Conflict is always present in the workplace. For instance, if you urinate on your supervisor’s sandwich, possibilities are you’re going to have an argument at some point in the future. In an attempt to judge whether or not you can deal with conflict effectively, the hiring manager might inquire you directly: Do you deal with it head on, or do you avoid it?

Tips to Answer:

This is a tough one. Both are bad answers, yet you were given two clear choices. You are not inquired how you deal with conflict, you are asked which of those two choices would you do. Deal with it head on and you may be seen as confrontational. Avoid it and you may seem weak or timid.

This is one of the few times where acting unsure might be in your benefit. Normally delivering an answer with confidence and ease is preferred, but this is a tough query, with two wrong answers. So instead of answer it confidently, answer it as though you have never thought about it before because you’ve never experience the kind of conflict that would require either.

Bad Answer

“I would attack it head on. Let the person know exactly how I feel and make certain we resolve the conflict immediately.”

So are you also going to punch them in the face?

Good Answer

“What an interesting question. Hm… I suppose it depends on the issue. There is no reason to be confrontational over non-recurring issues without any long term consequences, but definitely I think I would deal with an issue head on if I expect it to be a recurring issue.”

This way you demonstrate yourself as a strong individual with good morals – and one that has never experienced enough conflict to have considered this topic before.