"I consider myself great at adapting to personalities and work styles of others, including those type A's that can be demanding. During my third year of dental school, I worked with a fellow student that was just not responsible with time commitments and staying on task. I found this personality style to be the most difficult to work with, but I did not let it frustrate me. Rather, I was direct with this colleague concerning what needed to be done. We were not in situations where I could just brush it off. Because my communication remained respectful and firm, they took it well, and we worked together well moving forward."

As you answer, avoid extreme responses that include speaking negatively of others or naming people. Also, avoid telling the interviewer that you always get along with everyone. Most interviewers will interpret a cliche response like that as dodging the question. Focus on a time your work style was different from another person's, but perhaps you still had to complete a project or task together. Discuss how you made it work and how you will bring this same approach as a resident in this program.