For the best result, make sure you have read this article and already have a write-up of your answer prior to your Cambly session. You can send a longer text to your tutor through Cambly’s messaging system.
This following content has been modified from LiveCareer. See the original article here.
Guideline
Read the following text with your tutor.
What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…
With the question, “What is a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?” the hiring manager is wondering about your communication skills. They want to know how you deal with disagreement and how you interact with those in authority. The interviewer wants to know if you’d be a good fit for the company
Activities
Go over the following points with your tutors.
- Think about any previous experiences you’ve had with disagreements at work.
- How do you tend to deal with disagreements?
- Consider how you can begin to communicate your tendencies in this answer.
Guideline
Read the following text with your tutor.
Points to Emphasize
To respond in a way that focuses on your skills and experiences, keep these tips in mind:
- Describe how a situation prepared you to handle disagreements in the future.
- Talk about how your easy-going personality helps to lessen tension.
- Explain the situation around a disagreement in a respectful way.
- Mention the importance of communication even when there’s disagreement.
- Stay positive in your response.
Activities
Go over the following points with your tutors.
- How can you describe an easy-going personality?
- How has the situation prepared you for future disagreements?
- How has the example shown you the importance of communication?
Guideline
Read the following text with your tutor.
Mistakes You Should Avoid
In your response, be sure to avoid these common mistakes that sound critical:
- Don’t speak poorly of your previous boss or coworker.
- Don’t ignore your character traits that helped in the situation.
- Don’t pretend you’ve never had disagreements with a boss.
- Don’t be overly critical of the situation.
- Don’t avoid the truth in your answer.
Activities
Go over the following points with your tutors.
- Is your description of the experience respectful?
- Be sure you highlight your personality traits.
- Think about how to avoid being critical of the situation.
Guideline
Read the following text with your tutor.
Sample Answer
Here’s an example of a response to the question, “What is a time you disagreed with a decision made at work?” stays positive and highlights why you’re a great fit:
“I have disagreed with my boss over how to best fill a customer’s need. Instead of questioning his authority, I went to him individually with my concerns. I was honest and clear about the problems I saw. The situation ended up being a simple misunderstanding and helped both of us in moving forward.”
Activities
Go over the following points with your tutors.
- Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
- Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
- Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.
Cambly Content 