How to Answer: How would you handle a confrontation with a colleague?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Certified Nursing Assistant job interview.
14. How would you handle a confrontation with a colleague?
How to Answer
This can be a tough question to answer and keep your emotions in check. If you choose to share a story about a time a coworker confronted you, don't share personal details, don't show your anger, and don't use their name. State how you defused the situation and what you learned from it that you could bring to this team as their next CNA. Your interviewer knows that during stressful times in their work environment, it is only human nature for people to get testy. What matters is a person's ability to make the situation right in a quick fashion.
Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"A few months ago, one of my coworkers misunderstood me in a critical situation, and it led to a confrontation in front of a patient and other staff. After the patient's situation was rectified, I asked the colleague to take a walk with me to talk. As we talked about the confrontation, we both realized that she was stressed out at home and brought her stress to work. She apologized for raising her voice, and I apologized for not being clearer. The two of us work even better now. In this situation, I learned that being direct with someone to work things out is the best way to handle that situation."
Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"If a colleague and I had a confrontation, I would be sure to address it as soon as possible and away from the patients. I would take a confident and empathetic approach with the colleague and not take things personally. I realize that we can all get stressed on the job and would use direct communication to help make the situation better moving forward."
Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021