In this article Skip to section

• Why Do Employers Ask This Question?
• What Qualities Help People Deal With Conflict, Challenge and Adversity?
• What Are Employers Looking for in Your Answer?
• Similar Interview Questions
• How to Answer the Interview Question "How Do You Deal With Adversity?"
• Choose the Event
• Follow the STAR Method
• Example Answers – Interview Question Adversity
• 1. I Failed an Exam in My First Year of University
• 2. The Speaker Cancelled the Day Before a Huge Event I Had Organized
• 3. I Moved Into an Industry Where I Had No Prior Experience
• Answers to Avoid
• "My Last Boss Was Horrible, So I Quit"
• "My Friends Say…"
• Overly Negative Responses
• Top Tips for Answering Adversity Questions
• Final Thoughts

Understandably, many people find interviews hugely intimidating.

However, the key to a successful interview is thorough preparation. Remember, you are here to evaluate the role as much as the employer is here to assess you.

Competency-based interview questions are extremely common and will usually feature some variation of 'How do you overcome adversity in the workplace?'.

These questions vary significantly from the more traditional ‘tell me your strengths’, and generally require much more elaboration and explanation. This is because employers love to see real-world examples of how you have navigated obstacles, and the lessons you learned from the experience.

Why Do Employers Ask This Question?

Dealing with adversity is a hugely important skill, required for every role in every company.

Customer service roles involve dealing with irate customers, a fast-paced environment and being under a lot of pressure at times. Whereas those in back-office positions may face tight deadlines, or even personal prejudices with colleagues questioning their credentials.