Have you ever tried to convince a colleague, client, or manager to see things your way? Maybe there was a process improvement you wanted to implement or an initiative you hoped a decision-maker would approve. The ability to persuade others is important in many professional roles, such as sales, marketing, management, or law. When interviewers ask, “How would you persuade someone?”, they want to find out if you can present ideas clearly, influence others, and gain their support.
Sometimes, they may phrase the question differently:
- How would you persuade someone to see your point of view?
- Tell me about a time when you influenced someone.
- Have you ever had to convince someone to do things your way?
Below are insights into why interviewers care about your persuasion skills and guidance on creating an answer that demonstrates your strengths.
What Hiring Managers Look For When You Talk About Persuasion
Interviewers listen for how you share ideas and build a strong case. They look for evidence that you back up claims with logic, find common ground, or negotiate effectively. The details you share help them gauge whether you adapt to different personalities and know when to apply a gentle nudge or a more direct approach.
Your response also reveals judgment. Persuasion involves selecting the right message and delivery method for each situation. The way you describe your approach suggests how well you understand when to push an idea forward and when to adjust your strategy.
How to Answer “How Would You Persuade Someone?”
Understand what they’re looking for
Persuasion often connects closely with the role. Consider the following when preparing your answer:
- Review the job description for mentions of teamwork, sales, client relations, or presenting ideas. These clues show where persuasion matters.
- Learn about the company’s values. Some organizations prioritize collaboration or innovation, while others focus on customer satisfaction.
- Look at the professional profiles of individuals already working in similar roles at that company. Their responsibilities and achievements may hint at situations where persuasion plays a key part.
When you understand how persuasion fits the role, it becomes easier to tailor your answer. For example, convincing a hesitant customer to buy a product involves different tactics than persuading your team to adopt a new project management tool.
Give an example
Real stories best show your ability to persuade. Possible scenarios might include:
- Encouraging a team member or manager to try a new process that improved efficiency
- Convincing a client to adopt a recommended solution by explaining its benefits and ROI
- Presenting a proposal for a new product feature that overcame initial skepticism
- Influencing colleagues during a brainstorming session to support a particular strategy
- Motivating coworkers to resolve a conflict through compromise
- Organizing a community or volunteer event and rallying others to contribute
- Suggesting a change in workflow or schedule that ultimately led to better results
Consider using a simple storytelling structure:
- Set the scene: Describe the setting, such as a workplace project or a client meeting.
- Identify the challenge: Explain the disagreement or hesitation you faced.
- Describe your actions: Show how you used listening, empathy, facts, or incentives to persuade.
- Share the result: Highlight the positive outcome, such as improved performance, satisfied clients, or a successful project.
How Not to Answer
- Avoid negative examples where you manipulated someone or disregarded their concerns.
- Avoid showing up to the interview without an example in mind. Without a prepared scenario, you may struggle to provide a thoughtful answer, leaving the interviewer uncertain about your skills.
Sample Answers to “How Would You Persuade Someone?”
Example #1
“At a previous retail role, a customer arrived feeling frustrated about a product issue. Instead of jumping straight into a solution, I let them explain the problem fully. Listening helped me understand their perspective. After gathering the details, I guided them through the correct way to use the product and recommended an accessory that would improve their experience. They appreciated the help and left feeling satisfied, ultimately making an additional purchase. Turning their frustration into relief showed the power of understanding, patience, and offering a helpful alternative.”
Why this works:
- Demonstrates active listening and empathy
- Shows problem-solving and offering a constructive solution
- Results in a positive outcome for both the customer and the store
Example #2
“In a previous team project, we struggled to agree on the best marketing strategy. Everyone had valid ideas, yet we needed a unified approach. After listening to each suggestion, I identified common threads and proposed a solution that combined key elements from all viewpoints. By showing how everyone’s contributions mattered and painting a clear picture of the final plan, I helped the group feel heard and confident. We ended up presenting a cohesive campaign that impressed our stakeholders and improved our team dynamic.”
Why this works:
- Demonstrates the ability to listen, synthesize ideas, and find common ground
- Shows adaptability and recognition of others’ contributions
- Leads to a successful, unified outcome
Example #3
“During an internship at a small tech company, our team sought fresh ways to promote a new app. Some colleagues preferred traditional ads, while I believed we could reach a wider demographic with social media videos. I presented popular examples, explained how a short, engaging video could capture attention, and even created a brief sample to illustrate the concept. After seeing it in action, the team agreed to try the social media route. The campaign went on to generate significant engagement, driving more awareness and user downloads.”
Why this works:
- Shows creativity and willingness to try a different approach
- Demonstrates initiative by creating a sample to support the idea
- Results in measurable success, convincing skeptics and benefiting the company
Preparing a few stories like these ahead of time allows you to offer a confident, detailed answer when asked about your persuasive abilities. Focusing on positive outcomes and demonstrating that you understand how to adapt your approach helps the interviewer picture you as a valuable contributor who can influence and inspire others.