Interviewing to Get the Job: “How would you handle this situation …?”

By Sharon Boerbon Hanson

“… Your boss has an idea she’s sold on, but you have reservations about it.”

This questions pits honesty against loyalty. In that battle, honesty always wins. A good answer to this tricky question however, offers both.

An example answer: “If I thought the idea was a real clunker, I’d put that to the side and try to think of what is positive in it. What do I think will work? If I still have reservations, I’d point them out objectively sticking to facts and being specific. I believe a good employee never lets his boss down. If I am objective and honest, I’ve done the right thing by him. If he is still convinced his plan is a winner, I’d try to find ways to make it stronger. He may or may not agree with my additions or changes. If he want to proceed with his original idea, I would give it my whole-hearted support.”

Sharon Boerbon Hanson is associate executive director of Advance IT Minnesota, a Center of Excellence that promotes awareness of and excellence in IT careers in order to ensure business success. She has over 25 years’ experience marketing and brand-building, and has been a resume and interview coach 15 years.