I want to hear about a time when you had to work together on a project with a coworker who you didn't like.
Question Analysis
This question is designed to assess your ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, even those with whom you may have personal differences. Employers are interested in your interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and professionalism in maintaining a productive work environment. Your response should demonstrate your competence in overcoming personal biases to achieve work objectives.
Answer
Situation: In my previous role at XYZ Corporation, I was assigned to work on a critical project with a coworker named Alex. Although Alex and I had different working styles and had previously clashed on several occasions, we were tasked with developing a new marketing strategy for a key client.
Task: The challenge was to put aside our differences and collaborate effectively to deliver a comprehensive marketing plan that met the client's expectations and tight deadlines.
Action: To address this, I initiated a meeting with Alex to openly discuss our past issues and establish a common ground. We agreed to focus on our strengths and divide the project tasks accordingly. I focused on the research and data analysis, while Alex concentrated on creative content development. We set up regular check-ins to ensure alignment and progress.
Result: Through mutual respect and open communication, we completed the project on time and received positive feedback from the client for our innovative approach. This experience not only improved our working relationship but also taught me the importance of embracing diverse perspectives to achieve common goals.