What do you do if you're faced with a conflict during an interview?

2 Listen Carefully

Active listening is key in any conflict resolution scenario. Make sure to fully understand the interviewer's point of view or the nature of the conflict before formulating your response. By listening attentively, you show respect for the interviewer's perspective and ensure that you're addressing the actual issue at hand. Moreover, this approach allows you to pick up on any underlying concerns that may be driving the conflict, which can be crucial for finding a satisfactory resolution.

3 Clarify Intent

If you're unsure about the interviewer's comments or the source of the conflict, seek clarification. Politely ask questions to ensure you're on the same page. This not only helps prevent misunderstandings but also shows that you're engaged and genuinely interested in resolving any issues. Clarifying intent can often defuse a situation before it escalates, as it demonstrates your willingness to communicate effectively and work towards a common understanding.

5 Reflect Positively

Regardless of the conflict's outcome, reflect on the encounter positively. Highlight what you've learned from the situation and how it has equipped you with better tools for future conflicts. This shows self-awareness and the ability to turn challenging experiences into opportunities for growth. Employers appreciate candidates who are reflective and can extract valuable lessons from every experience, including difficult interviews.

6 Maintain Professionalism

Above all, maintain a high level of professionalism throughout the conflict. This includes using respectful language, keeping an even tone, and displaying body language that conveys your openness to dialogue. Your professional demeanor during a conflict can leave a lasting positive impression on the interviewer, reinforcing your suitability for a role in business administration where professionalism is paramount.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?