Human Resources Mock Interview
Master 40 Human Resources interview questions covering employee relations, compliance, and talent management.
Question 15 of 40
Talk about a time when you dealt with a difficult person in the workplace. How did you handle the situation? Were you able to correct their behavior?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I have helped with problematic behavior and attitudes a few times during team sports, group projects at school, and even in one volunteer opportunity. Last summer, I volunteered at an outdoor camp for youth, where I noticed one of the camp leaders using inappropriate language around our guests. I brought the situation to the camp director, making a clear and concise report of what I had witnessed. Because I was able to be so specific about the person's behavior, the director could have a frank yet constructive conversation with this individual. This person turned their behavior around immediately. If hired on the Human Resources team at your organization, you will find out quickly that I have an alligator thick skin and an ability to handle difficult colleagues with ease through my calm yet direct communication with them."
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
Your interviewer would like to know how you overcome challenging situations with difficult people by asking these questions. They want assurance that you have the knowledge, abilities, and influence required to course-correct unwelcome behavior from employees or close colleagues in the workplace. Talk about a time when you dealt with a problematic person swiftly and professionally. Be sure to touch on the positive outcome that came about due to your calm, cool, and collected demeanor.
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"All companies have challenging associates, and I have had to work with my fair share throughout my career. In my current role, we had one associate who behaved unprofessionally, which brought down the entire team. I partnered with their manager to implement a performance improvement plan and take measures for corrective behavioral action. We intended to guide and help the associate to turn their behavior around. We must uphold company standards and ethics across the board. Unfortunately, this associate was unable to do so within our 30-day timeline, and we arranged for the associate's termination."
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