Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge.
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
3. How do you handle stress and pressure?
4. Can you give me an example of a time when you had to work with someone who had a different opinion or style than you?
5. How do you measure success?
6. Can you tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision?
7. How do you stay motivated?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a commonly used method for answering behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When answering a question using the STAR framework, you should start by describing the situation you were in. Then, explain the task that you were asked to complete. Next, describe the actions that you took to complete the task. Finally, discuss the results of your actions.

For example, if you are asked about a time when you had to overcome a challenge, you could use the STAR framework to answer the question as follows:

Situation: I was working on a project with a team of engineers. We were under a tight deadline and we were all feeling stressed.

Task: My task was to create a presentation that would summarize our findings and present them to the client.

Action: I worked closely with my team to gather data and create a clear and concise presentation. I met with the client several times to get their feedback and make sure that the presentation was tailored to their needs.

Result: The presentation was a success. The client was impressed with our findings and we were able to win the contract.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge.

Example Answer:

I was working on a project with a team of engineers. We were under a tight deadline and we were all feeling stressed. My task was to create a presentation that would summarize our findings and present them to the client. I worked closely with my team to gather data and create a clear and concise presentation. I met with the client several times to get their feedback and make sure that the presentation was tailored to their needs. The presentation was a success. The client was impressed with our findings and we were able to win the contract.

Why is this a strong answer:

This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a clear and concise explanation of how the candidate overcame a challenge. The candidate also provides specific details about the situation, task, actions, and results.

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Example Answer:

My strengths include my ability to work well under pressure, my attention to detail, and my ability to think critically. My weakness is that I can sometimes be a bit of a perfectionist, which can lead me to spend too much time on details. However, I am working on overcoming this weakness by setting realistic expectations for myself and by breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.

Why is this a strong answer:

This answer is strong because it provides specific examples of the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. The candidate also explains how they are working to overcome their weakness, which shows that they are self-aware and committed to personal growth.

3. How do you handle stress and pressure?

Example Answer:

I handle stress and pressure by staying organized and by setting realistic expectations for myself. I also make sure to take breaks when I need them and to exercise regularly to relieve stress. I find that it is also helpful to talk to my colleagues and friends about how I am feeling when I am feeling stressed.

Why is this a strong answer:

This answer is strong because it provides specific examples of how the candidate handles stress and pressure. The candidate also shows that they are aware of the importance of self-care and that they have a support system in place.

4. Can you give me an example of a time when you had to work with someone who had a different opinion or style than you?

Example Answer:

I was once working on a project with a colleague who had a different working style than me. He was very detail-oriented and liked to take things slowly and carefully. I, on the other hand, am more of a big-picture thinker and I like to move quickly. This difference in our working styles led to some initial conflict. However, we were able to overcome our differences by communicating openly and by respecting each other’s opinions. We also found ways to compromise and to work together effectively.

Why is this a strong answer:

This answer is strong because it provides a specific example of a time when the candidate had to work with someone who had a different opinion or style than they did. The candidate also shows that they were able to overcome the conflict and work together effectively.

5. How do you measure success?

Example Answer:

I measure success by the impact that I have on others. I am most successful when I am able to help others achieve their goals and when I am able to make a positive difference in the world. I also measure success by my own personal growth and development. I am always looking for ways to learn and grow, and I am always striving to be the best version of myself.

Why is this a strong answer:

This answer is strong because it shows that the candidate is motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on others. The candidate also shows that they are committed to personal growth and development.

6. Can you tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision?

Example Answer:

I once had to make the difficult decision to leave a job that I loved. I had been working at the company for five years and I had made a lot of friends. However, the company was going through a difficult financial time and they were laying off employees. I was one of the employees who was laid off. I was devastated at first, but I knew that I had to move on. I took some time to grieve the loss of my job, and then I started looking for a new one. I was fortunate to find a new job that I love even more than my old job.

Why is this a strong answer:

This answer is strong because it shows that the candidate is able to make difficult decisions and to move on from setbacks. The candidate also shows that they are resilient and that they are able to adapt to change.

7. How do you stay motivated?

Example Answer:

I stay motivated by setting goals for myself and by breaking down those goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. I also find that it is helpful to have a support system in place. I have a group of friends and family members who are always there to encourage me and to help me stay on track. I also find that it is helpful to take breaks when I need them and to reward myself for my accomplishments.

Why is this a strong answer:

This answer is strong because it shows that the candidate is able to set goals, break them down into smaller tasks, and stay focused on achieving them. The candidate also shows that they have a support system in place and that they are able to take breaks and reward themselves for their accomplishments.