How to Answer: Describe a situation where other people who you were working with did not agree with your ideas. What did you do?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Substance Abuse Social Worker job interview.
29. Describe a situation where other people who you were working with did not agree with your ideas. What did you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question to understand how you communicate, work on a team, and handle criticism. They want to hear that you can actively listen to others' ideas and accept constructive feedback.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on letting the interviewer know that you can accept criticism and not get mad when your team members disagree with your ideas. The interviewer also wants to hear that you stand your ground and try to understand what your coworkers did not agree with to come up with new ideas. If you truly believe in your idea, they want to hear how you communicate and persuade others to try your ideas.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022
Answer Example
"I was working in a substance abuse outpatient clinic and suggested using animal therapy in one of our group therapy sessions. My supervisor and a few coworkers did not agree animal therapy would be helpful for this particular group. They decided not to follow my advice and go with art therapy instead. I did not take it personally but did research that evening on the positive effects of animal therapy in substance abuse therapy sessions. I took my research to work the next day and again introduced my idea. After reviewing my research, my supervisor decided to try animal therapy. It was the most positive activity we had done at the clinic, and the clients asked for more. My supervisor thanked me for being persistent and coming up with a valuable tool we could use in our therapy sessions."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 19th, 2022