When was the last time something upset you at work? What did you do?

1 Answer

Answer :

Almost everyone has an emotional moment related to work at some point - you're not alone. The key is to learn why you reacted that way and to focus not on the problem but HOW to resolve it. Another key component is to be aware of your emotional response so that you can learn to control it in the future in a calm way.

Related questions

Description : Your client is upset with you for a mistake you made, how do you react?

Last Answer : Acknowledge their pain - empathize with them. Then apologize and oer a solution to fix the mistake.

Description : Looking back on your last position, have you done your best work?  

Last Answer : TRAPS: Tricky question. Answer absolutely and it can seem like your best work is behind you. Answer, no, my best work is ahead of me, and it can seem as if you didn ... hitting your career stride thanks to several factors. Then, recap those factors, highlighting your strongest qualifications.   

Description : Describe the last time that you undertook a project that demanded a lot of initiative.

Last Answer : Describe that you take initiative and are self-driven. You want to give an example that is recent, because it shows that you still have initiative, not that you had it 12 years ago.

Description : Tell me about the last time you missed a goal or deadline.

Last Answer : Unless you're a completely perfect person, chances are you've messed up before on a goal/deadline. If so, discuss how you fell short and what you would have done in retrospect to achieve it.

Description : When was the last time you were angry? What happened?

Last Answer : Interview questions: Answer tips/answer samples: The interviewer wants to know how you handle situations when you are not in a good mood . So be careful with your answer. Don't just tell him a ... start formulating an action plan. That has been and will always be my approach to such a situation.

Description : What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Last Answer : I think I was very successful in all aspects of my last job. I'm particularly proud of my work with new hires. I developed programs that helped integrate them into the company and this in turn helped our ... . If not, it appears that you can't think of anything you did well at your last job.

Description : Have you ever had to take over an assignment at the last minute?

Last Answer : I've had to do that more than once - actually several times. The most recent time was when a colleague was scheduled to attend a meeting out of town and came down with the flu two days before he ... in order to make a successful presentation. Never Say: Yes, it has happened. Give an example.

Description : How did you progress at your last job?

Last Answer : I was hired as a sales associate by K.R. Nickel Stores seven years ago. I became assistant manager of the girls' clothing department two years later. My boss said she never saw a young associate work ... of girls' clothing. This interviewee must talk about how he got from point A to point C.

Description : What is the last thing you read?

Last Answer : I just finished the latest book on management techniques by Jane Brown. I'm always trying to keep up with the latest literature in the field. Reading is a great way to keep up with changes in ... have time to keep up with your professional literature if you want to be seen as a dedicated applicant.

Description : Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job?

Last Answer : Candidate: I advised customers on financial matters. After I consulted the customer, I completed a customer inquiry form and catalogued the information in our database. I then collaborated with colleagues ... the passive voice, or an introductory clause to help you add variety to your presentation

Description : How many garden hoses were sold in the US last year?

Last Answer : Work backwards on this to find the answer: There are an estimated 150 million households in the US (making this up), from there we see an average of 2 hoses per household, and thus we arrive at 300 million hoses.

Description : What type of supervisory training have you completed in the last two years?

Last Answer : You could discuss training from a mentor/current supervisor. You could discuss management classes you've taken. You could discuss management books you've read.

Description : What certifications/classes have you completed this last year? Were any of them required by your supervisor?

Last Answer : Describe your certifications and state which ones you pursued on your own to show you initiative

Description : Tell me about the types of word processing you did on your last job.

Last Answer : Discuss your familiarity with Microsoft Oce, Lotus Notes, Zimbra, Apple software products and so forth. A typewriter doesn't count. It's obsolete.

Description : Your resume shows that you were with your last company for a number of years with limited increase in rank or salary. What can you tell me about this?

Last Answer : Don't say anything bad about the company. Did you like your job and you didn't want to move up? Did your company have a tight budget and rarely gave increases to anyone? Was your rank level a broad range so that you really did move within it, but on paper it isn't as noticeable?

Description : Why did you leave your last job?

Last Answer : Don't talk bad about the company, even if you left because you hated your manager. Explain the reasons you left and why the new job would be a great fit for you.

Description : How much were you absent from your last job?

Last Answer : Be honest because this could come out in a reference check. If you were absence more than most people, explain why. You'll want to explain that you are committed to the job and will be dependable.

Description : In your last job what kinds of pressure did you encounter and how did you react?

Last Answer : Do not show your fear or uneasiness in handling pressure. Everyone likes to have a worker who can handle pressure calmly and with a clear train of thought. Show how you would logically come to a conclusion in a pressure filled situation.

Description : What's the last book you read?

Last Answer : Try to talk about a book related to the industry, for example, if you're applying for a role related to business, cite a business book.

Description : What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Last Answer : "He/She wouldn't say anything bad, but he/she may point out I could improve in a certain area, and I've taken steps to become better at those skills"

Description : What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?

Last Answer : Hopefully they would have hundreds of positive things to say about you! Just pick the top three. Then explain why!

Description : What were the responsibilities of your last position?

Last Answer : Describe your responsibilities but discuss the results/metrics that show how you made an impact on the company in that role. This way it shows you hold yourself accountable.

Description : What have you done to improve yourself in the last year?

Last Answer : Discuss how you've improved yourself through work experiences, books you've read, classes, club(s) / extracurricular activities and describe the process on how it's happened. For example: I ... skills tremendously because I've had to do 2 presentations this year for my communications class.

Description : Tell me about a dicult decision you've made in the last year.

Last Answer : We all have dicult decisions in our lives. Show how you were able to arrive at it and then how you decisively acted.

Description : If you are allowed to change one thing about your last job, what would it be?

Last Answer : I have been working at a senior level since last many years. These roles have always needed me to make real time decisions. Sometimes the facts, figures and other information in real time cases are not ... I had had the complete data and figures but there was no way to get them in real time.

Description : What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Last Answer : This question is about your weaknesses. In fact, it is a very hard question for a candidate to answer as it is very difficult to be honest with oneself and say out loud about negative ... have learn since then the skill to delegate and cooperate with others to complete the job more effectively.

Description : What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Last Answer : Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention. Also in the current ... the market is changing and would give you an added advantage when looking for your next role.

Description : What was the toughest part of your last job? 

Last Answer : TRAPS: This is slightly different from the question raised earlier, What's the most difficult part of being a (job title ) because this asks what you personally have found most difficult in your ... the open position, and you enjoyed least those tasks that are unimportant to the position at hand. 

Description : Could you have done better in your last job? 

Last Answer : TRAPS: This is no time for true confessions of major or even minor problems. BEST ANSWER: Again never be negative.  Example: I suppose with the benefit of hindsight you can always find things to do better, of ... , but since we couldn't, we just had to go for it. And we did learn from it  

Description : What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Last Answer : Interview questions: What negative thing would your last boss say about you? Answer tips/answer samples: This question is about your weaknesses. In fact, it is a very hard question for a ... learn since then the skill to delegate and cooperate with others to complete the job more effectively.

Description : What have you been doing since your last job?

Last Answer : Interview questions: What have you been doing since your last job? Answer tips/answer samples: Maybe the interviewer will ask about what you have been doing in the time period that you didn't ... . However, you need to have legitimate reasons for your non-employment while you were out of work.

Description : What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Last Answer : What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year? Answer tips Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be ... next version of our current project. I attended seminars on personal development and managerial skills improvement.

Description : Why did you leave your last job?

Last Answer : Here you will need to be careful as there are many possible answers you could use, just remember to NEVER talk negatively about any prior or current employer to a potential employer. No one wants ... opportunities, for you to grow professionally, or you were looking for the chance to work abroad.

Description : What did you like least about your last job?

Last Answer : Bad answer: "A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.    Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your ... much time out of the office. I'm happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.  

Description : It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Last Answer : When I was a freshman in college, I decided to run for president of the management club. My opponent was in his junior year. I came up with what I thought and still think was a great ... must give a more detailed answer. This one leaves the interviewer to wonder why the applicant lost the election.

Description : Have you ever done something that directly helped your employer either increase profits or decrease costs?

Last Answer : I recently found a way to help my employer save money on office supplies. For years, they bought office supplies from the same place. It was several blocks away, so it was pretty convenient. I have found that shopping ... of saying he'll just do the job, he needs to show why he'd be great at it.

Description : Have you ever received formal recognition for something you accomplished?

Last Answer : Yes. I won Salesperson of the Month four times when I was working for Ace Stereo. Those with the largest increase in sales over the previous month were rewarded in this way. I believe I ... for a fashion-consulting position, this answer doesn't highlight any skills that will impress the employer.

Description : As you know, this is a new programming-director position. We’re thinking about having the person in this position also handle promoting our programs. Is that something you can handle?

Last Answer : My primary responsibility as program director at the Art Council was program development. However, we had a very small staff, so I was usually responsible for promotion as well. I wrote press releases, ... of this job. If it turned out not to be, would this candidate be disappointed and quit?

Description : Everyone has made some poor decisions or has done something that just did not turn out right. Give an example of when this has happened to you.

Last Answer : Focus on what you learned from your poor decision, and how you will no longer make the same mistakes.

Description : Give me a specific example of something you did that helped build enthusiasm in others.

Last Answer : If you're ever going to be a supervisor, the company wants to know that you can motivate employees. Give an example of what you've done to motivate others and build enthusiasm.

Description : If someone had to say something negative to you, what would they say?

Last Answer : Again, be honest about sharing a story here about someone who may not have gotten along with you in the oce here and explain how you were able to fix that relationship or change your attitude/action to be a better person / coworker.

Description : If the company you worked for was doing something unethical or illegal, what would you do?

Last Answer : Report it to the leaders within the company. True leaders understand business ethics are important to the company's longevity

Description : Tell us something about your hobbies

Last Answer : Answer it with honesty, as they can go deeper into this discussion. You can include: - Browsing the internet - Blogging, - Chatting with friends, - Reading newspapers, - Reading books, - Shopping,

Description : Tell me something negative you’ve heard about our company… 

Last Answer : TRAPS: This is a common fishing expedition to see what the industry grapevine may be saying about the company. But it's also a trap because as an outsider, you never want to be the bearer of ... ANSWER: Just remember the rule - never be negative - and you'll handle this one just fine.   

Description : Tell me about something you did – or failed to do – that you now feel a little ashamed of. 

Last Answer : TRAPS: There are some questions your interviewer has no business asking, and this is one. But while you may feel like answering, none of your business, naturally you can't. Some interviewers ... fun at work because they're striving for excellence rather than brooding over slights or regrets.   

Description : Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who dislike each other to work together. How did you accomplish this? What was the outcome?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how well you can mediate a situation and handle conflict. You want to come across as someone who can compromise when necessary.

Description : Give me a specific example of a time when a co-worker or classmate criticized your work in front of others. How did you respond? How has that event shaped the way you communicate with others?

Last Answer : You want to explain how you believe constructive criticism can be helpful, but that it should be done one-on-one and not in front of others. Explain how you do things dierently than the person in your example did.

Description : Tell me about a time you had to handle multiple responsibilities. How did you organize the work you needed to do?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see if you have the ability to multitask. Give an example of how you organized your work.

Description : Recall a time from your work experience when your manager or supervisor was unavailable and a problem arose. What was the nature of the problem? How did you handle that situation? How did that make you feel?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see if you require supervision or if you can work independently and make decisions. Give an example that shines a good light on you.

Description : Tell of a time when you worked with a colleague who was not completing his or her share of the work. Who, if anyone, did you tell or talk to about it? Did the manager take any steps to correct your colleague? Did you agree or disagree with the manager's actions?

Last Answer : This is a trick question. The interviewer wants to see that you spoke with the colleague first about not completing his/her share, not that you went straight to the manager about it.