In today’s IT environment, you’ll need the ability to get along with all kinds of people, coworkers, managers, subordinates, and especially customers. To do your job, you must get long with all of them.
Are there difficult people? If you think they are difficult, you imply that you may not be able to get along with them well. So, the answer this question, first deny there are any difficult people to you.
Sample Answer:
“To me people are different but not difficult. I honestly don’t think there’s any type of people that I don’t get along with. Of course, some people are more pleasant to be around than others, but I’ve worked with all kinds of personalities and never had any problems with anyone. I understand this consulting position requires interaction with a lot of client, I am very good at this.”
You’d better say you’re comfortable in either situation whether or not you know which situation applies to this particular job. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully worked alone and with others.
Sample Answer:
“I enjoy working in a team atmosphere but am also perfectly comfortable working on my own. In my previous jobs I’ve always done both. For example, in my current position I work alone as a developer on specific duties such developing a middle-tier Java component, but every programmer in the development team works together as a team to analyze client requirements and design database structure. I enjoy sharing ideas, helping others, and learning from my teammates.”
“I can perform my job independently, I also enjoy work in a team environment. In the past I’ve worked as a team member and team leader as well. In my last project I was the team leader with a development team of 8 developers for a Java web application development. As the team lead I was responsible for design the system, assigning tasks to team members, and provide support to my team during the development. The advantage of team environment for me was to create the synergy among the team and the opportunity to learn from each other. I really enjoyed working with people in different technical background and personalities. It’s a lot of fun. I learned a lot from other term members and I also enjoyed helping others who work with me.”
Obviously, the right answer is “Yes.” But don’t answer a question with just one word. Say you interact well with all of the key people, — your team members, your mangers, and your clients.
Sample Answer:
“Yes. I’m very friendly and enjoy being around people. I get along well with all kinds of people with all types of personalities. In my current job, I really enjoy working work my co-worker, the management team, and our customers.”
Are you responsible, mature, and capable of handling conflicts in the work? If so, you may get the job. So answer what your employer wants to hear. Tell a story about a dispute or conflict you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it in a positive way.
Don’t say you are so good with people and never have to handle conflicts. They don’t believe you.
Sample Answer: (more…)