Top interview questions to expect

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

2. Give me an example of a time when you had a disagreement with a colleague and how you resolved it.

3. Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership skills, even if you weren’t in a formal leadership position.

4. Can you provide an instance where you went above and beyond to meet a client’s needs or solve a problem?

5. Describe a time when you had to adapt to a sudden change in your work environment or responsibilities.

6. Tell me about a specific accomplishment you’re particularly proud of and how you achieved it.

7. Why do you want to work at Viacom CBS, and what unique skills or experiences can you bring to the team?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is a widely recognized and effective framework for answering behavioral interview questions. It allows you to provide clear, structured, and relevant responses that highlight your skills, abilities, and experiences.

Situation: Briefly outline the specific situation or context in which the event or challenge occurred.

Task: Clearly state the task, responsibility, or challenge you were faced with in the situation.

Action: Describe the specific actions you took to address the task or overcome the challenge. Be detailed and emphasize your role and contribution.

Result: Explain the positive outcome or result of your actions. Quantify achievements, highlight measurable improvements, and demonstrate the value you added.

By following the STAR method, you can provide structured, informative, and compelling answers to behavioral interview questions, showcasing your skills, experiences, and problem-solving abilities.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult challenge and how you handled it.

STAR Answer:

Situation: As a project manager for a major software implementation, I faced the challenge of integrating various systems and ensuring seamless data migration. The project involved multiple teams, tight deadlines, and a high risk of disruptions.

Task: My task was to coordinate the efforts of different teams, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure that data was transferred accurately and efficiently.

Action: I initiated regular communication channels among team members, held weekly progress meetings, and ensured transparent reporting to stakeholders. I also developed a detailed data migration plan, involving meticulous testing and quality assurance processes.

Result: The project was completed successfully on time and within budget. The data migration was executed flawlessly, with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. The client was highly satisfied with the outcome, commending our team’s professionalism and expertise.

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR method, providing a clear context, specific actions taken, and positive results achieved. It demonstrates my project management skills, ability to handle complex challenges, and commitment to delivering successful outcomes.


2. Question: Give me an example of a time when you had a disagreement with a colleague and how you resolved it.

STAR Answer:

Situation: As part of a marketing team, I had a disagreement with a colleague regarding the creative direction of an advertising campaign. I believed a more unconventional approach would be more effective in capturing the target audience’s attention.

Task: My task was to persuade my colleague of the merits of my ideas while also respecting their perspective.

Action: I initiated an open and respectful dialogue, actively listening to their concerns and presenting my arguments in a clear and persuasive manner. I emphasized the potential impact of our proposed approach, backed by market research and consumer insights.

Result: Through collaborative discussion, we reached a compromise that incorporated elements of both our ideas. The campaign was ultimately successful, exceeding our targets for brand awareness and generating a significant increase in sales.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates my ability to navigate difficult conversations, actively listen to diverse perspectives, and find common ground through effective communication. It highlights my commitment to teamwork and my ability to contribute to a collaborative and productive work environment.


3. Question: Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership skills, even if you weren’t in a formal leadership position.

STAR Answer:

Situation: While working on a cross-functional team, I noticed that communication between departments was lacking, leading to inefficiencies and missed deadlines.

Task: My task was to foster collaboration and improve communication channels among team members.

Action: I initiated regular team meetings, creating a platform for open dialogue and information sharing. I also volunteered to lead brainstorming sessions, encouraging team members to contribute ideas and work together towards common goals.

Result: The team’s communication and collaboration improved significantly, leading to enhanced productivity and successful project outcomes. Team members recognized my efforts and expressed appreciation for the positive impact I had on the team’s dynamics.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates my ability to recognize and address challenges, take initiative, and inspire others to work collaboratively. It highlights my leadership qualities, even in the absence of a formal leadership role, and my commitment to driving positive change in the workplace.


4. Question: Can you provide an instance where you went above and beyond to meet a client’s needs or solve a problem?

STAR Answer:

Situation: As a customer service representative, I encountered a client who was facing a complex issue with their account. They had been experiencing technical difficulties and were frustrated by the lack of resolution.

Task: My task was to patiently listen to the client’s concerns, thoroughly investigate the issue, and provide a satisfactory solution in a timely manner.

Action: I actively listened to the client’s concerns, empathizing with their frustration. I then conducted a thorough investigation, involving multiple departments and technical experts, to identify the root cause of the issue. I worked diligently to find a solution and communicated regularly with the client, keeping them informed of my progress.

Result: I was able to identify and resolve the issue, exceeding the client’s expectations. The client was highly appreciative of my efforts, expressing their satisfaction with the level of service and support they received.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates my commitment to providing exceptional customer service, my ability to go the extra mile to resolve complex issues, and my dedication to ensuring client satisfaction. It highlights my problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage challenging situations with professionalism.


5. Question: Describe a time when you had to adapt to a sudden change in your work environment or responsibilities.

STAR Answer:

Situation: As a marketing manager, I was tasked with launching a new product line on an accelerated timeline due to a competitor’s unexpected market entry.

Task: My task was to quickly adapt to the revised timeline, ensuring that the product launch remained on track and met all quality and marketing objectives.

Action: I immediately reassessed the project plan, identifying critical milestones and dependencies. I then worked with my team to prioritize tasks, reallocate resources, and streamline processes to meet the new deadline. I also maintained open communication with stakeholders, keeping them informed of our progress and any potential challenges.

Result: The product launch was executed successfully despite the compressed timeline. The new product line was well-received by the market, exceeding sales targets and contributing significantly to the company’s revenue growth.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates my ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, effectively manage priorities, and lead a team through challenging situations. It highlights my resilience, flexibility, and commitment to delivering results even under pressure.


6. Question: Tell me about a specific accomplishment you’re particularly proud of and how you achieved it.

STAR Answer:

Situation: As a sales representative, I was tasked with securing a major contract with a key client. The client had a reputation for being highly demanding and meticulous in their decision-making process.

Task: My task was to develop a comprehensive sales strategy, build rapport with the client, and negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement.

Action: I conducted thorough research on the client’s industry, needs, and pain points. I then tailored my sales pitch to address their specific challenges and demonstrated how our products and services could provide tangible benefits. I also maintained transparent and ongoing communication with the client, addressing their concerns and building trust.

Result: I successfully secured the contract, exceeding the company’s sales target for the quarter. The client was highly satisfied with the outcome and expressed their appreciation for my professionalism and expertise.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates my ability to conduct thorough research, develop effective sales strategies, and negotiate successfully. It highlights my customer-centric approach, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering exceptional results.


7. Question: Why do you want to work at Viacom CBS, and what unique skills or experiences can you bring to the team?

STAR Answer:

Situation: As a creative professional with a passion for storytelling, I have long admired ViacomCBS’s commitment to producing high-quality and impactful content.

Task: My task is to express my genuine interest in joining the ViacomCBS team and highlight the unique skills and experiences I can bring to the company.

Action: I have conducted extensive research on ViacomCBS’s history, values, and recent projects. I am particularly impressed with the company’s focus on innovation, diversity, and social responsibility. I believe my creative talents, storytelling skills, and passion for collaboration align perfectly with ViacomCBS’s mission.

Result: I am confident that my skills and experiences would make a valuable contribution to the ViacomCBS team, enabling me to collaborate with talented individuals and contribute to creating content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

This answer is strong because it demonstrates my enthusiasm for ViacomCBS, my alignment with the company’s values and goals, and my genuine desire to contribute to its continued success. It highlights my research skills, passion for storytelling, and commitment to collaboration.