Tell me about a difficult/challenging situation and how you overcame it...help!

[DickJagger]

Hi all,

I have an interview today. A video call. I am SO nervous. I have been in the same job for over 11 years so it feels like a lifetime since I last interviewed.

I'm not a professional or anything, it is 'just' an admin job. I can certainly do the job but I am such a nervous wreck I think I will fluff the interview.

I've been looking up difficult interview questions and the one that keeps getting thrown up is the 'how did you handle a difficult situation' one. Trouble is, I can't think of a single example of a difficult situation! Can anyone help please.

It doesn’t need to be a difficult situation at work, but any that demonstrates good coping and problem solving skills, that’s what they are looking for. Obviously, a work situation example is better but if you can’t think of any, go with a personal one than say I can’t think of any.Good luck.

Could you think of any examples relating to deadlines and how you've prioritised most important tasks and kept colleagues aware throughout.

Or, I don't suppose you'd have any experience dealing with challenging customers or clients?

If you can't think of anything work related, use a personal example.

Yes,think of something you had to deal with personally, if there's really nothing at work. A difficult bank clerk or an uncomfortable situation with another parent?

You must have something from work though. Conflict between two colleagues? Having to tell a customer or colleague or boss something they didn't want to hear?

If you’re really stuck just make up something plausible - like you were supporting the organisation of an event and you ran out of car parking, or you noticed the agenda was wrong, or the speaker forgot their laptop charger.

Sounds like you're doing a good job of preparing, so no need to be so nervous!

Have you ever had conflicting priorities/too much work and had to make a decision what to do first? Using your knowledge of the job/people/ risk factors?

Conflict? Ever had to diffuse a confrontation - you or between others? Delivering news sorry meeting ne doesn't want to hear?

Ever had to step in in an emergency? Something went wrong & you thought on your feet to fix it?

Anything where you stayed calm & made a considered choice under pressure will do.

Good luck! 🍀

I suppose I can think of a couple of examples of difficult customers complaining on the 'phone. Would that work? I usually calmed people down by the end of the call but I don't know that that is a skill really? Just more of me as a person.

Thanks for everyone who replied by the way.

Just thought I would update.

I must have done OK on the video interview as I got a call about an hour afterwards, inviting me to a face to face interview next Tuesday! Woo hoo!

Thanks for the tips :-)

I was always told that your talents are the things people praise you for that you think are obvious and anyone could do. Calming customers sounds like one of your special talents!