How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult person. How did you handle it?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a MRI Technologist job interview.
3. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult person. How did you handle it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
From your work history, picture a coworker who didn't carry their weight or had a difficult personality. Maybe they were unmotivated or preoccupied with their personal life. Think about what bothered you about this person and how you were affected by their behavior. Most importantly, the interviewer wants to know if you let this person's behavior affect you and your work performance.
Avoid taking this as an opportunity to complain about someone; instead, view it as an opportunity to showcase your ability to deal with difficult people while maintaining your productivity and professionalism. This will give the interviewer insight into your personality and your problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict-resolution skills.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 19th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"In my first position out of college, I worked with a person who enjoyed gossip in the workplace. I found that I could redirect her to work by giving a quick reply and then asking her a pointed work question, which would get her back on task. There were a few key takeaways from this experience. I learned how to concentrate among chatter or disruption better than before, and I perfected my skills at refocusing someone else on the task at hand."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 19th, 2023
Answer Example
"In my previous position, I did have a coworker who didn't pull their weight. This situation created more work for the rest of the team. It didn't take much time before our manager noticed this particular individual was slacking. In most instances, underachievers will weed themselves out over time, and it's rarely worth making a fuss over."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 19th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Difficult people simply make me work harder! I enjoy trying to understand where they are coming from and then what techniques I can apply to help them improve their behavior or resolve a situation. Most difficult people want to be heard, so I listen, empathize, and direct them in the direction we need to go."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 19th, 2023
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