Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult source during an interview.

Sample answer to the question

During an interview for an article on environmental issues, I had to deal with a difficult source who was hesitant to share any information. I remained calm and empathetic, assuring the source that their perspective was important and that I wanted to accurately represent their views. I asked open-ended questions and actively listened to their responses, allowing them to express their concerns. By establishing a level of trust, I was able to gradually gain their cooperation and gather the necessary information for the article. Although it was a challenging situation, I approached it with patience and persistence.

A more solid answer

During an interview for an article on environmental issues, I encountered a source who was initially hesitant to share information. To address this, I focused on building rapport and establishing trust. I used active listening skills to demonstrate empathy and understanding, allowing the source to feel comfortable opening up to me. I also adapted my approach by asking open-ended questions that encouraged them to share their perspective more freely. Through perseverance and patience, I was eventually able to gather the necessary information and create a well-rounded article that accurately represented different viewpoints. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and effective communication in overcoming challenges during interviews.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more comprehensive description of the candidate's experience dealing with a difficult source during an interview. It includes specific details about the candidate's communication skills, interviewing techniques, and adaptability. The candidate mentions using active listening skills, establishing rapport, and asking open-ended questions. However, the answer could be further improved by providing specific examples of the questions asked and how the candidate adapted their approach.

An exceptional answer

During an interview for an article on environmental issues, I encountered a source who was hesitant and guarded in their responses. To effectively navigate this situation, I employed a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I conducted extensive research on the source beforehand, gaining insight into their background and areas of expertise. This allowed me to ask informed and thought-provoking questions that stimulated meaningful conversation. Secondly, I actively listened to the source's responses, showing genuine interest in their perspective and creating a comfortable environment for open dialogue. I acknowledged their concerns and reassured them that their input was essential in providing a balanced and accurate article. Additionally, I utilized my adaptability by adjusting my interview style based on the source's demeanor. For example, if the source seemed more receptive to casual conversation, I incorporated personal anecdotes to build rapport. On the other hand, if the source preferred a more professional approach, I maintained a focused and direct line of questioning. By employing these strategies, I was able to overcome the initial difficulty and establish a productive relationship with the source, ultimately gathering valuable information for the article.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a thorough and detailed account of the candidate's experience dealing with a difficult source during an interview. It includes specific examples of the candidate's research, active listening, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. The candidate demonstrates the ability to adjust their interview style based on the source's demeanor and effectively build rapport. The answer also highlights the importance of acknowledging the source's concerns and emphasizing the value of their input. Overall, the exceptional answer showcases the candidate's exceptional abilities in communication, adaptability, and relationship-building.

How to prepare for this question

Research the source before the interview to gain insight into their background and areas of expertise.
Practice active listening skills to demonstrate empathy and understanding.
Prepare a list of thought-provoking and open-ended questions to encourage meaningful conversation.
Develop adaptability by practicing different interview styles based on the source's demeanor.
Learn techniques for building rapport and establishing trust during interviews.

What interviewers are evaluating

Communication skills
Interviewing techniques
Adaptability