Top interview questions to expect

1. What specific experiences or skills do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this role at Lincoln National?
2. Tell me about a time you had to overcome a challenge or obstacle at work. How did you handle it?
3. How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when faced with setbacks or challenges?
4. Describe a situation in which you had to use your problem-solving skills to resolve a conflict or issue.
5. Can you describe a time you disagreed with a colleague or supervisor? How did you approach the situation?
6. What are your thoughts on collaboration and teamwork? Can you give me an example of a time when you were part of a successful team?
7. How do you measure your success, and how do you set goals for yourself?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured way to answer behavioral interview questions. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

– Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which the event took place.
– Task: Explain the specific task or goal you were trying to achieve.
– Action: Describe the specific actions you took to complete the task or reach the goal.
– Result: Share the positive outcome or result of your actions.

By using the STAR framework, you can provide concise and compelling answers to behavioral interview questions, highlighting your skills, abilities, and achievements.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. What specific experiences or skills do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this role at Lincoln National?

Answer:

“At my previous company, I implemented a new marketing campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in sales. I also led a team of 5 employees and successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously, always delivering on time and within budget. I am confident that my skills in marketing, project management, and teamwork make me an ideal candidate for this role at Lincoln National.”

Explanation:

This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to clearly and concisely highlight the candidate’s relevant skills and experiences. The candidate provides a specific example of their success in implementing a marketing campaign and effectively managing a team. They also express confidence in their ability to contribute to the company.

2. Tell me about a time you had to overcome a challenge or obstacle at work. How did you handle it?

Answer:

“During my time as a project manager, I faced a significant challenge when a key team member suddenly resigned. To overcome this obstacle, I quickly identified and recruited a replacement, and I also took on some of the responsibilities of the departed team member myself to ensure the project stayed on track. As a result, we were able to complete the project successfully and on time.”

Explanation:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s resilience and problem-solving skills. The candidate faced a challenging situation, but they were able to quickly find a solution and take action to ensure the project was successful.

3. How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when faced with setbacks or challenges?

Answer:

“I stay motivated and focused on my goals by setting clear and achievable objectives and by breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. When I encounter setbacks or challenges, I try to maintain a positive attitude and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problem. I also seek support from my colleagues and mentors when needed.”

Explanation:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s self-awareness and resilience. The candidate has a clear understanding of their own motivations and how to stay focused on their goals, even in the face of challenges. They also recognize the importance of seeking support from others when needed.

4. Describe a situation in which you had to use your problem-solving skills to resolve a conflict or issue.

Answer:

“In my previous role, I had to deal with a conflict between two team members who had different working styles. To resolve the conflict, I first listened to both sides of the story and tried to understand their perspectives. I then facilitated a discussion between them, helping them to identify common ground and find a mutually agreeable solution.”

Explanation:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s problem-solving skills and ability to resolve conflict. The candidate was able to effectively listen to both sides of the conflict, understand their perspectives, and facilitate a productive discussion that led to a resolution.

5. Can you describe a time you disagreed with a colleague or supervisor? How did you approach the situation?

Answer:

“During a brainstorming session, I disagreed with my supervisor’s suggestion for a new marketing campaign. I respectfully expressed my opinion and offered alternative ideas. My supervisor listened to my input and we were able to find a compromise that combined the best elements of both of our ideas.”

Explanation:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to respectfully disagree with others and to work collaboratively to find a solution. The candidate was able to express their opinion in a respectful manner and find a compromise that satisfied both them and their supervisor.

6. What are your thoughts on collaboration and teamwork? Can you give me an example of a time when you were part of a successful team?

Answer:

“I believe that collaboration and teamwork are essential for success. In my previous role, I was part of a team that developed a new product. We were able to leverage each other’s strengths and expertise to create a successful product that met the needs of our customers.”

Explanation:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of the importance of collaboration and teamwork. The candidate was able to provide a specific example of how they worked effectively as part of a team to achieve a common goal.

7. How do you measure your success, and how do you set goals for yourself?

Answer:

“I measure my success by the impact I have on my team and my company. I set goals for myself that are challenging but achievable, and I track my progress regularly. When I achieve a goal, I celebrate my success and use it as motivation to set even higher goals for myself.”

Explanation:

This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s self-awareness and ambition. The candidate has a clear understanding of what success means to them and how they measure it. They also set challenging but achievable goals for themselves and track their progress towards those goals.