Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a major obstacle.
2. What’s your greatest strength and how would it contribute to Phillips 66?
3. How do you handle difficult or ambiguous situations?
4. Can you give me an example of a time when you had to work under pressure?
5. What would you do if you were faced with an ethical dilemma at work?
6. How do you stay motivated and productive, even when working on challenging tasks?
7. What are your career goals, and how does this role align with them?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a valuable tool for answering behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Use the STAR framework to structure your answers in the following way:

* Situation: Briefly outline the situation you were in.
* Task: Describe the specific task or challenge you were responsible for.
* Action: Explain the actions you took to address the situation or task.
* Result: Summarize the positive results or outcomes of your actions.

By using the STAR framework, you can provide clear and concise answers that highlight your skills and experience.

Sample answers to above interview questions

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

Answer:

* Situation: I was leading a project to launch a new product, but we encountered a major setback when a key supplier failed to deliver on time.
* Task: I needed to find a new supplier and ensure that the product was still launched on schedule.
* Action: I reached out to my network and found a new supplier who was able to deliver the necessary materials on time. I also worked with the team to adjust the production schedule and ensure that we were still able to meet our deadline.
* Result: The product was launched on time and was a commercial success. I received positive feedback from my manager and the team for my leadership and problem-solving skills.

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and provides a clear example of how I overcame a major obstacle. I also highlighted my leadership and problem-solving skills, which are valuable assets for any employee.

2. What’s your greatest strength and how would it contribute to Phillips 66?

Answer:

* Strength: My greatest strength is my ability to build and maintain relationships. I am a good listener and I am able to connect with people from all walks of life.
* Contribution: At Phillips 66, I would use my relationship-building skills to develop strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and colleagues. I believe that these relationships would help me to be successful in my role and to contribute to the company’s overall success.

This answer is strong because it is specific and provides a clear example of how my greatest strength would contribute to Phillips 66. I also highlighted my ability to connect with people from all walks of life, which is a valuable asset for any employee.

3. How do you handle difficult or ambiguous situations?

Answer:

* Situation: I was once tasked with leading a team project, but the team members had very different work styles and personalities. This led to some conflict and difficulty in completing the project.
* Task: I needed to find a way to resolve the conflict and get the team working together effectively.
* Action: I met with each team member individually to understand their concerns and perspectives. I then facilitated a team meeting where we discussed our differences and worked together to find a solution that everyone could agree on.
* Result: The team was able to resolve their differences and work together effectively to complete the project on time and within budget. I received positive feedback from my manager for my leadership and conflict-resolution skills.

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and provides a clear example of how I handled a difficult situation. I also highlighted my leadership and conflict-resolution skills, which are valuable assets for any employee.

4. Can you give me an example of a time when you had to work under pressure?

Answer:

* Situation: I was once tasked with completing a project with a very tight deadline. I had to work long hours and weekends to meet the deadline.
* Task: I needed to manage my time and resources effectively in order to complete the project on time.
* Action: I created a detailed project plan and broke the project down into smaller, more manageable tasks. I also delegated some of the work to other team members. I worked hard and was able to complete the project on time and within budget.
* Result: My manager was very pleased with my work and I received a promotion shortly thereafter.

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and provides a clear example of how I worked under pressure. I also highlighted my time management and delegation skills, which are valuable assets for any employee.

5. What would you do if you were faced with an ethical dilemma at work?

Answer:

* Situation: I was once faced with a situation where I was asked to do something that I knew was unethical. I was torn between doing what I knew was right and doing what my boss had asked me to do.
* Task: I needed to decide what to do.
* Action: I talked to my manager about the situation and expressed my concerns. I also sought advice from a trusted colleague. Ultimately, I decided to do what I knew was right, even though it meant going against my boss’s wishes.
* Result: I was praised for my honesty and integrity. I also received a promotion shortly thereafter.

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and provides a clear example of how I handled an ethical dilemma. I also highlighted my integrity and honesty, which are valuable assets for any employee.

6. How do you stay motivated and productive, even when working on challenging tasks?

Answer:

* Situation: I have always been a hard worker, even when the tasks are challenging. I find that I am most motivated when I am working on something that I am passionate about. I also find that I am more productive when I am working with a team of people who are also motivated and passionate about their work.
* Task: I need to stay motivated and productive, even when working on challenging tasks.
* Action: I set clear goals for myself and I break down challenging tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks. I also make sure to take breaks when I need them. I find that getting up and moving around, or taking a few minutes to clear my head, helps me to stay focused and productive.
* Result: I am able to stay motivated and productive, even when working on challenging tasks. I am able to complete my work on time and to a high standard.

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and provides a clear example of how I stay motivated and productive. I also highlighted my goal-setting, time management, and self-care skills, which are valuable assets for any employee.

7. What are your career goals, and how does this role align with them?

Answer:

* Career Goals: My career goals are to be a successful leader in the energy industry. I want to make a positive impact on the world and I believe that Phillips 66 is the perfect place for me to do that.
* Alignment: This role is a great fit for my career goals because it will give me the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders in the energy industry. I am also confident that I will be able to make a positive contribution to the company and to the world.

This answer is strong because it is specific and provides a clear example of how this role aligns with my career goals. I also highlighted my passion for the energy industry and my desire to make a positive impact on the world.