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Sample Behavioral Interview Questions : Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Given below are some sample behavioral questions on interpersonal skills. The candidate can refer to them to show good interpersonal skills in the interview. Some sample behavioral interview questions on leadership along with some sample behavioral interview questions on initiative are also provided in our next entries.

1. Did you ever have an experience where a colleague strongly opposed your actions or the way you work? What did you do to convince him and build a good working relationship?

   Ans: Sample answer: "It happened once that a colleague did not like my way of working. I asked him for a discussion and explained my point of view. I also asked him what his expectations were. We also shared some experiences about each other’s style of working. We reached a conclusion that we were working towards a common goal and respected point of views of both. After that we developed a very constructive working relationship and can seek suggestions from one another as and when required."

2. How people-friendly are you?

   Ans: Applicants must show that they are very good at interaction with people. They should elaborate their interpersonal skills which can assist them in creating good relations with people wherever they go. The genuineness of the answer will be represented by the warmth of response, gracious smile, eye contact and body language.

3. How would your current manager describe you as a person?

   Ans: The interviewer wants certain words when you answer this question. Words like professional, team player, focused, hardworking, responsible is what he wants to hear. He also wants to check the kind of relation you share with your manager and the rest of the team members. Make sure that you are honest when you answer these types of questions.

4. According to you, how important is team building? What are the things you do for team building?

   Ans: Sample answer: "Team building is extremely essential. A strongly united group will act upon in an ordered and supportive way and will stand out in the tasks at hand. For team building I encourage my colleagues to assist each other in doing our jobs and help the weaker members in any issues they might face. We also have small celebrations and go for special outings whenever we achieve our targets. I have also encouraged celebrating birthdays and other such special events in our team."

5. In a new organization how do you build relations with your superiors or colleagues?

   Ans: In initial interactions with the managers or reporting staff I more often than not ask questions about my everyday jobs and ask for feedbacks to boost performance. It is an easy way to communicate with your superiors as they will certainly like to see a team member looking to improve performance. With colleagues, I don’t try to force myself on them. To begin with I just share smiles and wish them and then slowly ease into a bond by sharing a joke or two and then lunch. I also ask them for ways to get the job completed tidily.

6. What is the best way to handle irate customers?

   Ans: Sample answer: "The key is to maintain a friendly demeanor and helpful attitude. It is important to listen to the customer patiently and to comprehend the reason for his anger carefully. This will calm down the customer as he has vented out his anger. Then one should have the skill to reassure the customer that here on everything will work out smoothly. Offer the customers options if possible. The customer will be really happy and will treat you nicely in the future."

7. If a colleague is upset with you, not because of your fault, but because you are performing much better than him even though he is working as hard as you, how will you calm him down?

   Ans: Sample answer: "In such a situation it is important to show empathy. Every human being is different and one needs to understand the others point of view; and the most important thing is he is upset about your performance and not upset with you. It shows that even he wants to perform well. You can talk to him and check what it is, that he is doing wrongly. Explain to him why you are more effective when both are putting in the same effort. This will calm him down and he will be more focused. It will also help building trust between the two of you and he will be willing to help you out in future, if the need be."

8. What is the best way for conflict management?

   Ans: Sample answer: "Conflicts are inevitable in any organization as people differ from each other. Dealing with conflicts upfront is very essential. It should start with open communication. Both the parties must listen to each other and understand their point of views. Then one needs to reach at a mutual compromise and cooperate consciously. This will lead to a healthy professional relationship and the efficiency will get better."

Given above were some sample behavioral interview questions on interpersonal skills. We have also provided some sample behavioral interview questions on communication. Candidate can check them up to learn how to display his communication skills during the interview to win the job.