If you have not had conflict on the job how do you answer that question in an interview?

Question

I'm just prepping for a couple interviews, and realized I have no answer to this question.

Answer 1

Talk about a conflict that you have witnessed and what you learned from it.

Answer 2

Everyone has had something. I know no one wants to admit not getting along with a co-worker or being a clock watcher or having a hair triger temper, but we all have a personality quark that makes us have conflicts on the job. I have found out in the last few jobs I have held that my employers found it refreshing that I told the truth (ie I actually didn't get along with someone and it was really hard for a while and I delt with it in a grown up manner).

Just think back and I am sure you can come up some kind of conflict. You could try to say you haven't but I worry they might not believe you. You could try to say you have a mellow personality and things have a tendancy not to get to you like the do some other people. Tell them you have deliberated and thought about this and you honestly can't come up with a conflict. Then give an example of how you have solved a conflict outside of work for good measure!

Answer 3

An easy way to answer this question is to talk about your approach/philosophy about handling interpersonal conflicts. You understand that you aren't going to be able to control the attitudes of your coworkers, so you find it easy to control the outcome by using your listening and communication skills.

If preparing for interviews, there's a great book out there called "Interview Answers in a Flash." I think it's by Patricia Chapman, who has good credentials in this area.

Answer 4

You need to think about it more. If you say you've never had a conflict, you either haven't worked much, or you haven't been paying attention to other people, or you just basically don't understand the question.

Look, even self employed people have conflicts on the job. Other people misunderstand things, or expect too much, or get offended by your deodorant, or think you used their coffee mug, and you do....what? Talk to them? Ignore them?

Maybe you haven't had any fistfights, but you've had conflicts, and to say you haven't says you're either new to working or you sleep at your desk all day.