What Makes You Uncomfortable? 7 Sample Answers

In this article, I will share the “what makes you uncomfortable” interview question and how to answer it effectively. We’ll discuss what the interviewer is asking, provide some tips for answering the question, and give a few example responses to help you prepare.

Why does the interviewer ask this interview question?

The “what makes you uncomfortable” question asked to understand how you handle difficult situations or emotions. It’s a way for the interviewer to understand your values, priorities, and boundaries. The interviewer may be trying to determine how you react to challenges or approach situations that make you feel uneasy.

In answering this question, it’s important, to be honest and provide specific examples. However, it’s also important to be mindful of what you share. Avoid complaining or making negative statements about others, and try to focus on how you handle your discomfort and any steps you take to manage it.

Overall, the interviewer looks for self-awareness and resilience in the face of discomfort. They want to see that you can recognize and acknowledge your feelings and cope with them effectively.

5 Tips for answering the question “what makes you uncomfortable”

1. Be honest, but be mindful of what you share. It’s important, to be honest in your answer, but you don’t want to share anything that might be perceived as negative or inappropriate. Consider discussing a specific situation or challenge that made you uncomfortable and how you overcame it.
2. Discuss any steps you take to manage your discomfort. It could include seeking support from others, practicing self-care, or seeking opportunities to grow and learn. Emphasize that you are proactive in managing your discomfort and take steps to ensure you can perform at your best.
3. Avoid complaining or making negative statements about others. It’s important to stay positive and professional in your answer, even if the situation you discuss is difficult or uncomfortable.
4. Emphasize your resilience and self-awareness. The interviewer is looking for candidates who can handle difficult emotions and situations healthily and productively. Discussing how you cope with discomfort and any steps you take to manage it can demonstrate your resilience and self-awareness.
5. Practice your answer beforehand. It can be helpful to practice your answer to this question beforehand to feel more confident and prepared when you are asked it in an interview.

List of Common Interview Questions and Answers

7 Sample Answers to “what makes you uncomfortable” interview question

1. “One thing that can make me uncomfortable is when I am in a leadership role, and I have to make a difficult decision that may not be popular with everyone. I try to approach the decision-making process thoughtfully in these situations and consider all available options. I also try to communicate clearly and openly with my team, so everyone understands the reasoning behind the decision. It helps me manage my discomfort and ensure we can move forward together as a team.”
2. “I feel uncomfortable in new places or unfamiliar environments. I try to learn about the place and the people to feel better. I also ask for help when I need it. It helps me feel more comfortable and adjust faster to the new environment.”
3. “One thing that can make me uncomfortable is when I face a challenge or a problem that I am unsure how to solve. In these situations, I try to stay calm and approach the problem. I break the problem into smaller pieces and consider all possible solutions. I also seek out the support and guidance of others when necessary. It helps me to manage my discomfort and to find the best solution.”
4. “I get uncomfortable when I am in a situation where I feel like I am not being heard or valued. I try to be assertive in these situations and communicate my thoughts and feelings. I also try to listen to others and respect their perspective, even if we disagree. It helps me to feel more comfortable and to build stronger relationships with those around me.”
5. “One thing that can make me uncomfortable is when I am working on a tight deadline, and I feel overwhelmed or stressed. In these situations, I try to take breaks and prioritize my tasks. I also try to ask for help when I need it and delegate tasks when appropriate. It helps me to manage my discomfort and to stay on track.”
6. “I get uncomfortable when I feel like I am not meeting the expectations of others, whether it’s my expectations or the expectations of others. I try to take a step back and assess the situation in these situations. I ask myself if I am being realistic in my expectations; if not, I try to adjust my expectations accordingly. I also try to communicate openly with those around me to ensure everyone is on the same page. It helps me to manage my discomfort and to work towards meeting the expectations of others healthily and productively.”
7. “One thing that can make me uncomfortable is facing a conflict or disagreement. In these situations, I try to remain calm and approach the conflict with an open mind. I listen to the perspective of others and try to understand where they are coming from. I also try to find common ground and a solution that works for everyone. It helps me to manage my discomfort and to resolve conflicts positively and constructively.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “what makes you uncomfortable” interview question is asked to see how you handle difficult situations and emotions. It helps the interviewer understand your values, priorities, and boundaries. To answer this question, be honest, give specific examples, and show that you can manage your discomfort and handle difficult situations well. Emphasize any steps you take to manage discomfort, and avoid complaining or making negative statements about others. Demonstrating your resilience and self-awareness shows the interviewer that you can handle difficult emotions and situations healthily and productively.