{"id":13932,"date":"2021-12-02T08:01:38","date_gmt":"2021-12-02T08:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/?p=13932"},"modified":"2021-12-19T06:36:34","modified_gmt":"2021-12-19T06:36:34","slug":"how-do-you-handle-conflict","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/how-do-you-handle-conflict\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview Question: How Do You Handle Conflict?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\u201cHow do you handle conflict?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have a good chance of encountering this behavioral question because it\u2019s quite common in job interviews. Not to worry, it\u2019s not too hard to answer as long as you have some experiences to draw from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll walk you through how to best put your answer together and express it to your interviewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Variations of This Question<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers ask this question in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most common:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>How do you handle disagreements?<\/li><li>How would you handle conflict with a coworker?<\/li><li>How have you managed conflict?<\/li><li>How do you deal with disagreements?<\/li><li>Describe a situation where you disagreed with your boss.<\/li><li>Tell me about a time when you disagreed with a coworker.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This question is about your ability to manage disagreements in a calm and professional manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The employer wants to know you can respond appropriately to <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/describe-your-working-relationship-with-colleagues\/\">conflicts with coworkers<\/a> in the workplace, especially in <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/what-does-diversity-mean-to-you\/\">diverse workplace environments<\/a> where cultural differences play a role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interviewers also ask this question to judge your communication and listening skills, and <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/how-would-you-describe-your-personality\/\">how well you generally get on with others<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s likely you\u2019ll encounter interpersonal <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/describe-a-challenge-you-overcame\/\">challenges during your workday<\/a>, but <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/what-skills-would-you-like-to-improve\/\">having the right skills<\/a> to navigate them will help to keep tensions in check and foster a healthier work environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Answer: \u201cHow Do You Handle Conflict?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We put together a 3-part structure for answering this question. Follow along to build your own answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Describe Your General Approach to Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk about a way (or several ways) you address conflict or disagreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is important because the employer wants to hire someone who takes a measured approach to inevitable conflicts rather than simply reacting in the heat of the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of ways you might handle various situations in the workplace, and describe them briefly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some general approaches to conflict include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Actively working towards a compromise<\/li><li>Taking the time to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-active-listening-3024343\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">actively listen<\/a> to the other side<\/li><li>Thinking about what the conflict is <em>really <\/em>about<\/li><li>Staying calm and using neutral language&nbsp;<\/li><li>Agreeing to disagree if the matter allows it<\/li><li>Keeping the issue between the people involved (not gossipping)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s an example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cWhen I\u2019m faced with conflict at work, I first take a deep breath and remind myself to stay calm and collected. I listen carefully to the other person and make sure I understand what they\u2019re saying by repeating back what I\u2019m hearing. Then I suggest brainstorming ways we can compromise.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Share a Professional Conflict You Experienced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, describe a time you managed a disagreement or <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/how-do-you-handle-stress\/\">stressful situation at work<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This matters because your interviewer wants to see your strategies in action to show you\u2019ve been able to implement them before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It should be a conflict you had that led to a positive outcome. We\u2019re just setting the stage here but you\u2019ll need to explain how you resolved it in the next part of your answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about situations that caused you stress at work or times when you were afraid of how someone (coworker, customer, or boss) would react.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conflict scenarios at work might stem from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Missing an important project deadline<\/li><li>Missing or showing up late for work<\/li><li>Unintentionally taking a coworker\u2019s lead or customer<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/example-of-great-customer-service\/\">Being yelled at by a customer<\/a><\/li><li>Being passed over for a promotion you were expecting<\/li><li>Collaborating with a coworker who didn\u2019t complete their tasks<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s an example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cAt my last job, I answered a call from a customer who placed an order. I didn\u2019t know my coworker had already spent time with them, and he thought I intentionally took the commission he\u2019d earned. He was quite upset with me and let me know how he was feeling.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Talk About How You Resolved It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Describe how you handled the situation, keeping it congruent with how you said you handle conflict in the earlier part of your answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An interviewer will look for a positive outcome because it shows you not only practice what you preach, but you do so successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Refer back to the approach you described in the first part of your answer, and tell your interviewer the specific actions you took to work with the other person involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make this part of your answer action-oriented; focus on <em>your <\/em>part of the interaction and not as much on the other person\u2019s actions. You can include the other person\u2019s response, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specific resolutions might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Apologizing even if you don\u2019t feel you should<\/li><li>Working extra hours to make up for lost time<\/li><li>Talking through the situation using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washoeschools.net\/cms\/lib\/NV01912265\/Centricity\/Domain\/176\/2.3_I%20Statements.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cI\u201d statements<\/a><\/li><li>Brainstorming strategies to prevent a recurrence<\/li><li>Suggesting a way to make up for an oversight<\/li><li>Adjusting your expectations if they are unrealistic<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s an example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cI apologized to my coworker as soon as I realized what happened, and offered him one of my customers who I hadn\u2019t been closed yet to make up for it. I also promised to pay more attention to the contact logs to prevent it from happening again.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Putting It All Together (Example Answers)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>How does this all come together for a complete answer? To demonstrate, we wrote some sample answers using the 3-part structure above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example #1: Conflict With a Coworker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cWhen having a disagreement with a coworker, I ask them questions, then I reiterate what they said to be sure I understand. From there, it\u2019s usually not difficult to think of a way to compromise or collaborate on a solution.<\/p><p>During one busy holiday season, a senior coworker insisted on having the day before and after the holiday off. I really wanted one of the days off, and we argued about what was fair.\u00a0<\/p><p>When she explained her family was in town from overseas, I was more understanding. The week prior to the holiday, I suggested she give up her day off so I could finish my shopping and, in return, I would work for her both days. We were both happy with this solution.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example #2: Conflict With a Manager<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cI always try to get to the bottom of a conflict. Often, the problem isn\u2019t what it seems at first glance. Sometimes, frustration that stems from elsewhere can cause someone to become upset over a trivial problem.<\/p><p>When a manager snapped at me over a minor mistake I made on a report, I resisted the temptation to become defensive. Instead, I thought about why he was so angry. It was the end of the quarter, many reports were due, and his boss was putting pressure on him to get everything in on time.<\/p><p>I fixed the mistake and offered to work on another report that wasn\u2019t my responsibility to take some of the pressure off of him. He thanked me, apologized for getting upset, and praised me for being a team player.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example #3: Conflict With a Customer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cI always try to handle conflict promptly, without putting it off, if possible. Also, if I can offer an extra service or incentive to make up for the problem, I do so.<\/p><p>Recently, I told a client I\u2019d call them back by the end of the day and then I forgot.\u00a0 I had created a task in our system to return the call, but I accidentally checked it off as completed and forgot about returning the call.<\/p><p>The next day, the client called back, annoyed. I apologized and took full responsibility for my oversight. I was also able to add in an extra month of service at no cost, which satisfied the customer.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How NOT to Answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not so fast, there are still some pitfalls you need to watch out for when answering this job interview question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Say You\u2019ve Never Dealt With Conflict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s tempting, don\u2019t say you haven\u2019t had a conflict with anyone at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This leads the interviewer to think <a href=\"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/lying-in-a-job-interview\/\">you&#8217;re lying<\/a> or you avoid dealing with problems. Neither makes for an effective employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, think of a situation you can use, and apply the steps above when describing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Describe a Major Breach&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When talking about your conflict situation, don\u2019t talk about a scenario where you lost a major account or caused some other damage to your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This could be a red flag to the interviewer and you could seem like a risky hire. Employers don\u2019t want to hire someone they perceive as a liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stick to a situation that had a mild effect and a positive resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Say You Don\u2019t Handle Conflict Well<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you don\u2019t think you\u2019re great at managing conflicts, this isn\u2019t a good time to bring up this weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of what role you&#8217;re applying for, there will undoubtedly be conflict or disagreement, so employers won&#8217;t hire someone who communicates they can\u2019t handle it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, look at different ways other people handle conflict and think about how you&#8217;ve managed similar situations in the past. Everyone has a story, no matter how scarce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Learn the different ways the interviewer might ask the question<\/li><li>Explain one or more approaches you take<\/li><li>Share an example of a time you addressed conflict at work<\/li><li>Describe how you resolved the situation<\/li><li>Don\u2019t act as though you don\u2019t ever encounter conflict<\/li><li>Don\u2019t describe a time you harmed your company<\/li><li>Don\u2019t admit you are poor at handling conflict<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cHow do you handle conflict?\u201d You have a good chance of encountering this behavioral question because it\u2019s quite common in job interviews. Not to worry, it\u2019s not too hard to answer as long as you have some experiences to draw from. In this article, we\u2019ll walk you through how to best put your answer together and express it to your interviewer. Variations of This Question Employers ask this question in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the most common: How do you handle disagreements? How would you handle conflict with a coworker? How have you managed conflict?\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[66,69],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13932"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13932"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13932\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14005,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13932\/revisions\/14005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}