How to Answer: Describe a time that you did not fit in. How did you ensure that you found a way to fit in and make yourself comfortable?
11. Describe a time that you did not fit in. How did you ensure that you found a way to fit in and make yourself comfortable?
The Goal
Each of us has a time in our life when we felt as though we did not fit in. The interviewer wants to know how you act in such a scenario. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you have the confidence and initiative required to make yourself feel more comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
What to Avoid
We have all felt uncomfortable at one time or another. For that reason, avoid using cliche statements like, 'I am a chameleon who can fit in anywhere.' Instead, give a thoughtful response that describes your people and social skills in detail.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Pro Tip
'Describe a time that...' means the interviewer is looking for a story-based example for this scenario-based interview question. You can form an effective response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Situation: Set the stage with the background information the interviewer needs to make sense of your story.
- Task: Continuing to set the stage, give the interviewer an idea of your role and responsibilities in this story.
- Action: Next, offer a detailed description of the steps you took to resolve the situation you described.
- Result: Last, talk about the specific outcomes that resulted from your actions.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
How to Answer
When taking the interviewer through your story, explain if you sat back and waited to fit into the group or if you took the initiative to fit in and make yourself feel comfortable. Take the time to describe your personality and express how you react in situations like this. Be sure to display your confidence when encountering new and potentially uncomfortable situations.
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Answer Example
"(Situation & Task) When I first joined Company XYZ as a junior analyst, I did not feel comfortable in my work environment. I was a go-getter, while the senior analyst I worked with had a more quiet confidence. (Action) One day, I asked him if we could spend one day approaching our work as the other person would. The idea was that, in the end, perhaps we could learn to appreciate better how the other person approached their tasks. (Result) He agreed, and, in the end, we gained a newfound respect for how the other person processes information. This approach encouraged us to be more mindful of each other's perspectives, and we generated a much stronger mutual respect."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Retail Example
"(Situation & Task) I was the youngest person in a leadership role at Department Store XYZ. At first, being the youngest leader was alienating, and I found it challenging to make peer-based connections with my co-workers. (Action) Despite feeling discouraged, I made every effort to make myself a part of the team, whether finding ways to relate to what they were talking about or going the extra mile to help them out with a challenging task. (Result) Over time, my co-workers noticed my dedication and desire to collaborate. They warmed up to me and even started offering to help me with my challenging tasks."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Sales Example
"(Situation) Being the new person in a competitive environment rarely means 'fitting in' immediately. The situation was no different when I joined Company XYZ as an Inside sales rep. (Task) As the newest team member, I felt it was up to me to put in the effort to build trust and connection with my new co-workers. (Action) I started by asking my co-workers out to lunch within the first days. That way, I could make a personal connection with a few of them and slowly start to gain their trust. (Result) After my first month, I had made at least three strong co-worker connections which helped make my days go faster and made the work much more enjoyable."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Teacher Example
"(Situation & Task) I think back to my first day of work at School XYZ. I was definitely an outsider! The faculty was made up of a tight-knit group. Although they extended niceties to me, I was still the new person they didn't know. I was just one person, and they were many, so I made it my mission to take the initiative and build a few strong relationships. (Action) I made sure to involve myself in their social fabric by bringing coffees and baked goods in the morning. (Result) By being kind and thoughtful, I became a part of their inner circle in no time. Today, when we have a new teacher arrive at our school, I am sure to extend a warm welcome so that they feel accepted right away."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Admin Example
"(Situation) When attending university, I was significantly older than many of my classmates. This was because I had my kids early and then returned to my post-secondary education goals once they were school-aged. (Task) I decided that, rather than competing, I needed to become a bit of a parent figure to the other students. (Action) I started offering to help them with their studies and extended a warm smile when they needed it. (Result) As a result, I had a great time in university and made long-lasting friendships with a wide range of people."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Manager Example
"(Situation) When I initially stepped into my management role at Company XYZ, I was not widely accepted by my new team. I was replacing a very beloved manager who left due to relocation. (Task) Nobody seemed happy that I was there, but I was persistent in my pursuit to be seen for who I was rather than who I was not. (Action) I started by holding a group meeting and encouraging the team to ask me questions. I also asked them questions regarding how they liked to be managed. I wanted them to describe their ideal workplace culture to me. (Result) As a result of that meeting, the team became more at ease and quickly warmed up to me. They understood that I was there to carry the torch and not disturb the progress the previous manager had generated."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
Marketing Example
"(Situation) I was a bit of a misfit all through high school. I felt like my brand of creativity was unappreciated by my peers. It wasn't until I left for university that I realized it wasn't other people's job to understand me. (Action) After that realization, I started attending creative meetups in my area. Two nights per week, I would attend these meetups and get to know other like-minded creatives. (Result) It didn't take long for me to find some excellent friends. We made deep connections and are still friends to this day."
Written by Rachelle Enns on March 16th, 2022
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