interview-techniquesinterview-techniques
Call for appointment
087 669 1192
Get in touch
info@interviewtechniques.ie
  • About
  • Interview Coaching
      • Private Sector Interview Coach

        Private Sector Interviews

        Finance Accounting Interview Coach

        Finance/Accounting Interviews

        Public Sector Interview Coach

        Public Sector Interviews

        Graduate Interview Coach

        Graduate Interviews

  • Executive Interview Coaching
  • Tips & Advice
  • Contact
Interview Techniques Dublin Interview Techniques Dublin
  • About
  • Interview Coaching
      • Private Sector Interview Coach

        Private Sector Interviews

        Finance Accounting Interview Coach

        Finance/Accounting Interviews

        Public Sector Interview Coach

        Public Sector Interviews

        Graduate Interview Coach

        Graduate Interviews

  • Executive Interview Coaching
  • Tips & Advice
  • Contact

How to answer the interview question – How do you manage conflict?

Home /  Tips & Advice /  How to answer the interview question - How do you manage conflict?
 
How do you manage conflict?
Popular Interview Questions, Competency Questions

How to answer the interview question – How do you manage conflict?

  • Laura-McGrath
  • November 8, 2022
  • Competency Question, conflict, influencing, Public Sector Interviews

How to answer the interview question “How do you manage conflict?”

This is a really popular interview question yet most people I coach find it particularly challenging. They assume that the interviewer is looking for an example of a highly charged situation where there’s a complete breakdown of a relationship.

Relax, your examples don’t need to have Hollywood style plots and drama. The key to answering this interview question well is simply replacing the world conflict with disagreement.

What’s the interviewer looking for?

Every organisation experiences conflict and if managed correctly, this can be a positive thing.  Differences of opinion force us to re-examine our assumptions and consider alternative points of view. This can lead to the generation of multiple solutions and thinking outside the box.

How to answer the conflict interview question:

  • Focus on the problem not the personality
  • Defend your point of view and have back up information to support it. Point out the benefits of your approach
  • Be happy to answer any questions and address any concerns raised
  • Don’t be afraid to challenge the opposing point of view
  • Look for common ground on which to build
  • Be open to revising your opinion if you feel it leads to a better outcome

Possible examples that would work for this interview question:

When you’re giving an example, try to give a recent one and use the STAR method.

Good examples could include

  • Your involvement in an IT implementation where you and the developers had opposing ideas on how best to proceed
  • Your ability to effectively deal with a colleague from a different department with competing priorities (eg finance V sales)
  • Your ability to manage people who don’t directly report to you, but on whom you rely to achieve you own goals

Conclusion:

Expect this question to come up in some guise. Saying you’ve never experienced conflict is not an option. Effectively dealing with conflict, presents you as someone with good negotiation skills and someone who is able to influence the behaviour of others – qualities that are seen as essential for any leadership role.

About the Author

Laura is a qualified executive coach, EMCC Certified with over 20 years’ experience in executive search and recruitment. She’s recruited at senior management and director level.  She’s worked with Accountancy Bodies to provide CPD to their members and has been a guest lecturer with Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin.  Laura has also sat on Public Sector Interview Boards and has been trained by PAS. For a consultation, please call 087 669 1192 or go to https://interviewtechniques.ie/contact/

Share

RECENT TIPS

  • Interview Nerves February 1, 2023
  • What do employers look for in competency interviews? January 27, 2023
  • What does a good Linkedin Profile look like? January 22, 2023

CATEGORIES

  • Why wasn't I successful?
  • Graduates
  • Women in Leadership
  • Interviewing for Executives
  • Popular Interview Questions
  • Competency Questions
  • Selected Interview Categories – From Virtual Interviews to Promotional Interviews
  • Re-energise your job search
  • Ten Reasons to Use an Interview Coach
  • Funny Interview Moments

SEARCH

Take Control of Your Future & Unlock Your Full Potential. I work with clients face-to-face and on skype or zoom.

Call Laura Today!

Interview Coaching

  • Private Sector Interviews
  • Finance/Accounting Interviews
  • Public Sector Interviews
  • Graduate Interviews

Executive Interview Coaching

Could you benefit from interview coaching?
Maybe you haven’t interviewed in several years and you’re rusty or you’re already good at interviews but want to get that extra edge to land you the job.

RECENT TIPS

  • Interview Nerves February 1, 2023
  • What do employers look for in competency interviews? January 27, 2023

FIND US HERE

68 Dame Street, Dublin 2

087 669 1192

info@interviewtechniques.ie

   

Laura McGrath - Executive Coach

© 2022 Interview Techniques, Dublin - Interview Coaching. All right reserved.    Privacy Policy

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy Policy