Top interview questions to expect

Top 7 Behavioral Interview Questions to Prepare for at Eastman Chemical:

1. Describe a time when you had to adapt to a difficult situation at work.
2. Tell us about a time when you set a goal and your strategy for achieving it.
3. Give us an example of a time when you demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills at work.
4. Can you tell us about a time when you had to manage a challenging team member or a difficult stakeholder?
5. Share an instance where you took initiative and went beyond your job responsibilities.
6. Provide an example of a time when you received constructive feedback and how you used it to improve your performance.
7. Tell us about how you effectively collaborated with colleagues from different backgrounds or departments.

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a commonly used method to answer behavioral interview questions effectively:

– Situation: Briefly describe the specific context or situation you were in.
– Task: Clearly outline the task or challenge you were responsible for handling.
– Action: Explain the specific actions you took to address the situation or complete the task.
– Result: Share the positive outcome or result achieved as a consequence of your actions.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Describe a time when you had to adapt to a difficult situation at work.

Answer: During a busy sales period, a sudden change in client requests meant our team had to adjust our deliverables quickly. I promptly gathered my team, clearly communicated the new requirements, and realigned our tasks to meet the client’s evolving needs. By being flexible and adaptable, we successfully delivered the revised deliverables on time, ensuring client satisfaction.

Why it’s strong: The response clearly describes the situation, outlines the task, and explains the actions taken to adapt to the challenges. It highlights the candidate’s ability to handle unexpected changes and their commitment to client satisfaction.

2. Question: Tell us about a time when you set a goal and your strategy for achieving it.

Answer: I set a challenging goal to increase sales in my territory by 15%. I developed a comprehensive strategy that involved analyzing market trends, identifying potential customers, and customizing sales pitches to address their unique needs. I consistently monitored my progress and made necessary adjustments to stay on track. As a result, I surpassed my target by 20%, contributing significantly to the company’s overall sales growth.

Why it’s strong: The response demonstrates the candidate’s ability to set ambitious goals, develop effective strategies, and monitor progress systematically. It highlights their determination and results-oriented approach.

3. Question: Give us an example of a time when you demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills at work.

Answer: In a brainstorming session, I proposed an innovative marketing campaign that leveraged social media platforms to reach a wider audience. My idea involved creating interactive content and engaging with customers on a personal level. The campaign was highly successful, resulting in a significant increase in brand awareness and customer engagement.

Why it’s strong: The response showcases the candidate’s creativity in developing new solutions and their ability to translate those ideas into successful outcomes. It highlights their problem-solving skills and their focus on customer engagement.

4. Question: Can you tell us about a time when you had to manage a challenging team member or a difficult stakeholder?

Answer: I had a team member who consistently missed deadlines and failed to meet expectations. I addressed the situation by having open and honest communication with the individual. I provided constructive feedback, set clear expectations, and offered support to help them improve. As a result, the team member’s performance improved significantly, and they became a valued contributor to the team.

Why it’s strong: The response demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle challenging interpersonal situations with empathy and professionalism. It highlights their skill in providing constructive feedback and their commitment to fostering a positive team environment.

5. Question: Share an instance where you took initiative and went beyond your job responsibilities.

Answer: I noticed that our team was experiencing delays in receiving important documents from another department. To streamline the process, I took the initiative to reach out to the relevant department head. I proposed a new system that utilized a shared online platform for document sharing. This initiative significantly improved communication and collaboration between our teams, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.

Why it’s strong: The response highlights the candidate’s proactive approach, their ability to identify inefficiencies, and their willingness to take initiative to improve processes. It demonstrates their commitment to teamwork and their ability to drive positive change.

6. Question: Provide an example of a time when you received constructive feedback and how you used it to improve your performance.

Answer: During a performance review, my manager provided me with constructive feedback regarding my communication skills during presentations. I welcomed the feedback and immediately began working on improving my presentation skills. I enrolled in a public speaking course, practiced extensively, and sought feedback from colleagues. As a result, my communication skills significantly improved, and I became more confident in presenting my ideas and insights.

Why it’s strong: The response demonstrates the candidate’s openness to feedback and their willingness to take action to improve their skills. It highlights their commitment to personal and professional growth and their ability to turn feedback into positive outcomes.

7. Question: Tell us about how you effectively collaborated with colleagues from different backgrounds or departments.

Answer: In a cross-functional project, I had the opportunity to work with colleagues from different backgrounds and departments. I made a conscious effort to understand their perspectives and build relationships with them. I actively sought their input, listened attentively to their ideas, and provided constructive feedback. By fostering a collaborative environment, we were able to successfully complete the project on time and deliver outstanding results.

Why it’s strong: The response showcases the candidate’s ability to work effectively in diverse teams and their commitment to fostering a collaborative environment. It highlights their communication skills, their ability to value different perspectives, and their focus on achieving shared goals.