Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker
Theme: Interpersonal Skills Role: Sales Associate Function: Retail
Interview Question for Sales Associate: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Sales Associate: Responsible for assisting customers, processing transactions, and maintaining a clean and organized store environment. This role falls within the Retail function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Interpersonal Skills with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Situation: I was working as a Sales Associate in a retail store
- Difficult coworker: There was a coworker who consistently arrived late for their shift and often left tasks unfinished, causing extra work for the rest of the team
- Conflict: This created tension and frustration among the team members, as we had to pick up the slack and cover for their mistakes
- Communication: I decided to address the issue directly with the coworker, expressing my concerns and the impact their actions were having on the team
- Resolution: We had an open and honest conversation, where I listened to their perspective and shared my own. We agreed to communicate better and hold each other accountable for our responsibilities
- Collaboration: To ensure a smooth workflow, I suggested creating a shared task list and implementing a system to track completed tasks. This helped us stay organized and ensured that everyone was aware of their responsibilities
- Result: As a result of our conversation and improved communication, the coworker started arriving on time and completing their tasks more efficiently. The overall team morale improved, and we were able to work together more effectively
- Lesson learned: This experience taught me the importance of addressing conflicts directly and finding collaborative solutions. It also highlighted the significance of effective communication and accountability within a team
- Transferable skills: I developed strong communication and conflict resolution skills, which I believe will be valuable in dealing with difficult customers or resolving conflicts in a retail sales environment
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Conflict resolution skills: Assessing how you handle difficult interpersonal relationships and conflicts in the workplace
- Teamwork & collaboration: Evaluating your ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and navigate challenging coworker dynamics
- Communication skills: Understanding how you communicate and address issues with coworkers in a professional and constructive manner
- Problem-solving abilities: Determining your approach to resolving conflicts and finding solutions when dealing with difficult coworkers
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Blaming or badmouthing the coworker: Avoid speaking negatively about the coworker or blaming them for the difficult situation. Focus on your approach to resolving the issue instead
- Lack of communication or teamwork: Avoid mentioning any instances where you were unable to effectively communicate or work together with the coworker. Instead, highlight your efforts to improve collaboration and find common ground
- Inability to handle conflict: Avoid showing an inability to handle conflicts or difficult situations. Instead, emphasize your ability to remain calm, find solutions, and maintain a professional approach
- Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid mentioning situations where you were unable to find a resolution or lacked problem-solving skills. Instead, focus on your ability to identify the root cause, brainstorm solutions, and implement effective strategies