How to Answer: What kind of coworkers do you find difficult to work with?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Surgical First Assistant job interview.
19. What kind of coworkers do you find difficult to work with?
How to Answer
Spelling out your pet peeves about someone could cause your resume' to be placed at the bottom of 'File 13.' On the other hand, claiming that you've never had any work conflicts in your career will get you disbelieving looks. When answering this question be sure to be tactful and if you must state something is difficult for you, including how you would handle that type of situation.
Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018
Entry Level
"I'm one of those people who doesn't meet a stranger. Because I am so outgoing, I have found it difficult to work with people who never speak to others or who act like they just don't want to be bothered with someone else. On one hand, I do understand that feeling because the kind of work we do often makes us feel somewhat detached. I try to make myself available and always have a friendly attitude toward others so that they know I am approachable, rather than feeling like they need to be distanced from me. We are all a part of a team, after all."
Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018
Answer Example
"I am a pretty easy-going person. I think the most difficult kind of person for me to work with is someone who doesn't want to pull his or her weight. I always try to remember, though, that we all have days when there are stressors affecting us that others may not know about. Knowing that, if I am working with someone who seems to be having a hard time keeping up, instead of griping or complaining, I like to offer some help in a kind way and see if that opens the door to try and find what the real reason for the lack of participation may be."
Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018
Experienced
"I suppose we all have things that we could call our 'pet peeves.' I'm really not sure what one individual thing I would focus on. If I have a day that I am working with someone that I may feel is being difficult, I first try to take a look at myself and make sure I am not stressed or feeling overwhelmed and projecting those feelings toward someone else. That's not to say that I never get frustrated with someone else, but I like to remind myself that there is so much more to the big picture than me and one other person. My job is to do my part as a strong team member and provide the best care I can for my patients."
Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018
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