Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge.
2. Describe a situation where you had to work effectively in a team.
3. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
4. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a potential employee?
6. Why are you interested in working at Marathon Petroleum?
7. What sets you apart from other candidates?

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. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

* Situation: Briefly describe the situation you were in when the event occurred.
* Task: Explain the specific task or problem you needed to address.
* Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or problem.
* Result: Describe the outcome of your actions, highlighting any positive results or accomplishments.

Using the STAR framework ensures your answers are clear, concise, and focused, demonstrating your skills and abilities effectively.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge.

Example Answer:
“In my previous role, I was tasked with implementing a new software system. It was a complex project, and I encountered several unexpected challenges along the way. However, I remained persistent and sought guidance from my team and mentors. By breaking the project into smaller tasks and seeking input from stakeholders, I successfully overcame the challenges and implemented the system on time and within budget. The project’s success led to increased efficiency and improved communication within the organization.”

* Strong Points:
* Demonstrates problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability.
* Highlights teamwork and collaboration.
* Shows how the candidate achieved positive results despite facing challenges.

2. Describe a situation where you had to work effectively in a team.

Example Answer:
“In a cross-functional project, I collaborated with team members from different departments to develop a marketing campaign. Despite our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we communicated openly and worked together seamlessly. I actively sought input from others, shared my expertise, and adapted my approach when necessary. As a result, we created a successful campaign that exceeded our targets and positively impacted the company’s revenue.”

* Strong Points:
* Emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication.
* Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in working with diverse team members.
* Highlights the candidate’s contribution to achieving a successful outcome.

3. Give me an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision.

Example Answer:
“During my time as a project manager, I faced a situation where multiple projects were competing for limited resources. I evaluated the priorities, assessed the impact of each project, and consulted with stakeholders to gather their input. Ultimately, I made a decision to allocate resources to the projects that had the greatest potential impact on the company’s strategic objectives. This decision led to the successful completion of the prioritized projects and contributed to the achievement of the company’s goals.”

* Strong Points:
* Illustrates decision-making skills, analytical thinking, and prioritization abilities.
* Shows the candidate’s ability to consider multiple perspectives and make a well-informed choice.
* Highlights the positive impact of the candidate’s decision on the company.

4. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

Example Answer:
“I believe that conflict is a natural part of any workplace, and I approach it as an opportunity for growth and learning. When faced with conflict, I أولاً, try to understand the other person’s perspective and actively listen to their concerns. I then focus on finding common ground and identifying areas of agreement. I also communicate my own thoughts and feelings assertively and respectfully. By fostering open and constructive communication, I have successfully resolved conflicts and maintained positive relationships with colleagues.”

* Strong Points:
* Demonstrates emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.
* Shows the candidate’s ability to see different perspectives and seek common ground.
* Highlights the candidate’s commitment to maintaining positive relationships in the workplace.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a potential employee?

Example Answer:
“One of my key strengths is my ability to quickly learn and adapt to new situations. I am always eager to take on new challenges and expand my skill set. I am also a highly organized and detail-oriented individual, which allows me to efficiently manage multiple tasks and ensure accuracy. As for areas for improvement, I am working on developing my public speaking skills and becoming more comfortable presenting in front of large groups. I am actively seeking opportunities to practice and improve in this area.”

* Strong Points:
* Clearly identifies strengths that are relevant to the role.
* Demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow.
* Acknowledges a weakness and shows a proactive approach to improvement.

6. Why are you interested in working at Marathon Petroleum?

Example Answer:
“I am drawn to Marathon Petroleum because of its reputation as a leader in the energy industry and its commitment to sustainability. I am passionate about working for a company that shares my values and is actively making a positive impact on the environment. I am also eager to learn from and contribute to Marathon Petroleum’s innovative and forward-thinking approach to the energy sector. I believe that my skills and experience align well with the company’s goals, and I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to its continued success.”

* Strong Points:
* Expresses genuine interest in Marathon Petroleum’s mission and values.
* Highlights how the candidate’s skills and experience match the company’s needs.
* Demonstrates enthusiasm and confidence in contributing to the company’s success.

7. What sets you apart from other candidates?

Example Answer:
“What sets me apart is my ability to think strategically and see the big picture while also paying attention to details. I am skilled at identifying patterns and trends, which allows me to anticipate challenges and develop proactive solutions. I am also a strong communicator and have a knack for building relationships with diverse stakeholders. My adaptability and willingness to learn and grow continuously have enabled me to thrive in different environments and succeed in various roles. I am confident that these qualities, combined with my passion for the energy industry, make me an exceptional candidate for this position.”

* Strong Points:
* Emphasizes unique skills and abilities that differentiate the candidate from others.
* Demonstrates a growth mindset and adaptability to diverse situations.
* Expresses confidence in the candidate’s ability to contribute to the company’s success.