How to Answer: Describe a situation where you needed to persuade someone about an idea or process.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Cybersecurity Engineer job interview.
4. Describe a situation where you needed to persuade someone about an idea or process.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer will ask you this question because they are interested in learning about your communication and leadership skills and how you apply them to accomplish the tasks required in this role. Persuading other people about your ideas and suggestions is a valuable skill. Interviewers recognize that this will make you more effective in the job and reduce conflict between you and other team members.
Written by William Swansen on June 2nd, 2022
How to Answer
You can answer this question using the STAR format, describing how you seek to understand other people's points of view, acknowledging them, then offering them an alternative and the rationale behind it. You can then describe how you addressed any questions and concerns they had and developed a win-win scenario with a positive outcome.
Written by William Swansen on June 2nd, 2022
Answer Example
"I take great pride in my ability to convince others of my ideas and suggestions. First, I solicit others' input, carefully listening to their ideas and acknowledging them. If their suggestions are appropriate, we move forward. However, if I believe we can improve on them, I state my ideas and recommendations and explain why I believe in them. I then answer any questions they may have and drive for a consensus in which all the parties are satisfied we are moving in the right direction."
Written by William Swansen on June 2nd, 2022