How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Auto Mechanic job interview.
8. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.
How to Answer
Even though you may have a great relationship with your employer, there may be times where you don't see eye to eye. Think of a conflict or disagreement you had with your boss where you responded well, either by suggesting a compromise or taking a calm, relaxed stance when you could have responded in a heated tone. Compromise puts you in a great position with your boss, because it shows your desire to work together and highlights your creative problem-solving abilities.
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 9th, 2021
Entry Level
"I had a boss that regularly forced overtime on employees at the last minute with no opportunity to make childcare arrangements or plan changes. Sometimes he knew about the need for plenty of time to warn everyone but did not. I spoke with him at length about morale, and eventually, he started giving the notice sooner, making everyone's lives easier."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 9th, 2021
Answer Example
"The owner of my shop and I disagreed on the pending termination of one of my employees a short time ago. I wanted to spend time training him a bit more after he missed a few important repairs on customer vehicles. My boss wanted to terminate him immediately. I presented to my him that it would be more expensive to replace him than to re-train. He agreed, and we came to a middle ground."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 9th, 2021
Experienced
"I like to think that my boss and I have a great relationship in which we can both challenge each other to think differently. In light of that, we do occasionally disagree but always respectfully and I think that, in doing so, we become more innovative and thoughtful with the work that we do."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 9th, 2021