Tell me about a time it was better to be agreeable in a situation rather than continue the argument.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
Experienced Example
Community Answers

The interviewer would like to know that you are okay with stepping down in a situation when it's required of you or the safest decision to make at the time. It isn't always necessary to be correct, and the interviewer is looking for your ability to let go when needed. Tell the interviewer about a time you did just that and how you feel it helped the situation in the long run.

Focus on a professional scenario rather than a personal one. The interviewer is interested in your conflict resolution skills in the workplace and how you will benefit the organization.

Avoid telling the interviewer that you never back down in an argument. As a correction officer, you must have the skills to remain calm and in control, even if it means backing down from an argument. Sometimes it is best to de-escalate the situation by giving in.

"I am new to my career as a correction officer, so I often need to remain silent when I am working with more seasoned officers. I understand the importance of stepping down to keep a situation safe or to prevent escalation."

"I found myself in an intense situation with an inmate early on in my career. I could have pushed it further, but I realized that I needed to save my energy for the bigger battles. I chose to de-escalate the situation and walked away. I am happy that I walked away because it helped me build trust with that inmate in the long run."

"One time, an inmate was breaking a minor rule, and I drew his attention to that fact. He grew very frustrated and began shouting. He got very close to me, and the situation escalated. I could've made the situation worse by physically containing the inmate, but instead, I verbally de-escalated the situation by [technique]. I showed the inmate that I had my eye on him and was the one in control. At the same time, I showed him that I respected his dignity, and that made it easier to gain his compliance in the long run."

Anonymous Answer

"Any time you start a new job, you always have to listen to the higher ranking employees, regardless of whether you agree with it or not."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's a good start; however, I recommend softening the delivery just a touch.

"Anytime I have started a new job; it's important that I sit back and learn everyone's personality, rank, and approach to communication. Regardless if I agree with a situation or not, it's more important to me that I be observant of my new surroundings."

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Anonymous Answer

"When I am a new employee, and I am so eager to learn. When I meet and work with more experienced officers, I would like to listen to them based on the seniority they have. I do not want to make a wrong impression or try to be smart, which refrain me from learning and make other people feel unapproachable."

Rachelle's Feedback

Yes, it is very important to listen and learn when you first join the ranks. It sounds as though you are well prepared to make strong coworker connections.

Anonymous Answer

"While working in the Emergency Room during the Covid 19 pandemic, My supervisor told me I had to provide my own face mask. I felt the hospital should provide them. They refused to provide masks, so I just purchased my own since I know there was already a lot going on."

Rachelle's Feedback

In this situation, it was a smart choice to concede and make sure you were protected, no matter what. Good example!

Anonymous Answer

"* I was guarding a prisoner who kept arguing with me that her being in a holding cell is illegal because she is a lawyer, and I had to release her immediately. Her release time was in a few hours, and instead of continuously arguing with her that made her even more agitated, I left it at that and walked away until an RCMP officer released her."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds like you made a smart call :) Sometimes it's better to smile and nod, right? What difference do you think your approach made versus if you had become argumentative?

How to Answer: Tell me about a time it was better to be agreeable in a situation rather than continue the argument.