Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a major obstacle. How did you do it?
2. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague. How did you handle it?
3. Give me an example of a time when you failed. What did you learn from the experience?
4. Can you tell me about a time when you took the initiative to solve a problem?
5. How do you handle stress and pressure in the workplace?
6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
7. Why do you think you are the best candidate for this job?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured method for answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result.

* Situation: Describe the specific situation or context in which the event occurred.
* Task: Explain the task or goal you were trying to achieve.
* Action: Describe the specific actions you took to address the situation or complete the task.
* Result: Explain the positive outcome or result of your actions.

By using the STAR framework, you can provide a clear and concise answer to behavioral interview questions, highlighting your skills, abilities, and accomplishments.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a major obstacle. How did you do it?

Example Answer:

“In my previous role, I was tasked with implementing a new software system across the company. However, I encountered significant resistance from some employees who were reluctant to change. To overcome this obstacle, I first identified the key concerns and objections of the employees. Then, I organized a series of workshops and training sessions to address their concerns and demonstrate the benefits of the new system. I also made myself available for one-on-one conversations to answer any questions or provide additional support. As a result, I was able to successfully implement the new system and improve the efficiency of the entire company.”

Why this answer is strong:

* The answer is specific and provides a clear example of a major obstacle that the candidate had to overcome.
* The candidate describes the specific actions they took to address the situation, such as organizing workshops and training sessions and providing one-on-one support.
* The candidate highlights the positive outcome of their actions, which was the successful implementation of the new software system and improved efficiency.

2. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague. How did you handle it?

Example Answer:

“In a previous project, I had to work with a colleague who was consistently negative and uncooperative. To handle this situation, I first tried to build a rapport with the colleague by finding common ground and showing interest in their perspective. I also made an effort to be clear and direct in my communication, setting clear expectations and deadlines. When conflicts arose, I remained calm and professional, focusing on finding a solution that would benefit the entire team. As a result, I was able to successfully work with the difficult colleague and contribute to the success of the project.”

Why this answer is strong:

* The answer is specific and provides a clear example of a situation where the candidate had to work with a difficult colleague.
* The candidate describes the specific actions they took to handle the situation, such as building rapport, communicating clearly and directly, and remaining calm and professional.
* The candidate highlights the positive outcome of their actions, which was the successful completion of the project.

3. Give me an example of a time when you failed. What did you learn from the experience?

Example Answer:

“In my early career, I was tasked with leading a project that ultimately failed. Initially, I felt embarrassed and discouraged. However, I realized that failure is a part of the learning process. I took the time to reflect on what went wrong and identified the areas where I could improve. I also sought feedback from my colleagues and mentors. As a result, I learned valuable lessons about project management, teamwork, and communication. These lessons have helped me become a more effective leader and I am confident that I can apply them to future projects to ensure success.”

Why this answer is strong:

* The answer is specific and provides a clear example of a time when the candidate failed.
* The candidate demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to learn from their mistakes.
* The candidate highlights the positive outcome of their experience, which was the valuable lessons they learned and the growth they experienced as a leader.

4. Can you tell me about a time when you took the initiative to solve a problem?

Example Answer:

“In my previous role, I noticed that the team was struggling to meet deadlines due to inefficient communication and a lack of clarity regarding roles and responsibilities. To address this problem, I took the initiative to organize a team meeting where we discussed the challenges we were facing and brainstormed solutions. I also created a communication plan and assigned clear roles and responsibilities to each team member. As a result, we were able to improve our communication and collaboration, which led to increased productivity and the successful completion of projects on time.”

Why this answer is strong:

* The answer is specific and provides a clear example of a time when the candidate took the initiative to solve a problem.
* The candidate describes the specific actions they took to address the situation, such as organizing a team meeting, creating a communication plan, and assigning clear roles and responsibilities.
* The candidate highlights the positive outcome of their actions, which was the improved communication, collaboration, productivity, and successful completion of projects.

5. How do you handle stress and pressure in the workplace?

Example Answer:

“I thrive in fast-paced and challenging environments. When I am under pressure, I remain calm and focused, prioritizing tasks and managing my time effectively. I also seek support from my colleagues and mentors when needed. To prevent burnout, I make sure to take regular breaks and engage in self-care activities such as exercise and meditation. I believe that a healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining productivity and well-being in the workplace.”

Why this answer is strong:

* The answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle stress and pressure effectively.
* The candidate describes the specific strategies they use to manage stress, such as prioritizing tasks, seeking support, and engaging in self-care.
* The candidate highlights the importance of a healthy work-life balance for maintaining productivity and well-being.

6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Example Answer:

Strengths:

* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team
* Creative and innovative thinker
* Passion for continuous learning and development

Weaknesses:

* Sometimes I can be too detail-oriented and perfectionist
* I am still developing my time management skills
* I can be hesitant to delegate tasks to others

Why this answer is strong:

* The candidate provides a balanced answer, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses.
* The candidate’s strengths are relevant to the job they are applying for.
* The candidate’s weaknesses are presented as areas for improvement, demonstrating self-awareness and a willingness to grow.

7. Why do you think you are the best candidate for this job?

Example Answer:

“I am confident that I am the best candidate for this job because of my strong qualifications, skills, and experience. I have a proven track record of success in similar roles, and I am confident that I can apply my knowledge and expertise to make a significant contribution to your team. I am also a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a passion for excellence. I am confident that I can quickly learn and adapt to the demands of the role and make a positive impact on your company.”

Why this answer is strong:

* The candidate demonstrates confidence in their abilities and qualifications.
* The candidate highlights their relevant experience and skills, which align with the requirements of the job.
* The candidate expresses their enthusiasm for the role and their commitment to making a positive contribution to the company.