Why interviewers ask this question

This question tests genuine influencing skill: whether you can change someone's mind through reasoning and understanding their perspective, rather than through authority, pressure, or simply repeating your own view more loudly. Interviewers want evidence that you listen to objections and adapt your argument accordingly, since this is what separates real persuasion from simply being insistent.

How to structure your answer using STAR

Choose a real example where someone genuinely disagreed with you or was reluctant, not a situation where they were already leaning your way. Briefly explain the situation and the differing view, then focus the action on how you understood their specific concern or objection, adapted your argument or evidence to address it directly, and communicated in a way suited to that person rather than a generic pitch. Close with the result: did they change their position, and what did that lead to.

A strong example answer

"A colleague was firmly against changing our team's reporting template, since the existing one was familiar even though it was error-prone. Rather than repeating my case for change, I asked what specifically concerned them, and it turned out they were worried about losing a historical view they referenced often. I adjusted my proposal to keep that historical view as an optional tab rather than removing it, and showed them a working version built around their actual concern. They became one of the strongest advocates for the change once they saw their specific need had been addressed, and the team adopted the new template within two weeks."

Mistakes to avoid

Avoid describing a situation where you simply used your authority or seniority to get your way, since that is compliance, not persuasion. Avoid a story where you did not genuinely listen to the other person's objection, since the strongest persuasion examples show you adapting your approach based on what you learned about their specific concern, not just restating your original position more forcefully.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the person I persuaded have to be more senior than me?
No, though examples involving persuading someone with more authority or a firmly opposing view tend to be more compelling, since they demonstrate genuine influencing skill rather than simply directing a subordinate. A peer or even a more junior colleague with a strong differing opinion works well too.
What if I couldn't fully change their mind?
It is fine to describe a partial win, such as reaching a workable compromise, as long as you show genuine effort to understand and address their perspective. Being honest about a partial outcome is usually more credible than claiming complete success in every case.