17: Have you ever had to deal with a difficult coworker or customer? How did you handle it?

Interviewer: Have you ever had to deal with a difficult coworker or customer? How did you handle it?

Candidate: Yes, I have had to deal with a difficult coworker in the past. There was a situation where a colleague consistently missed deadlines, affecting the entire team’s progress. I approached the situation by first having a private conversation with the coworker to understand if there were any underlying issues or obstacles they were facing. I offered my assistance and suggested ways we could work together to improve the situation. Additionally, I kept open communication with my manager to ensure they were aware of the issue and the steps being taken to address it. This collaborative approach helped resolve the issue and improved our working relationship.

Career Coach Tips:

1. Stay Professional: Focus on resolving the issue professionally without placing blame.
2. Communication: Highlight your use of effective communication to understand the issue and work towards a solution.
3. Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of teamwork and how collaborative efforts can resolve conflicts.