The “what makes you angry” interview question is a common inquiry that aims to uncover an applicant’s triggers and how they handle difficult situations. Knowing how to answer this question effectively is important because it can give the interviewer insight into your emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills. However, it’s also important to keep your answer professional and avoid mentioning personal issues or controversial topics. In this article, I will provide tips for answering the “what makes you angry” interview question and give five examples of how to approach this question.
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What does the interviewer want to know by asking this question?
An interviewer might ask the “what makes you angry” question to see how well you can handle difficult situations, your values, and if you will fit in with the company culture. They want to understand your motivations and see if you have strong emotional intelligence. This question can help them better understand whether you would be a good fit for the job and the organization.
How to answer the “what makes you angry” interview question
- Keep your answer professional. Even if certain things make you particularly angry, it’s important to maintain professionalism in the workplace. Avoid venting about personal issues or complaining about things that have nothing to do with your job.
- Don’t mention personal issues. It’s important to keep your answer focused on work-related matters. Bringing up personal issues can make you appear unprofessional and may not be relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Don’t bring up controversial topics. Avoid discussing sensitive or controversial topics, such as politics or religion, as these can be polarizing and may not be appropriate to bring up in an interview setting.
- Emphasize how you handle anger healthily. It’s natural to feel angry at times, but it’s important to show that you can handle those emotions healthily and constructively. Talk about strategies to manage your anger, such as taking a break or talking to a colleague. This will show the interviewer that you can handle difficult situations maturely and professionally.
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Similar Questions
- What makes you mad?
- What makes you angry at the workplace?
- What makes you frustrated?
Common Interview Questions List
7 Sample Answers to the “what makes you angry” interview question
- Inefficiency or lack of organization. You might say, “I get frustrated when there is a lack of organization or inefficiency in the workplace. I believe that being organized and efficiently helps make the team more productive and successful. When things are disorganized or inefficient, it can lead to mistakes and delays, which can be frustrating. To handle this, I try to identify the root cause of the issue and come up with solutions to improve the process. I also try to stay organized and efficient to set a good example for my colleagues.”
- Dishonesty or lack of integrity. You might say, “I value honesty and integrity in the workplace, so it makes me angry when those values are not upheld. I believe that honesty and integrity are crucial for building trust and maintaining a positive work environment. When someone is dishonest or lacks integrity, it can damage relationships and hinder teamwork. To handle this, I address the issue directly and calmly and, if necessary, escalate it to a manager or HR representative. I also try to model honesty and integrity in my actions.”
- Inequality or injustice. You might say, “I get angry when I see instances of inequality or injustice, whether in the workplace or in the world at large. I believe that everyone should be treated with respect and fairness. I try to speak up and advocate for change when I see inequality or injustice. I also try to educate myself and learn more about issues of social justice so that I can be a more effective ally.”
- Bullying or disrespect. You might say, “I cannot tolerate bullying or disrespect in the workplace. Everyone has the right to feel safe and valued at work. When I see or experience bullying or disrespect, I try to address the issue directly and calmly. I will escalate the issue to a manager or HR representative if necessary. I also try to model respectful behavior and create a culture of inclusion and respect in my work environment.”
- Failure to meet expectations or deadlines. You might say, “I get frustrated when expectations or deadlines are not met. I believe it’s important to be reliable and accountable in the workplace. When expectations or deadlines are not met, it can disrupt the workflow and cause issues for the team. I try to communicate clearly and set realistic expectations and deadlines to handle this. I also try to identify and address potential issues that may arise proactively.”
- Lack of communication or transparency. You might say, “I get frustrated when there is a lack of communication or transparency in the workplace. I believe that open and honest communication is crucial for building trust and maintaining a positive work environment. When information is not shared, or there is a lack of transparency, it can create confusion and mistrust. To handle this, I try to communicate clearly and openly and, if necessary, ask for clarification or more information. I also try to model good communication skills in my work.”
- Inconsistency or favoritism. You might say, “I get angry when I see inconsistency or favoritism in the workplace. I believe that everyone should be treated equally and that decisions should be based on merit. When there is inconsistency or favoritism, it can create a sense of unfairness and demoralize team members. To handle this, I address the issue directly and calmly and, if necessary, escalate it to a manager or HR representative. I also try to be consistent and fair in my actions and decisions.”
Conclusion
What makes you angry interview question will not be easy to answer, but you should approach it professionally. It is natural to feel anger at times, but you must handle it healthily and constructively. This article provides tips and examples to effectively answer the “what makes you angry” interview question while demonstrating emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills.