How to Answer: What Kind of Person Do You Refuse to Work With?

As a flight attendant applicant, you may have encountered different interview questions that will test your character, skills and qualities, and outlook on issues related to your job. One of these questions is “What is the kind of person you refuse to work with?” This question may seem simple, but in reality, it’s a trick question. The interviewer wants to see how you will respond and assess your ability to handle challenges and diversity in the workplace.

Also Read: How to Answer: What Does Excellent Customer Service Mean to You?

The short and quickest answer is “I don’t refuse to work with anyone.” After all, you are a cabin crew, and you work with colleagues from different backgrounds whether you have conflicts or not. It is also your job to serve everyone regardless of who they are. However, it would be ideal if you just add a bit more explanation that would let the interviewer know that you have respect for yourself, and your profession, and understand the importance of maintaining professionalism while on board.

In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to answer this question effectively, objectively, and professionally.

Why is the Interviewer Asking this Question?

The interviewer wants to know how you can cope and collaborate with different people in your work environment. As a flight attendant, you will be working with different crew members, passengers, and clients who come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and attitudes.

You should be adaptable, courteous, and non-judgmental towards anyone you encounter, despite their differences. The interviewer wants to gauge how you will handle conflicts, challenges, and pressures when working with others that are deemed challenging or difficult to work with.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Answer the Question

Remember that this is a job and it doesn’t matter if you like a colleague or not, it’s about performing a task at hand. Here are some steps you can practice in order to answer this question properly:

1. Be objective and professional
2. Show your adaptability and willingness to work with different team members
3. Avoid enumerating negative traits of previous workmates or subordinates
4. Focus on the person’s behavior that deviates from the company policies
5. Explain how you will handle conflicts or challenges related to work
6. Give examples of teamwork and successful collaboration despite differences
7. Emphasize the importance of maintaining professional conduct at all times

Sample Answers to the Question

Here are some sample responses to answer the interviewer. You may adjust them according to your situation:

1. “I don’t refuse to work with any specific type of person, as I am open to learning from others and embracing diversity. However, if a person’s behavior goes against the company’s policies and values, I will report it to the management in a professional manner.”
2. “I prefer working with people who are respectful, accountable, and communicative. I believe these traits are essential in promoting teamwork and collaboration among crew members and passengers. But I will not refuse to work with a certain individual just because we may have differences.”
3. “I am adaptable to working with people of different personalities and attitudes. I know that it is important to maintain a positive attitude and work professionally to promote a safe and comfortable flight experience for everyone.”
4. “I believe that every person has their strengths and weaknesses. As a flight attendant, I need to be patient, compassionate, and understanding towards every person I encounter, regardless of their behavior or background.”
5. “I am committed to maintaining professional conduct at all times. I know that this job requires me to be courteous, respectful, and non-judgmental towards anyone I encounter, especially in stressful situations like flight delays or disruptions.”
6. “I respect the company’s ethical standards, and I will not tolerate any behavior or conduct that may compromise the safety, security, or reputation of the airline.”
7. “I am willing to collaborate with anyone, and I know that diversity and differences in opinions make a team better. I believe in working towards a common goal and ensuring that every passenger has a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable flight experience.”

The Only Time You Should Provide an Answer about Refusing to Work with Specific People

You have to think about the best interest of the company. On the rare occasion that you have to cite an example to expound on a particular person is when the actual person is affecting the business/company in a negative way. You can check out some example responses below:

• “During my previous job, there was a customer service representative who was verbally and emotionally abusive towards passengers. I had to report him to the management so that they can address the issue and take necessary actions.”
• “There was an incident where a colleague of mine did not follow safety protocols and procedures, which could have posed danger to other crew members and passengers. I reported it to the management so that appropriate measures can be taken.”
• “At a former workplace, there was an individual who would often flout company rules and regulations. In this case, I had to inform the supervisor about his misconduct in order to protect my colleagues and ensure that business operations continued smoothly.”

If you notice the answers above do not really mention that you refuse to work with a particular person, but you are citing scenarios that are causing a negative impact on the company.

Other than this, you should not mention that you refuse to work with a specific type of person because of any differences in opinion. Instead, emphasize the importance of maintaining professional conduct and working collaboratively despite differences. This will show your interviewer that you have sound judgment and self-awareness when it comes to dealing with people.

Also Read: How to Answer: What are Your Weaknesses?

Tips When Answering this Question

It’s crucial that you answer this question objectively, professionally, and without any negative bias toward any particular group of people. Here are some more tips:

1. Be honest, but avoid being negative or judgmental.
2. Focus on the positive traits that make a successful team.
3. Emphasize your willingness to collaborate and work with anyone.
4. Show that you are adaptable to different situations and personalities.
5. Provide examples of how you have worked in a team before and achieved success despite differences.
6. Always maintain professional conduct, even in challenging situations.
7. Be confident and concise in your answer.

Questions to Ask Yourself to Help You in Answering

It’s good to ask yourself the following questions before answering this question:

1. What are my strengths and weaknesses in working with different people?
2. How do I handle conflicts or challenges with my colleagues or subordinates?
3. Am I respectful, non-judgmental, and courteous towards others?
4. What examples can I provide to show my ability to work in a team environment?
5. How do I maintain professional conduct under pressure?

Do’s and Dont’s

When you answer this question, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s

• Be honest and professional.
• Focus on the positive traits that make a successful team.
• Show your willingness to collaborate and work with anyone.
• Provide examples if necessary.
• Maintain professional conduct under pressure.

Don’ts

• Don’t mention any negative opinions about certain people or groups.
• Don’t bring up any unnecessary details about previous conflicts or challenges.
• Don’t be judgemental or biased towards anyone.
• Don’t make any derogatory statements about anyone.

Video: What Kind of Person Would you Refuse to Work With?

Here’s a video clip on YouTube that may help you answer the question, “What kind of person would you refuse to work with?”

Summary

Answering the question “What is the kind of person you refuse to work with?” may seem quite easy, but it’s actually a trick question that you should answer properly. It is important to emphasize the importance of maintaining professional conduct at all times.

Avoid being negative or judgmental and focus on the positive traits that make a successful team. Emphasize your willingness to collaborate and work with anyone, no matter their differences.

Lastly, provide examples of how you have managed difficult situations before. Make sure to be confident and concise in your answer.