How to answer this tricky interview question, says career expert: It shows you have skills that 'cannot be replaced' by AI

In today's job market, having a positive, collaborative attitude is just as important as having a polished resume, says career expert Erin McGoff . Soft skills are "top of mind" for hiring teams, according to McGoff, the author of "The Secret Language of Work: Hyper-Helpful Scripts for Every Situation." That's why the people who have the power to hire you often ask behavioral questions, like "Tell me about a time you disagreed with a boss or coworker," in order to learn more about how you react to different situations. "As we move into an age where AI can take on more technical skills, interpersonal skills are something that cannot be replaced," McGoff says. "Companies are really prioritizing attitude, personality, culture fit, because other things can be taught." Your goal is to demonstrate your capacity to maturely navigate workplace conflict , according to McGoff. Here's how she recommends tackling this question. Focus on a professional—not personal—conflict McGoff's No. 1 tip for answering this question is to "keep it professional," she says. "Instead of making it about personal differences, you want to keep [your response] oriented towards the business," she says — it's "the mature thing to do." For example, don't spend the entire conversation complaining about a past boss who denied your PTO request, McGoff says. She also recommends framing your scenario as a difference in opinion, rather than as an argument or dispute. …