Master 35 Construction Manager interview questions covering project delivery, safety leadership, and budget management.
Question 15 of 35
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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What to Avoid
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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
When an interviewer asks about a difficult period in your life and how you dealt with it, they want to see how you can handle personal and professional challenges. They can assess how you handle adversity and how well you might balance job responsibilities during challenging times in your life. Describe a personal or professional challenge that you consider the most difficult period in your life and how you responded to the situation. How you respond also shows them what you consider a hard moment, and they can determine if you will be tough enough for the job.

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"The most difficult period in my life was when my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given six weeks to live. We had a two-year-old daughter at the time, and I could not imagine losing my wife and the mother of my child. My wife opted out of chemo and radiation so she could live her life to the fullest before her death. I took two months of family leave to be with my wife and daughter and was with her when she died. Having that quality time made it easier for me to accept her passing, and it was a relief knowing we had that time together. After her death, I went back to work and met with a grief counselor once a week for three months. While it was the most challenging time in my life, caring for a young daughter made me quickly work through my grief."

Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
It is alright to talk about a sad time in your life since that is probably the most difficult period you have gone through. However, you want to avoid talking for too long about this dark period while staying in control of your emotions. You are not trying to gain sympathy; you are merely answering the question.

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Written by Krista Wenz
35 Questions & Answers • Construction Manager

By Krista

By Krista