Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you learn from it?
2. Have you ever had to overcome a difficult work challenge? How did you approach it?
3. Describe a situation where you had to work with someone with a different work style. How did you manage it?
4. Tell me about a time you had to take initiative and solve a problem. What was the outcome?
5. Can you recall a time when you received negative feedback? How did you respond to it?
6. Describe a situation where you had to prioritize multiple projects. How did you manage it?
7. Tell me about a time when you had to deliver difficult news. How did you handle it?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a simple and effective way to answer behavioral interview questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. When answering a behavioral question, start by briefly describing the situation you were in. Then, state the task you were responsible for. Next, explain the actions you took to complete the task. Finally, describe the results of your actions.

The STAR framework is helpful because it allows you to provide concrete examples of your skills and abilities. It also helps you to focus on the most relevant aspects of your experience.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you learn from it?

Example Answer:

In my previous role, I was tasked with implementing a new software program for the company. I was excited about this opportunity, but I quickly realized that I was in over my head. The program was more complex than I had anticipated, and I struggled to get it up and running.

I was frustrated and embarrassed, but I knew that I had to find a way to overcome this challenge. I reached out to my colleagues for help, and I also spent a lot of time doing research on my own. I eventually figured out how to implement the program, and it was a huge success.

I learned a lot from this experience. I learned that it’s important to be realistic about my own abilities. I also learned that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. And finally, I learned that perseverance is key to achieving success.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework. The candidate starts by describing the situation they were in. Then, they state the task they were responsible for. Next, they explain the actions they took to complete the task. Finally, they describe the results of their actions.

The candidate also demonstrates a number of key skills, including perseverance, problem-solving, and teamwork.

2. Have you ever had to overcome a difficult work challenge? How did you approach it?

Example Answer:

In my previous role, I was tasked with leading a team of engineers in the development of a new product. The project was ambitious, and we faced a number of challenges along the way.

One of the biggest challenges was that we were working with a very tight deadline. We also had to overcome a number of technical difficulties.

I approached this challenge by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. I also made sure to communicate regularly with my team and to keep them updated on our progress. I also sought out help from other teams within the company.

We were eventually able to overcome all of the challenges and successfully launch the product on time.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework. The candidate starts by describing the situation they were in. Then, they state the task they were responsible for. Next, they explain the actions they took to complete the task. Finally, they describe the results of their actions.

The candidate also demonstrates a number of key skills, including leadership, problem-solving, and communication.

3. Describe a situation where you had to work with someone with a different work style. How did you manage it?

Example Answer:

In my previous role, I had to work with a colleague who had a very different work style than me. He was very detail-oriented and liked to work at a slow and steady pace. I, on the other hand, am more of a big-picture thinker and I like to work quickly.

At first, we clashed a lot. We had different ideas about how to approach our work, and we often got frustrated with each other.

However, we eventually learned to work together effectively. I learned to be more patient and to pay attention to the details. He learned to be more flexible and to think more creatively.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework. The candidate starts by describing the situation they were in. Then, they state the task they were responsible for. Next, they explain the actions they took to complete the task. Finally, they describe the results of their actions.

The candidate also demonstrates a number of key skills, including teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

4. Tell me about a time you had to take initiative and solve a problem. What was the outcome?

Example Answer:

In my previous role, I was working on a project that was running behind schedule. The project manager was out of the office, and I was the only one who could take charge.

I knew that I had to take action, so I called a meeting with the team and we brainstormed some ideas for how to get back on track. We came up with a plan and we were able to successfully complete the project on time.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework. The candidate starts by describing the situation they were in. Then, they state the task they were responsible for. Next, they explain the actions they took to complete the task. Finally, they describe the results of their actions.

The candidate also demonstrates a number of key skills, including leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.

5. Can you recall a time when you received negative feedback? How did you respond to it?

Example Answer:

In my previous role, I received negative feedback from my manager on a project that I had been working on. I was disappointed and embarrassed, but I knew that I had to take the feedback seriously.

I met with my manager to discuss the feedback in more detail. I asked him for specific examples of what I could do to improve my work. I also developed a plan for how I would make those improvements.

I followed through on my plan, and I was able to successfully improve my work. I also received positive feedback from my manager on my progress.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework. The candidate starts by describing the situation they were in. Then, they state the task they were responsible for. Next, they explain the actions they took to complete the task. Finally, they describe the results of their actions.

The candidate also demonstrates a number of key skills, including self-awareness, resilience, and a willingness to learn.

6. Describe a situation where you had to prioritize multiple projects. How did you manage it?

Example Answer:

In my previous role, I was responsible for managing multiple projects simultaneously. I used a variety of tools and techniques to help me prioritize and manage my time effectively.

I started by creating a list of all of the projects that I was responsible for. Then, I assessed the importance and urgency of each project. I also took into account the resources that I had available.

Once I had a clear understanding of the priorities, I developed a plan for how I would complete each project. I broke down each project into smaller, more manageable tasks. I also set deadlines for myself and I made sure to stick to them.

I was able to successfully complete all of the projects on time and within budget.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework. The candidate starts by describing the situation they were in. Then, they state the task they were responsible for. Next, they explain the actions they took to complete the task. Finally, they describe the results of their actions.

The candidate also demonstrates a number of key skills, including time management, prioritization, and organization.

7. Tell me about a time when you had to deliver difficult news. How did you handle it?

Example Answer:

In my previous role, I had to deliver difficult news to a client. The client had been experiencing some problems with the product that we had sold them.

I knew that the client would be upset, but I also knew that it was important to be honest with them. I met with the client in person and I explained the situation to them in a clear and concise way. I also apologized for the inconvenience and I offered to make things right.

The client was initially upset, but they were eventually understanding. They appreciated the fact that I was honest with them and that I was willing to take responsibility for the situation.

Why this answer is strong:

This answer is strong because it follows the STAR framework. The candidate starts by describing the situation they were in. Then, they state the task they were responsible for. Next, they explain the actions they took to complete the task. Finally, they describe the results of their actions.

The candidate also demonstrates a number of key skills, including communication, empathy, and problem-solving.