Beware: Red flag question and privacy violation! The overall atmosphere of the interview process has been calm, polite, and professional. However, a few very unusual yet significant details occurred:

First, the manager who interviewed me asked, "How do you usually handle a clash with your manager?" Throughout decades working in the industry, I have never been asked this kind of pointed question (maybe once: "How do you resolve differences of opinion among coworkers?"). I answered it in the most suitable, polite way at the moment. Based on the question asked, it seems the buzz about an abusive management culture has some substance.

The real 'icing on the cake' happened thereafter. The email about the decision to not move forward came to my workplace email (!!!???), despite the fact that I never disclosed it and all communication went through my private email. This is a clear violation of the standard, common codex of respecting the privacy of the interviewed person.

Q: How would you handle a clash with your manager?