What type of co-worker do you find it most difficult to work with? Why? How do you handle situations when you have to work with someone like this?

How to Answer
Answer Example

We all have things that upset us at work, and sometimes it is a coworker. The most important part of this question is your reaction to the situation. You cannot control the behavior or emotions of a coworker, but you certainly can control your own. Think of an example where you didn't get along well with another coworker, how you dealt with the situation, and how you successfully worked with them after that point. Don't give an example where you went above their head without talking to them first, or where you were not able to resolve your differences.

"I recently worked with someone who I had a hard time getting along with. He constantly cursed on the job, and although it isn't that uncommon in my field, I don't particularly appreciate it. At first, I tried to make light of it by just making small jokes about it, but it was obvious that he didn't seem phased. Finally, I asked to talk to him privately and let him know that it upsets me when he curses so much. He was very receptive to me talking to him about it, and wanted to know if he needed to stop cursing all together or whether it was something in particular that was bothering me. We talked about it for a little while and he agreed to try and tone it down. He still cursed after that, but he definitely didn't do it as much as before. I appreciated that he was willing to make a change, and he told me that he appreciated that I spoke with him privately about it. After that, we worked just fine together and he even ended up being my supervisor for a while."

Next Question

How to Answer: What type of co-worker do you find it most difficult to work with? Why? How do you handle situations when you have to work with someone like this?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Boilermaker job interview.

9. What type of co-worker do you find it most difficult to work with? Why? How do you handle situations when you have to work with someone like this?

How to Answer

We all have things that upset us at work, and sometimes it is a coworker. The most important part of this question is your reaction to the situation. You cannot control the behavior or emotions of a coworker, but you certainly can control your own. Think of an example where you didn't get along well with another coworker, how you dealt with the situation, and how you successfully worked with them after that point. Don't give an example where you went above their head without talking to them first, or where you were not able to resolve your differences.

Written by Elizabeth Engler on May 27th, 2021

Answer Example

"I recently worked with someone who I had a hard time getting along with. He constantly cursed on the job, and although it isn't that uncommon in my field, I don't particularly appreciate it. At first, I tried to make light of it by just making small jokes about it, but it was obvious that he didn't seem phased. Finally, I asked to talk to him privately and let him know that it upsets me when he curses so much. He was very receptive to me talking to him about it, and wanted to know if he needed to stop cursing all together or whether it was something in particular that was bothering me. We talked about it for a little while and he agreed to try and tone it down. He still cursed after that, but he definitely didn't do it as much as before. I appreciated that he was willing to make a change, and he told me that he appreciated that I spoke with him privately about it. After that, we worked just fine together and he even ended up being my supervisor for a while."

Written by Elizabeth Engler on May 27th, 2021

Next Question