Top interview questions to expect

Top 7 Most Likely Questions

1. Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame it?
2. Describe a situation where you had to lead a team to achieve a goal.
3. Give me an example of a time when you failed. What did you learn from it?
4. How do you stay motivated in challenging situations?
5. How do you handle conflict or disagreement with colleagues or clients?
6. Can you tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision? How did you go about making it?
7. What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you use them in your work?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

STAR Framework

STAR stands for:

S: Situation – Describe the situation you were in, providing context and details.
T: Task – Explain the task you had to complete or the challenge you had to overcome.
A: Action – Describe the specific actions you took to address the situation and achieve the desired outcome.
R: Result – Share the results of your actions and how they impacted the situation or achieved the desired outcome.

This framework allows you to provide structured and comprehensive answers that highlight your skills, abilities, and accomplishments.

Sample answers to above interview questions

Example Answers

1. Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame it?

*Situation*: I was leading a team that was tasked with developing a new product. We faced several challenges, including a tight deadline, limited resources, and disagreement among team members.

*Task*: I had to find a way to overcome these challenges and ensure that the product was developed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

*Action*: I started by holding a team meeting to address the disagreements and establish a common goal. I then worked with each team member to identify their strengths and weaknesses. I assigned tasks based on these strengths and weaknesses and provided them with the necessary guidance and support. I also implemented a structured project management process to ensure that we stayed on track and communicated regularly with stakeholders to keep them apprised of our progress.

*Result*: The team was able to overcome the challenges and develop a successful product that met all the requirements. The stakeholders were pleased with the outcome, and the product received positive feedback from customers.

2. Describe a situation where you had to lead a team to achieve a goal.

*Situation*: I was tasked with leading a team of engineers to design a new engine for a commercial airliner. The project was complex and required the integration of multiple disciplines, including aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science.

*Task*: I had to ensure that the team worked together effectively to meet the project deadlines and deliver a high-quality product.

*Action*: I started by developing a clear project plan and assigning roles and responsibilities to each team member. I also established regular communication channels and created a collaborative work environment. I provided regular feedback to team members and recognized their contributions.

*Result*: The team successfully completed the project on time and within budget. The new engine met all the performance requirements and was well-received by customers. The project was a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.

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

*Situation*: I was responsible for developing a new marketing campaign for a consumer product. I worked with a team of designers, copywriters, and media planners to create a campaign that we believed would resonate with the target audience.

*Task*: My responsibility was to ensure that the campaign was executed successfully and that it achieved the desired results.

*Action*: We launched the campaign and monitored its performance closely. Unfortunately, the results were disappointing. The campaign did not generate the expected level of sales or brand awareness.

*Result*: I was disappointed with the outcome, but I learned a valuable lesson. I realized that it is important to conduct thorough market research and testing before launching a marketing campaign. I also learned that it is important to be flexible and make changes to the campaign if it is not performing as expected.

4. How do you stay motivated in challenging situations?

*Situation*: I was working on a complex engineering project that required long hours and a lot of hard work. There were times when I felt overwhelmed and discouraged.

*Task*: I needed to find a way to stay motivated and focused on the task at hand.

*Action*: I started by identifying the things that were motivating me. I reminded myself of the importance of the project and the positive impact it would have on customers. I also set realistic goals for myself and celebrated my accomplishments along the way. I also made sure to take breaks and engage in activities that I enjoyed outside of work.

*Result*: I was able to stay motivated and focused throughout the project. I successfully completed the project on time and within budget, and I was proud of the work that I had done.

5. How do you handle conflict or disagreement with colleagues or clients?

*Situation*: I was working on a project with a colleague who had a different opinion than me on how to approach the task. We had a disagreement about the best way to proceed.

*Task*: I needed to find a way to resolve the disagreement and ensure that we could work together effectively.

*Action*: I started by listening to my colleague’s perspective and trying to understand their point of view. I then shared my own perspective and explained my reasoning. We were able to find common ground and develop a compromise that we both agreed on.

*Result*: We were able to resolve the disagreement and work together effectively to complete the project. The experience taught me the importance of listening to others and being open to compromise.

6. Can you tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision? How did you go about making it?

*Situation*: I was faced with a difficult decision when I had to choose between two job offers. Both offers were attractive, but they required me to make different sacrifices.

*Task*: I needed to make a decision that was in my best interests and that would allow me to achieve my career goals.

*Action*: I started by weighing the pros and cons of each offer. I considered the factors that were important to me, such as the job responsibilities, the company culture, and the potential for growth. I also sought advice from my friends, family, and mentors.

*Result*: I made a decision that I felt was the best choice for me. I accepted the job offer that offered me the best opportunities for growth and development. The decision was difficult, but I am confident that it was the right one.

7. What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you use them in your work?

*Situation*: I was asked this question in a job interview.

*Task*: I needed to provide a thoughtful and honest answer that highlighted my strengths and weaknesses and how I use them in my work.

*Action*: I started by identifying my three main strengths: problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. I then explained how I use these strengths to be successful in my role. I also identified two areas where I could improve: public speaking and time management. I explained how I am working to improve these areas and how I am confident that I can overcome these weaknesses.

*Result*: The interviewer was impressed with my answer. He told me that he was looking for someone who was self-aware and who could identify areas where they could improve. He also said that he appreciated my honesty and willingness to share my weaknesses.