Top interview questions to expect

1. Describe a time when you successfully collaborated with a diverse team to achieve a common goal.
2. Give an example of a situation where you had to overcome a significant challenge or obstacle.
3. Explain how you handled a conflict or disagreement with a colleague or client and the outcome
4. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision and how you arrived at that decision.
5. Provide an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership skills and the impact it had.
6. Share a situation where you used your creativity or innovative thinking to solve a problem.
7. Describe a time when you received feedback or criticism and how you used it to improve your performance.

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured way of answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When you use the STAR framework, you start by describing the situation or context in which the event occurred. Then, you explain the task or challenge that you were faced with. Next, you describe the actions that you took to address the challenge. Finally, you explain the result or outcome of your actions.

Using the STAR framework helps you to answer behavioral interview questions in a clear, concise, and organized way. It also helps you to highlight your skills and abilities and to demonstrate how you can use them to contribute to the company.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Describe a time when you successfully collaborated with a diverse team to achieve a common goal.

Answer:

Situation: I was part of a cross-functional team tasked with developing a new marketing campaign for a new product launch.

Task: My role was to lead the creative team in developing the campaign’s visual identity and messaging.

Action: I worked closely with the marketing team to understand the target audience and the desired outcomes for the campaign. I then led my team in brainstorming and developing a creative concept that aligned with the campaign’s objectives.

Result: The campaign was a success, resulting in a significant increase in brand awareness and sales.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework and clearly demonstrates the candidate’s ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team, take initiative, and lead a project to a successful conclusion.

2. Give an example of a situation where you had to overcome a significant challenge or obstacle.

Answer:

Situation: I was working on a complex project when I encountered a major setback. The software we were using had a bug that caused the entire system to crash.

Task: I had to quickly find a solution to the problem so that we could continue working on the project.

Action: I worked with the IT team to identify the source of the bug and develop a workaround. I also stayed late at night and on weekends to catch up on the lost time.

Result: We were able to complete the project on time and within budget, despite the setback.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to overcome challenges, work under pressure, and stay focused on achieving goals.

3. Explain how you handled a conflict or disagreement with a colleague or client and the outcome

Answer:

Situation: I had a disagreement with a client about the direction of a project. The client wanted to make changes that I felt would compromise the integrity of the project.

Task: I needed to find a way to resolve the disagreement and maintain a positive working relationship with the client.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with the client to discuss the disagreement. I listened to their concerns and explained my point of view. I was able to find a compromise that satisfied both of us.

Result: We were able to move forward with the project and the client was happy with the final outcome.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle conflict in a constructive way, to listen to others’ perspectives, and to compromise when necessary.

4. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision and how you arrived at that decision.

Answer:

Situation: I was faced with a difficult decision when I was asked to relocate for a job. I had a good job and a comfortable life in my current location. However, the new job was a promotion and it would be a great opportunity for my career.

Task: I needed to weigh the pros and cons of each option and make a decision that was best for me and my family.

Action: I talked to my family and friends about the decision. I also did my research on the new location. I ultimately decided to accept the job and move to the new location.

Result: The move was a success. I am happy in my new job and I am glad that I made the decision to relocate.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to make difficult decisions, to consider the pros and cons of each option, and to make a decision that is best for them and their family.

5. Provide an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership skills and the impact it had.

Answer:

Situation: I was asked to lead a team of engineers on a new project. I had never led a team before and I was not sure if I was up to the task.

Task: I needed to learn how to lead a team effectively and to motivate them to achieve their goals.

Action: I did my research on leadership and I talked to other leaders in the company. I also worked closely with my team to develop a clear vision and goals for the project.

Result: The project was a success and the team was able to achieve their goals. I learned a lot about leadership and I was glad that I had the opportunity to lead the team.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to learn new skills, to motivate others, and to lead a team to success.

6. Share a situation where you used your creativity or innovative thinking to solve a problem.

Answer:

Situation: I was working on a project when I encountered a problem that I couldn’t solve using traditional methods.

Task: I needed to find a creative solution to the problem.

Action: I brainstormed with my team and we came up with a number of different ideas. We eventually found a solution that worked and we were able to complete the project on time.

Result: The creative solution that we found saved us time and money. It also helped us to improve the quality of the project.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to think creatively, to solve problems, and to work well with others.

7. Describe a time when you received feedback or criticism and how you used it to improve your performance.

Answer:

Situation: I received feedback from my manager that I was not meeting expectations in terms of my communication skills.

Task: I needed to improve my communication skills in order to be more effective in my role.

Action: I took a communication skills course and I also worked with a coach to improve my communication skills.

Result: My communication skills improved significantly and I was able to become more effective in my role.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to receive feedback, to take action to improve their skills, and to achieve their goals.