Focusing on the positive

One of the ways an interviewer gauges your capability for the position you are applying for is to ask you questions that might catch you off guard, like how you handled a difficult patient or a stubborn co-worker. Questions like this are multi-faceted – they help the interviewer assess what you’re like when suddenly faced with an awkward situation where you are unsure of yourself. Your reaction and answer also further shows the interviewer your immediate actual response to situations like these.

What’s important, first of all, is to maintain a calm mind. Answer the questions as objectively as you can, and discuss only how you helped solved the problem and used the situation to your advantage, things like that. Don’t gripe about how you had to pick up the pieces left behind by a co-worker. Market yourself and be professional about it.