Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge at work.
2. Describe a situation where you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a goal.
3. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
4. What are your thoughts regarding working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment?
5. Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
6. Describe a situation where you had to use your creativity to solve a problem.
7. How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured way to answer behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which the event occurred.

Task: Explain the task or goal you were responsible for achieving.

Action: Describe the specific actions you took to complete the task.

Result: Share the positive outcome or result of your actions.

By using the STAR framework, you can provide clear and concise answers to behavioral interview questions that highlight your skills, abilities, and accomplishments.

Sample answers to above interview questions

Question 1: Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge at work.

Example Answer:

“I was once tasked with leading a project that was behind schedule and over budget. To address the situation, I immediately met with the team to assess the challenges and develop a plan to get back on track. I assigned clear roles and responsibilities, implemented new project management tools, and held regular check-in meetings to ensure we were making progress. As a result, we were able to complete the project successfully, meeting both the deadline and budget constraints. This experience taught me the importance of effective leadership, communication, and adaptability in overcoming challenges.”

Why it’s strong:

The answer follows the STAR framework effectively, providing a clear and concise description of the situation, task, action, and result. It highlights the candidate’s leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The positive outcome of completing the project successfully despite the challenges demonstrates the candidate’s ability to overcome obstacles and achieve results.

Question 2: Describe a situation where you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve a goal.

Example Answer:

“In my previous role, I was part of a team tasked with developing a new marketing campaign for a major product launch. To ensure the success of the campaign, we held regular brainstorming sessions to generate creative ideas. I actively contributed to these sessions, sharing my expertise in digital marketing and social media. We collaborated effectively, leveraging each other’s strengths and overcoming challenges together. As a result, we launched a highly successful campaign that exceeded our target goals. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and open communication in achieving shared objectives.”

Why it’s strong:

The answer effectively demonstrates the candidate’s teamwork and collaboration skills. It highlights the candidate’s ability to contribute effectively to a team, share expertise, and leverage collective strengths. The positive outcome of the successful marketing campaign showcases the candidate’s ability to work collaboratively and achieve shared goals.

Question 3: Give me an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision.

Example Answer:

“During my time as a project manager, I faced a situation where I had to make a difficult decision to terminate a contract with a supplier due to consistent underperformance. I carefully assessed the situation, gathered data on the supplier’s performance, and consulted with my team and stakeholders. I communicated the decision to the supplier in a clear and respectful manner, providing them with a detailed explanation of the reasons for the termination. While it was a challenging decision, it ultimately led to improved project outcomes and allowed us to secure a more reliable supplier. This experience taught me the importance of making informed decisions, considering multiple perspectives, and communicating difficult decisions with empathy and professionalism.”

Why it’s strong:

The answer demonstrates the candidate’s decision-making skills, analytical abilities, and professionalism. It highlights the candidate’s ability to gather data, consult with stakeholders, and make difficult decisions based on evidence. The positive outcome of improved project outcomes and securing a more reliable supplier showcases the candidate’s ability to make decisions that lead to positive results.

Question 4: What are your thoughts regarding working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment?

Example Answer:

“I thrive in fast-paced and ever-changing environments as they provide opportunities for continuous learning, adaptation, and growth. In my previous role, I had to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt quickly to shifting priorities, and work effectively under pressure. I enjoy the challenge of working in a dynamic environment and am comfortable with ambiguity. I believe my ability to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and maintain a positive attitude allows me to succeed in these types of environments. I am confident that I can contribute effectively to Principal Financial Group’s fast-paced and ever-changing workplace.”

Why it’s strong:

The answer effectively conveys the candidate’s enthusiasm and adaptability to fast-paced environments. It highlights the candidate’s positive attitude, ability to manage multiple tasks, and thrive under pressure. The candidate’s emphasis on continuous learning and growth demonstrates their commitment to professional development and alignment with Principal Financial Group’s culture of innovation.

Question 5: Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Example Answer:

“In my previous role, I was responsible for managing a busy customer support team. I had to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, often juggling multiple projects simultaneously. I used a task management system to track my progress and stay organized. I also communicated regularly with my team and stakeholders to ensure that everyone was aware of priorities and deadlines. As a result, I was able to effectively prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. This experience taught me the importance of effective time management, communication, and teamwork in meeting multiple deadlines.”

Why it’s strong:

The answer demonstrates the candidate’s time management, prioritization, and communication skills. It highlights the candidate’s ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and effectively communicate with stakeholders. The positive outcome of maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction showcases the candidate’s ability to effectively manage priorities and meet deadlines while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Question 6: Describe a situation where you had to use your creativity to solve a problem.

Example Answer:

“In my previous role, we faced a challenge in developing a marketing campaign that would appeal to a diverse audience. To address this, I brainstormed creative ideas with my team and came up with a unique concept that incorporated interactive elements and storytelling. We used social media and digital platforms to engage with our target audience and create a memorable and immersive experience. The campaign was a huge success, resulting in increased brand awareness and engagement. This experience taught me the importance of thinking outside the box, embracing creativity, and collaborating with others to find innovative solutions to challenges.”

Why it’s strong:

The answer effectively demonstrates the candidate’s creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to think outside the box. It highlights the candidate’s collaborative approach, ability to generate innovative ideas, and use technology effectively to engage with the target audience. The positive outcome of the successful marketing campaign showcases the candidate’s ability to use creativity to solve problems and achieve positive results.

Question 7. How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?

Example Answer:

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and I use a task management system to track my progress. I also communicate regularly with my team and stakeholders to ensure that everyone is aware of priorities and deadlines. I believe in setting realistic goals and breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. I also take regular breaks to maintain focus and productivity. This approach has allowed me to stay organized, manage my time effectively, and deliver high-quality work consistently. I am confident that I can bring this same level of organization and time management skills to Principal Financial Group.”

Why it’s strong:

The answer effectively demonstrates the candidate’s organizational skills, time management strategies, and ability to communicate effectively. It highlights the candidate’s proactive approach to planning and prioritizing tasks, their use of technology to stay organized, and their commitment to maintaining focus and productivity. The candidate’s emphasis on teamwork and communication showcases their ability to collaborate effectively with others to achieve shared goals.