Disagreement with Your Boss Interview Question

When it comes to interviewing for a new job, many candidates prepare themselves for common questions such as „What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and „Why do you want to work for our company?” However, one question that can catch some off-guard is when the interviewer asks about how you handle disagreement with your boss.

Why do interviewers ask this question?

This question is asked to gauge how you handle conflict and communication in the workplace. It`s important for employers to have employees who can respectfully disagree with their boss and provide constructive feedback, rather than simply going along with everything without question.

How should you answer this question?

First and foremost, it`s important to remain respectful and professional in your response. Even if you`ve had negative experiences with a previous boss, it`s crucial to avoid speaking negatively about them during the interview.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while answering this question:

1. Be honest. Don`t pretend that you`ve never disagreed with your boss before, as this can come across as insincere. Instead, be honest about a specific instance where you disagreed with your boss.

2. Focus on solutions. When discussing your disagreement, highlight how you presented a solution or alternative idea. This shows that you`re proactive and provide value to the team.

3. Highlight effective communication. Discuss how you respectfully communicated your disagreement with your boss and how you worked together to find a solution. This demonstrates your ability to effectively communicate with coworkers and superiors.

4. Emphasize the positive outcome. If the situation was resolved positively, highlight this in your response. It shows that you`re able to work collaboratively to overcome challenges.

Example response:

„I`ve definitely had instances where I`ve disagreed with my boss, but I always approach the situation with respect and a focus on finding a solution. For example, there was a project where I disagreed with my boss`s approach, but I presented an alternative idea and we were able to find a compromise that resulted in a successful outcome. Effective communication and collaboration are important to me, so I always strive to maintain a positive working relationship with my superiors.”

In conclusion, while the disagreement with your boss interview question may seem daunting, it`s an opportunity to demonstrate your conflict resolution skills and ability to work effectively with others. By remaining professional and highlighting your positive attributes, you can provide a strong response that showcases your value as a potential employee.