situation in the bud. (Action) I was sure to be respectful of her feelings; however, I gently reminded her that I was leading my classroom in a way that my students responded to best. I asked her to honor the classroom culture I have created and gently reminded her that I could source a different substitute teacher. I was firm but respectful, and I stood up for myself. (Result) Months later, we seem to be working more harmoniously together."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) Many of my team members can be rough around the edges. I recently had a forklift driver flip me the bird after a daily huddle. (Task) As an experienced Logistics Manager, I have worked with a variety of people who challenge me, and I do not shy away from potential conflict. (Action) I called this person into my office immediately and reminded them of our code of conduct. I wrote them up with a warning, which they needed to sign in acknowledgment. (Result) So far, this driver has behaved appropriately, and I continue to monitor their behavior closely."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Stephanie's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I was very uncomfortable about the way she wanted to complete this project and about her demeanor, as I don’t like to leave things to last minute and I would like to have a positive attitude towards each other, so I decided to express that to her. I explained that the way I like to work on a long-term project is by creating a checklist, setting goals and deadlines for each section, and completing the project before the assigned due date. I just believe that time management can reduce or even eliminate stress that’s caused by any unforeseen events. I explained if a major life event happens in my life or hers during that last month prior to the due date and we wouldn’t be able to meet as often as needed to complete the project, it wouldn’t be fair for either of us to do the majority of the work to make up for the other person’s part. And more importantly, that could affect the quality of our presentation. She was able to understand my view and, upon further discussion; we decided to meet every 6 weeks instead of every month.
We were able to complete our presentation 5 months prior to the due date. We were left with plenty of time to revise and edit the presentation in our spare time and during the last month, we only needed to meet twice to work on our presentation delivery. At the end, we were able to deliver an A+ presentation, as evaluated by our faculty members."
Kevin's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Mary's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Kristine's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
She was honest with me about being bored with what she was doing and needing something different. I assured her that I was willing to help her in any way I can. Her numbers went up after the meeting."
Mary's Feedback