Buzz
Job interviews can be daunting, and then the hiring manager throws you a curveball like, “tell me about a time you handled a difficult coworker.” What are they really looking for, and how should you respond? A survey conducted by LinkedIn might shed some light on this.
We all dread questions like “what’s your biggest weakness?” but hiring managers use these questions intentionally to assess your professional behavior. LinkedIn surveyed nearly 1,300 hiring managers globally to understand their perspective on behavioral interview questions. Their report offers valuable insights, including the top three traits employers seek: adaptability, culture fit, and teamwork.
For instance, one question hiring managers ask to assess your adaptability is: “tell me about a time you were asked to take on something completely new.” Here’s the approach they expect you to take:
Think of one or two significant (and real!) examples from your career that showcase your ability to handle change. Reflect on moments when you stepped outside your usual role or found an innovative solution to accomplish your tasks. These examples should highlight your problem-solving abilities, creativity, resourcefulness, eagerness to learn, and/or your positive outlook in the face of change.
To assess how well you collaborate with others, hiring managers often ask, “Can you give an example of a time you worked with someone who was hard to get along with?” Here’s how you should respond:
Consider both positive and negative situations where you’ve worked with others, resolved conflicts, negotiated, or compromised. Choose one or two examples that demonstrate your ability to balance cooperation, assertiveness, and teamwork to achieve goals.
The next time an interviewer poses an unexpected question, try to focus on what they’re aiming to discover—whether it’s adaptability, culture fit, or collaboration. This insight can help you tailor your response. Additionally, LinkedIn recommends structuring your answer with three key elements in mind:
Substance: Provide solid examples and stories to support your answer.
Structure: Keep it concise with a clear beginning, middle, and end. LinkedIn advises answers that last around one minute, not five.
Style: Deliver your response with confidence, humility, or even humor to stand out from other candidates, according to LinkedIn.
As always, practice makes perfect. For more tips and specific interview questions, check out their full post through the link below.
