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SENIOR LEVEL

Tell me about a time when you had to handle a user who was resistant to change.

Help Desk Technician Interview Questions
Tell me about a time when you had to handle a user who was resistant to change.

Sample answer to the question

One time, while working as a help desk technician, I encountered a user who was resistant to changing their email client. They were used to a different email client and were hesitant to switch. I empathized with their concerns and explained the benefits of the new email client, including improved security features and a user-friendly interface. I also offered to provide them with a training session to familiarize them with the new client. After patiently addressing their concerns and offering support, the user agreed to try the new email client. I provided step-by-step instructions for the transition and followed up with them to ensure a smooth transition. In the end, the user realized the benefits of the new client and appreciated the support and guidance I provided.

A more solid answer

During my time as a help desk technician, I encountered a user who was resistant to a software upgrade that would improve their workflow. I understood that change can be challenging, so I approached the situation with empathy and patience. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting with the user to understand their concerns and motivations. Through active listening, I discovered that the user was worried about the learning curve and potential disruptions to their routine. I alleviated their concerns by highlighting the benefits of the upgrade, such as enhanced features and increased efficiency. I emphasized that the company's goal was to improve productivity and provide better support. To address their learning concerns, I offered to provide personalized training sessions and ongoing support during the transition. By tailoring the training to their specific needs and allowing them to ask questions, I helped the user gain confidence in using the new software. I also ensured that the user had access to additional resources, such as tutorials and user guides. Throughout the process, I maintained open communication and regularly checked in with the user to address any issues and provide encouragement. Ultimately, the user embraced the change and appreciated the support and guidance I provided.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details about how the candidate approached and handled the situation. It demonstrates their interpersonal skills by showing empathy and patience towards the resistant user. The candidate also showcases their problem-solving skills by addressing the user's concerns and offering personalized solutions. Additionally, the answer highlights the candidate's customer care skills by emphasizing the importance of open communication and ongoing support.

An exceptional answer

In my role as a senior help desk technician, I encountered a user who was strongly resistant to a major system upgrade. This upgrade was essential for the company to stay competitive in the market and improve overall efficiency. Understanding the importance of change management, I took a proactive approach to address the user's resistance. Firstly, I researched the reasons behind their resistance by analyzing past conversations and gathering feedback from their colleagues. This gave me valuable insights into their concerns and allowed me to tailor my approach accordingly. I scheduled a face-to-face meeting with the user to discuss the upgrade and address their concerns directly. During the meeting, I highlighted the benefits of the new system, such as enhanced security measures and streamlined processes, that would ultimately benefit their daily work. Furthermore, I emphasized that their feedback was vital in shaping the implementation plan, making them feel valued and involved in the process. To alleviate their fears and ensure a smooth transition, I created a comprehensive training program that included both in-person sessions and online resources. I developed engaging training materials and exercises that catered to different learning styles and provided ongoing support throughout the transition period. Additionally, I organized peer support groups where users who had already adapted successfully shared their experiences. This fostered a sense of community and encouragement. To measure user satisfaction and identify potential areas for improvement, I conducted post-implementation surveys and held feedback sessions. The user, initially resistant to the upgrade, not only eventually embraced the change but also became an advocate for the new system. They appreciated the attention given to their concerns, the comprehensive training program, and the ongoing support provided.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by showcasing the candidate's strategic thinking and leadership skills. The candidate demonstrates their ability to analyze the situation and gather feedback to create a tailored approach. They also showcase their ability to create a comprehensive training program and engage the resistance user through user involvement and peer support. The candidate's focus on measuring user satisfaction and seeking feedback highlights their commitment to continuous improvement. Overall, the exceptional answer demonstrates the candidate's exceptional skills in handling resistance to change and driving successful implementation.

How to prepare for this question

  • Reflect on past experiences where you encountered resistance to change and how you handled them. Think about the strategies and techniques you used to address the resistance and achieve a successful outcome.
  • Be prepared to discuss the importance of change management and how you prioritize user concerns and needs during the change process.
  • Highlight your problem-solving skills by showcasing your ability to address user concerns, provide training and ongoing support, and measure user satisfaction.
  • Emphasize your interpersonal and communication skills by discussing how you build rapport and trust with resistant users and effectively explain the benefits of the change.
  • Research best practices in change management and familiarize yourself with different strategies and techniques to handle resistance to change. Use this knowledge to provide comprehensive and informed answers.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Verbal and written communication

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