What is the best way to answer story questions in an interview?

Question

What shouldn't you say?

Jax, what are they really looking for when interviewers say, "PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF." or worse: Tell me about a time when you didn't get along with a co-worker and how you handled it? My 2 female co-workers now seem to like to argue with me. How could I answer that question and not sound negative? Please help. Also what is a supervisor looking for in a write-up for a job? Thank you.

Answer 1

be sure to think before you talk. I used to conduct interviews at a small corporation and when people would sit down, you could tell if they were nervous because they just wouldn't stop talking.

To make matters worse, you can tell that they are obviously tying to fill space because sometimes people start saying thigns they really shouldn't.

Ask fo a glass of water when you get there, when they ask you a question that requires an answer you do not have prepared, simply take a breath, take a drink and think about it. You do not lose point for giving your answers some good thought.

Most importantly, when you are finished talking - STOP. Don't keep talking because you'll say something you'll regret.

Answer 2

"co-workers like to argue with me:" Talk about how teamwork is important in your workplace and oftentimes you and your co-workers have opportunities to "discuss" (not "argue") different ways of doing things. Tell the interviewer that although you may not agree with your co-workers' way of doing things, if their way is your supervisor's way, you still work together as a team to complete the task.

If you have to talk about this topic, stay away from specifics such as saying your arguing co-workers are female or male. As an interviewer, if you said that to me it would almost make me think you don't get along with female co-workers.

It helps just to think of a different word to turn a negative-sounding statement into a more positive situation. It makes you look like a winner! Good luck!

Answer 3

Just listen to their questions and end your answer with a question saying that Sir, can I know more in detail what you are putting before me. Tone of speech must be cool enough to impress your boss.