Tell me about the last time you had to deliver bad news to someone.
"I worked with someone who was trying really hard for a promotion. Two other people were competing for the same opportunity. Eventually, I had to tell this person, who'd been passed up for this promotion three other times, that once again they didn't earn it. They were rather disappointed, and it was difficult new to deliver."
"I was newly promoted to being a supervisor. We'd hired on several people for the holidays. Once things slowed down, I had to inform two of them that we were letting them go, and another three that we were cutting their hours. This was a hard thing to do, and I considered these individuals my friends. But I delivered the news as best as I could, with humility and kindness."
Part of the job of a DWP Work Coach is having to sometimes deliver bad news to those who are trying to improve their situation. Therefore, the role of a Work Coach requires a great deal of empathy, especially when the results of your efforts end up not being what you hope for those you are trying to help. As the DWP says, they "need more caring and committed people to become Work Coaches to help us with this vital work." So think about the role, the work that lies ahead, and offer an example of where you handled a situation similar to what you expect to face.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
A family member suddenly collapsed with a heart attack, the paramedics brought her around and took her to the hospital. I called her son at work and explained. We thought she would be okay, but she passed away soon after. I had to wait at their home to inform her son because we didn’t want him driving home from work upset. Although upsetting for us all, I’d rather be the one to tell him and offer help and support.
Jaymie's Feedback
This would have been a really difficult situation for everyone involved. It sounds like you used effective communication, compassion, and empathy to deliver the news to him and those are skills that will transfer well into the workplace.
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