How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions at Willis Towers Watson: Ask, Answer, and Get the Job!
Willis Towers Watson is a global professional services company that helps clients manage risk, optimize benefits, and grow their business. The company is known for its innovative solutions, diverse and inclusive workplace, and commitment to sustainability. It has also been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the past 12 years.
Top interview questions to expect
1. Tell me about a time you had to overcome a challenge.
2. Can you describe a situation where you had to work effectively in a team?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. Can you give me an example of a time you had to deal with difficult people?
5. Why do you want to work for Willis Towers Watson?
6. How do you handle stress and pressure?
7. Do you have questions for me?
Check the latest questions for this role:
Answering interview questions with STAR structure
The STAR framework is a commonly used structure for answering behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
* Situation: Briefly describe the context or scenario in which the event or situation occurred.
* Task: Explain the specific task, responsibility, or challenge you faced in that situation.
* Action: Describe the actions you took to address the task or challenge, emphasizing your specific contributions and skills.
* Result: Conclude by highlighting the positive outcomes or results of your actions, quantifying your achievements where possible.
This framework helps you provide clear, concise, and structured answers that demonstrate your skills, experience, and problem-solving abilities.
Sample answers to above interview questions
1. Tell me about a time you had to overcome a challenge.
Answer:
Situation: During my previous role as a Project Manager at XYZ Company, our team faced significant delays in completing a critical project due to unexpected technical difficulties.
Task: My responsibility was to assess the situation, identify the root cause of the delays, and develop a plan to get the project back on track.
Action: I conducted thorough investigations, coordinated with various stakeholders, and analyzed data to pinpoint the exact technical issues causing the delays. I then collaborated with my team to implement corrective measures and revised the project timeline to ensure timely delivery.
Result: As a result of my proactive approach and effective problem-solving skills, we were able to overcome the challenges, successfully complete the project within the revised timeline, and maintain client satisfaction.
This answer effectively demonstrates the candidate’s problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and commitment to delivering results despite challenges.
2. Can you describe a situation where you had to work effectively in a team?
Answer:
Situation: As part of a cross-functional team at ABC Company, we were tasked with developing and launching a new product within a tight deadline.
Task: My role was to collaborate with team members from different departments, including marketing, engineering, and sales, to ensure effective coordination and alignment throughout the project.
Action: I facilitated regular team meetings, organized collaborative sessions, and actively sought input from all team members. I also utilized project management tools to track progress, communicate updates, and maintain transparency.
Result: Due to our effective teamwork and open communication, we successfully launched the new product on schedule and within budget. The product received positive feedback from customers and contributed to the company’s revenue growth.
This answer highlights the candidate’s teamwork skills, communication abilities, and project management capabilities.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Answer:
Strengths:
* Analytical Skills: I excel at analyzing complex data and identifying patterns and trends to derive meaningful insights.
* Problem-Solving: I am adept at identifying and addressing challenges, developing creative solutions, and implementing effective strategies.
* Communication Skills: I am a confident and articulate communicator, able to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
Weaknesses:
* Public Speaking: While I am comfortable presenting in small group settings, I recognize that I need to improve my public speaking skills for larger audiences.
* Time Management: I am sometimes prone to taking on too many tasks at once, which can lead to occasional time management challenges.
This answer showcases the candidate’s self-awareness, honesty, and willingness to identify areas for improvement.
4. Can you give me an example of a time you had to deal with difficult people?
Answer:
Situation: In my previous role, I had to collaborate with a team member who was consistently resistant to change and often caused conflicts within the team.
Task: My responsibility was to address this individual’s behavior while maintaining a positive and productive team environment.
Action: I initiated one-on-one conversations to understand their concerns and perspectives. I actively listened to their feedback and tried to find common ground. I also sought advice from my manager and HR to ensure I was handling the situation appropriately.
Result: Through effective communication and empathy, I was able to build rapport with the individual and gradually address their resistance to change. This resulted in improved team dynamics and overall productivity.
This answer demonstrates the candidate’s conflict resolution skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
5. Why do you want to work for Willis Towers Watson?
Answer:
Reasons:
* Reputation: Willis Towers Watson’s reputation as a global leader in risk management, benefits optimization, and business growth is highly appealing to me.
* Innovation: The company’s commitment to innovation and its track record of developing cutting-edge solutions align with my own values and aspirations.
* Diversity and Inclusion: Willis Towers Watson’s strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion creates an environment where I can thrive and contribute my unique perspectives.
This answer shows the candidate’s genuine interest in the company, their alignment with its values, and their enthusiasm for contributing to its success.
6. How do you handle stress and pressure?
Answer:
Strategies:
* Time Management: I prioritize tasks effectively and manage my time wisely to avoid overwhelming myself.
* Self-Care: I prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones, to maintain my well-being and manage stress levels.
* Communication: I openly communicate with my colleagues, managers, and support network when feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
This answer illustrates the candidate’s ability to manage stress effectively, their self-awareness, and their commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
7. Do you have questions for me?
Questions:
* Company Culture: Can you describe the company culture at Willis Towers Watson and how it supports employees’ growth and development?
* Career Opportunities: Can you provide insights into the career opportunities and advancement paths available for someone joining your team?
* Sustainability: I am impressed with Willis Towers Watson’s commitment to sustainability. Can you share some examples of how the company is integrating sustainability into its operations and client solutions?
These questions demonstrate the candidate’s genuine interest in the company, their desire to learn more about its culture and opportunities, and their alignment with its values.
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