More Commons Interview Questions
26) How do you handle work pressure?
My way of dealing with pressure is to keep the big picture
in mind.
If something unexpected happens, or I am given a sudden
challenge that seems beyond my ability to handle, I start by
taking a 5-minute break.
I go to the window and focus on putting things into
perspective.
This is a challenge, yes, but if I fail, it's not the end of the
world, and it's certainly
not worth sacrificing my health or happiness.
Spending that 5 minutes allows me to center myself, and
then I'm calm when tackling whatever daunting thing may
be ahead.
Doing this usually leads to much better results. Also, a calm
mind is more creative and clear.
Another strategy is to fragment tasks into manageable
pieces. By focusing on each task, the whole thing doesn't
seem so scary.
I once had to develop an entire application screen in two
days.
Looking at the whole thing was like looking up at a
mountain.
But after properly breaking the project into pieces, it ended
up being both manageable and much easier than I had first
imagined, and I was able to deliver it on time.
27) What makes you uncomfortable?
In fact, I feel somewhat uncomfortable when I'm not sure
what is expected of me.
It's not that I fear uncertainty, it's that I always want to do
quality work, and when I am not sure the criteria by which
my work will be measured, it's hard for me to properly set
goals and make sure I am moving in the right direction.
28) What are your hobbies?
I'm really into reading. I read over 20 books a year, and the
reason for that is my insatiable curiosity.
Typically, I am reading books about personal development,
but I'm also interested in science, history, and books about
the human condition.
I think reading is like a shortcut for gaining experience.
Reading is a way to live someone else's life, and through
that, to become a more capable person.
Besides reading, I love training, I go to the gym five times a
week.
I like to leave the gym exhausted because I really believe in
the saying, tired body, rested mind.
That's it, my favorite hobbies are taking care of my body
and my mind.
28) How would you resolve a conflict between
colleagues?
I would try to mediate the conflict through a conversation.
Try to get each other's perspectives, so that we can come
up with a solution that would suit everyone.
Communication is the basis of everything.
29) How would you deal with a furious
customer?
If a furious customer were shouting at me, for whatever
reason, I would ask
questions rather than arguing.
Arguments lead to more conflict, and things just escalate.
That doesn't work. I would remain calm and just keep the
questions coming.
By doing that, I'd allow the customer to get it out of their
system, and at the same time, I'd be showing them my
genuine concern for their issue.
Once it's all out in the open, and they have calmed down
somewhat, we can start working on solutions.