Conflict Interview Questions
Master 15 conflict interview questions covering workplace disputes, resolution strategies, and emotional intelligence.
Question 11 of 15
Talk about a time when you felt conflicted in the workplace.
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Conflict in the workplace can be internal, external, or a blend of both. When facing conflict in the workplace, some individuals may become shy and unwilling to speak up for themselves or ask for what they need. This natural flight response is one that many people feel when facing conflict. There is also a natural fight response, causing some individuals to become defensive and combative when conflict arises. Then, some individuals address a conflicting situation professionally and swiftly, preventing the problem from escalating.
Since the question asks you to 'Talk about a time when...' the interviewer wants a real-life example of when you felt conflicted in the workplace. You can form a story-based response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"A few years ago, I joined a new company, very excited to be on board as their newest Inside Sales Representative. I quickly realized on my first day that they had not prepared for my arrival. I did not yet have an assigned desk, an email address, or even a full set of training manuals. I had three choices when faced with this conflict. One, I could have become offended and angry that the company didn't seem to care about my arrival. Two, I could have allowed nerves to kick in and feel uncomfortable on my first day. Three, I could solve the problem myself and contain the internal conflict I was feeling. (Action) Rather than become nervous, or quit my job out of frustration, I decided to control the situation. I took the training manuals that I did have access to and made a place for myself in the employee lounge. I let my supervisor know that I would do what I could from there until my workspace was ready. (Result) I made the best of an awkward situation by creating a solution rather than allowing myself to feel offended and walk out. Because of my willingness to take control of my onboarding, I had a very successful start. I even earned top rep status within my first 60 days."
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Anonymous Answer
I'd like to rephrase the question to Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work.
A coworker and I had a disagreement on the best way to send out a large mailing for the World Food Day Campaign. We had to mail multiple T-shirts and Bracelets to over 50 schools for a World Food Day Campaign. For example, one school may have requested 70 T-shirts and 100 bracelets. This was a very tedious project and would take some time.
We stopped and discussed 2 options. The first option was for each of us to work on our own to count out all the t-shirts and bracelets for each order. The second option was to work together in which one person would count items and put them in boxes and the other person would weight boxes and print UPS labels.
We came to an agreement that it would be easier and faster to work together. We decided we would take turns. I began counting and putting materials in boxes while my coworker weighted and processed UPS labels. Then we switched. Once we came to an agreement we worked very well together and got all the materials mailed out for the World Food Day Campaign.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! You clearly explain what the conflict was about, what your role was, and how you both reached a successful conclusion in the end. The interviewer will appreciate that you were able to talk through a disagreement with your colleague and come to a compromise. Great job!
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