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What is the best way to respond to a question raised tension in a job interview ?

What is the best way to respond to a question raised tension in a job interview ?

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Question added by Mohammad Ali Aladwan , Store Supervisor , universal cold store food products factory company
Date Posted: 2016/02/17
Ali Ibrahim
by Ali Ibrahim , QA/QC Manager , EBLA For Engineering and trading

Be prepared, The best way to stay calm is to be very prepared in every way possible.

Be relaxed and think of the interview as a conversation.

Think positively and be confident. Think friend not foe.

Accept the fact that mistakes will happen.

Remember there are other jobs.

Raed Ramadan
by Raed Ramadan , Partner and CEO , Pillars e-solution LLC

How you respond to questions, especially difficult questions, is important because it's an opportunity for you to provide information, clarify misunderstandings and show your character. When responding to challenging questions, your tone and delivery can deescalate a tense situation and work to build trust and understanding between parties.

Before answering a tough question, take a moment to compose yourself. Avoid a reactive response by taking a deep breath, gathering your thoughts and thinking about your approach to the question.

This pause can give you time to choose an appropriate strategy, like humor, to deal with the situation.

mango Dennis
by mango Dennis , FIELD SUPPORT STAFF , LIFECARE DIAGNOSTICS

Keeping calm and rethinking about the question asked

Add context to these skills with a relevant, impactful example

Raja Sharjeel Hassan Soomro
by Raja Sharjeel Hassan Soomro , Program Coordinator , Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)

If a question raises tension during a job interview, it's important to stay calm and composed. Here are some tips on how to respond to such a situation:

Take a deep breath: If a question raises tension, take a deep breath to calm your nerves and gather your thoughts. This will help you respond calmly and thoughtfully.

Don't get defensive: Avoid getting defensive or confrontational, even if the question seems unfair or accusatory. Remember that the interviewer is trying to assess your skills and fit for the job, and may be testing your ability to handle difficult situations.

Clarify the question: If the question is unclear, ask the interviewer to clarify it. This will ensure that you understand the question properly and can respond appropriately.

Be honest: If the question raises tension because it touches on a sensitive topic, such as a past failure or a conflict with a coworker, be honest about it. Acknowledge the issue and explain how you have learned from it or how you plan to address it in the future.

Stay focused: Even if a question raises tension, try to stay focused on the job and the skills required for it. Use the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications and your ability to handle difficult situations with professionalism.

End on a positive note: After responding to the question, end on a positive note by thanking the interviewer for the opportunity and expressing your enthusiasm for the job.

Muhammad Ali Raja
by Muhammad Ali Raja , In House Legal Assistant , Arabian Gasoline

It will show your Confidence and your command over the situation. Stay calm, think and reply, don't try to be oversmart but response must be on the basis of facts and valid ground. 

danishshahaab shahaab
by danishshahaab shahaab , Sales And Administrative Staff , AirWalk

Giving job interview free minded 

Faisal Shahzad
by Faisal Shahzad , Mud Logger & Data Engineer , shenkai mud logging pakistan

be cool, answering correctly

ARNULFO NOAH  ESLAWAN SOLAMILLO
by ARNULFO NOAH ESLAWAN SOLAMILLO , Health Safety Security and Environment Officer , Kentz SNC Lavalin Engineers and Contractors Company

Be calm and respond in a low tone voice.

ZIA UR REHMAN
by ZIA UR REHMAN , IT Teacher Cum IT Services , Elementary & Secondary Education

When faced with a question that raises tension during a job interview, it's important to respond in a calm and composed manner. Here are some steps to handle such situations:

  1. Take a breath and pause: Before responding, take a moment to collect your thoughts and compose yourself. This pause allows you to regain your composure and approach the question with a clear mind.

  2. Stay professional and positive: Regardless of the question's tone or content, maintain a professional and positive demeanor. Avoid getting defensive, argumentative, or emotional. Instead, focus on providing a well-thought-out and respectful response.

  3. Listen actively: Ensure you fully understand the question before answering. Active listening is crucial to addressing any concerns or tensions appropriately. If needed, ask for clarification or repetition to make sure you're interpreting the question correctly.

  4. Remain empathetic: Consider the interviewer's perspective and the intention behind the question. Recognize that they may be testing your ability to handle difficult situations, evaluate your problem-solving skills, or assess how you handle pressure. Responding with empathy can help defuse tension and foster a constructive conversation.

  5. Address the concern directly: Provide a concise and direct response to the question. Be honest and transparent while avoiding deflection or evasion. Stay focused on the relevant information and avoid unnecessary tangents.

  6. Provide supporting examples: Whenever possible, back up your response with specific examples or past experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle similar situations or challenges. This adds credibility to your answer and showcases your skills and competencies.

  7. Maintain professionalism throughout: Regardless of the tension in the room, it's crucial to remain professional and composed. Keep your tone of voice measured, maintain good eye contact, and use positive body language. This approach helps create a positive impression and shows that you can handle difficult situations with grace.

  8. Redirect the conversation: If the tension persists or the question seems unfair or inappropriate, you can politely redirect the conversation back to your qualifications and fit for the role. Acknowledge the question briefly and then transition to highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.

Remember, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor while addressing tense questions demonstrates your ability to handle challenging situations and maintain composure under pressure. By responding thoughtfully, empathetically, and with supporting evidence, you can effectively navigate these moments during a job interview.

Jawaid Rather
by Jawaid Rather , Customer Service Manager , Khidmat Centre

Be prepared enough and respond accordingly. Don't be calm. You need to control your body language and keep yourself confident and in positive manner.

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