How to Answer: What is your typical approach to handling conflict?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Drywall Installer job interview.
4. What is your typical approach to handling conflict?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
There will be times when there will be conflict in the workplace in any profession. The conflict could be with your supervisor, your coworkers, or a client. The interviewer wants to hear about your problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to determine if you would be a good fit for the company. It is best to have a calm demeanor, address the problem immediately, and resolve the conflict so that both parties are satisfied with the resolution. Describe your typical approach to handling conflict in the workplace.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
It is best to avoid saying you ignore the conflict and hope it resolves itself or that you get angry and fly off the handle. Neither of those actions demonstrates good conflict-resolution skills, and the interviewer would be hesitant to hire you.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"My typical approach to handling conflict is to address the problem immediately. The longer the issue goes on, the harder it will be to resolve. I ask the person I have a conflict with if we can speak in private. Then, I calmly describe the conflict we are having and ask how we can come to a resolution. I listen to what the other person is saying so that I understand where they are coming from. Once we are both done explaining our perception of the situation, I ask them how we can solve our problem. Usually, I have found that the problem resolves itself once we both have a chance to say what we want to say."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021