What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
There are many other variations on this question and it is a very common interview topic. From the interviewer's perspective, the idea is to find out about the candidate's conflict management ability and general interpersonal skills.
"When dealing with conflict, I first listen hard to the other person or people on the other side of the issue to be sure I understand what their argument is, and try to determine their open-mindedness to hear another perspective. I then lay out my case and hear their response. I either sell them on my side, get sold on their point of view, or compromise to make both sides as sanguine as possible to move forward to a mutually agreeable outcome."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My typical way of dealing with conflict is to step back from the situation and think of it from a bigger perspective, considering all sides and opinions and then coming to a resolution calmly.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your method of conflict resolution is wonderful. Try to focus on your wording to avoid repetition and add clarity.
"Typically, I deal with conflict by stepping away from the situation. Then, I look at the circumstances from all angles and opinions. This practice allows me to come to a resolution quickly and calmly."
Anonymous Answer
I do not see myself as a confrontational person. I have no trouble standing up for what is right; however, I am not one to quickly get involved with conflict. In the case of a dispute, I try to handle the situation with up-front and fair questions. I choose to listen to others and reach an agreement, even if the agreement is choosing to disagree. When I have dealt with conflict in the past, I approach another individual without blame and like to talk out disagreements and try to see eye to eye, if possible.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems your approach is professional and fair. Good answer!
Anonymous Answer
I feel proper communication can diffuse any conflict. I am a trained, advanced peace advocate, so I regularly employ conflict resolution techniques in various situations in my school and social life. This involves listening carefully to understand the issue properly, then giving multiple solutions from which the individual can choose from and attempt. During this time, I show no facial expression to indicate my opinion and do not start talking until the person has finished.
Rachelle's Feedback
Wow - this is really cool and stand-out information that any interviewer should be interested in hearing. How did you go about training as a peace advocate? A bit more background may be nice here.
Anonymous Answer
When dealing with conflict my automatic response is to help solve it. I think this can be done by each person listening and understanding the other persons' point of view which requires communication skills. I have had to deal with conflict when volunteering at an adventure center and children have fallen out.
Amanda's Feedback
Your solution-oriented approach is a positive way to handle conflict. Consider improving your response by giving more detail around the example you've chosen. This would be a good opportunity to describe the specific conflict you faced and how you took action to overcome resolve and achieve a positive result.
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