Top interview questions to expect

1. Describe a time when you had to overcome a significant obstacle.
2. Tell me about a time when you successfully worked as part of a team.
3. Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or colleague.
4. Can you describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision?
5. What is your approach to problem-solving?
6. Tell me about a time when you failed. How did you learn from the experience?
7. Why are you interested in working at eBay?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework is a common method for answering behavioral interview questions. It helps structure your response and ensures you provide a clear and compelling answer.

Situation: Briefly describe the situation or task you were faced with.

Task: Explain the specific task or responsibility you had in the situation.

Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the situation or complete the task.

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

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Describe a time when you had to overcome a significant obstacle.

Answer:

Situation: I was tasked with launching a new product line for my previous company. However, we faced several obstacles, including delays in production and unexpected regulatory challenges.

Task: My role was to lead the team and ensure the product launch was successful despite the challenges.

Action: I worked closely with the production team to identify and resolve the delays. I also collaborated with legal and regulatory authorities to obtain the necessary approvals.

Result: Through my efforts, we overcame the obstacles and successfully launched the product line on time. The product was well-received by the market and exceeded sales targets.

*Using the STAR framework, this answer is strong because it provides a clear and concise explanation of the situation, task, actions, and results. It demonstrates the candidate’s problem-solving skills, leadership, and ability to overcome challenges.*

2. Question: Tell me about a time when you successfully worked as part of a team.

Answer:

Situation: As part of a marketing team, I collaborated with designers, developers, and content writers to create a comprehensive marketing campaign for a new product launch.

Task: My responsibility was to coordinate the efforts of different team members, ensure deadlines were met, and maintain open communication.

Action: I used project management tools to track progress and ensure everyone was aligned on goals. I also facilitated regular team meetings to encourage collaboration and address any challenges.

Result: Through effective teamwork and communication, we successfully launched the marketing campaign on time and within budget. The campaign generated significant interest in the new product, leading to increased sales and brand awareness.

*This answer is strong because it highlights the candidate’s teamwork, leadership, and project management skills. It demonstrates how they effectively coordinated a diverse team to achieve a successful outcome.*

3. Question: Give me an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or colleague.

Answer:

Situation: During my time in customer service, I encountered a particularly challenging customer who was dissatisfied with a product they had purchased.

Task: My goal was to resolve the customer’s issue and ensure their satisfaction.

Action: I actively listened to the customer’s concerns, empathized with their situation, and offered several solutions to address their problem. I also maintained a calm and professional demeanor throughout the interaction.

Result: By demonstrating empathy and problem-solving skills, I was able to resolve the customer’s issue to their satisfaction. They expressed their appreciation for my assistance and left the interaction with a positive impression of the company.

*This answer showcases the candidate’s customer service skills, empathy, and conflict resolution abilities. It highlights their ability to handle challenging situations professionally and maintain a positive attitude.*

4. Question: Can you describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision?

Answer:

Situation: In my previous role, I had to make a tough call regarding a team member who was underperforming.

Task: My responsibility was to address the issue and make a decision that would be fair to both the team member and the company.

Action: I met with the team member to discuss their performance and offer support. I also worked with HR to explore potential training or development opportunities. Ultimately, after careful consideration, I made the decision to terminate their employment.

Result: The decision was difficult, but it was necessary to maintain the team’s productivity and morale. The team responded positively to the decision, and we were able to move forward with renewed focus and commitment.

*This answer demonstrates the candidate’s decision-making skills, fairness, and commitment to the team. It shows their ability to make tough choices when necessary and to communicate them effectively.*

5. Question: What is your approach to problem-solving?

Answer:

Situation: I believe that problem-solving is a crucial skill in any role.

Task: My approach to problem-solving is to first clearly define the problem and gather all relevant information.

Action: I then brainstorm multiple potential solutions and evaluate their feasibility and potential consequences. I also consider the input of others and seek diverse perspectives.

Result: By following this structured approach, I have consistently been able to identify effective solutions to various problems, contributing to successful outcomes.

*This answer showcases the candidate’s problem-solving process, analytical skills, and ability to collaborate with others. It highlights their methodical and thoughtful approach to addressing challenges.*

6. Question: Tell me about a time when you failed. How did you learn from the experience?

Answer:

Situation: During a previous project, I made a mistake that resulted in a minor setback.

Task: My responsibility was to take ownership of the mistake, learn from it, and ensure it didn’t happen again.

Action: I analyzed the situation to understand what went wrong and why. I also sought feedback from others involved in the project to gain different perspectives.

Result: By acknowledging my mistake, learning from it, and implementing corrective measures, I was able to improve my skills and prevent similar errors in the future.

*This answer demonstrates the candidate’s accountability, resilience, and commitment to continuous learning. It shows their ability to accept responsibility for their actions and to grow from their experiences.*

7. Question: Why are you interested in working at eBay?

Answer:

Situation: I have been following eBay for some time and am impressed by its innovative culture and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Task: My goal is to contribute to eBay’s continued success and growth.

Action: I believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to eBay. I am confident that I can make a positive impact on the company and help it achieve its goals.

Result: I am eager to learn more about eBay and the opportunities available. I am excited about the prospect of joining the team and contributing to its future success.

*This answer highlights the candidate’s genuine interest in eBay and their desire to contribute to its success. It shows their enthusiasm for the company and their belief that they can make a positive impact.*