Behavioral Question: "How do you handle conflict?"

This question is often asked by interviewers to let them develop an image of how you deal with challenging personalities and behavior in your work environment.

Here are some tips you may want to consider when answering the question, without putting yourself in a bad light:

Stay professional and avoid being negative. Make sure to be optimistic when approaching this question, as much as you can. Though this question can provoke you to spill the beans, keep your composure, and push back negative thoughts. Negativity will say far more about you than the person you’re describing.

Generalize your colleagues and situations. For this question, you aren't required to fully explain the details involved. You don’t want to allow yourself to become overwhelmed by focusing on the faults of others. This question is a chance for interviewers to know how you get along with others and what annoys or irritates at work. Your level of tolerance will show based on your answers.

Acknowledge that everyone is different. You’ve worked with a lot of individuals in the past. Your experience alone has taught you that there are many diverse characters in the world and some will eventually put you on edge. While some present greater challenges than others, make sure to focus on your professional attitude to overcome every trial.

Consider using the STAR approach when crafting your response, it's a perfect way to ensure you are answering their question fully and succinctly.

Example:

"I once had to work with someone who wasn't giving me the information I needed to do my job in a timely fashion. For a while, I thought he was doing it purposely to make me look bad. I was secretly frustrated. Finally, I sat down with him one day over coffee, to inquire why he was being so difficult with me. I was shocked to learn that he was so worried about giving me the wrong information, he was triple checking his work, causing the massive delay. We had a great talk and I explained I'd rather he give me the information on time. So, we worked together to build a system of checks he could quickly do to be confident the information was correct. This experience taught me to never assume anything about a coworker until I talk to them. Communication is the key to getting what you need."

For member's of Interview Success Formula, visit the Prepare Your Story Section on tips for crafting your stories.