Skip to main content

Interview Question Database

Behavioural and Situational

Regardless of the position and industry, you will be asked situational judgement and behavioural assessment questions. Employers will be looking for concrete examples of how your experiences and skills are applicable to the job and resolving the issue they have described. When answering, it is best to keep your answer concise and specific to what they asked.

Situational

QUESTION INTENT

Employers will be asking situational questions to determine how you will actually respond to similar situations if you were hired for the job. They will be looking to see if you are able to bounce back from obstacles and challenges and how well prepared you are to respond to them. 

TIPS FOR RESPONDING TO SITUATIONAL Q'S
  • Utilize the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer the questions in a concise and specific manner.
  • It would be helpful to go through your resume or CV and break down each experience using the STAR framework to have examples ready for your interview.
  • Demonstrate your problem-solving process and communication skills while answering these questions
  • Emphasize your experience, skills, and strengths to respond to challenges they have described.

Describe a situation when you realize your team will run out of time to finish a project? What would you do?

0

Answer Tips

You have been asked to step in to cover some front desk activities as the receptionist went home sick. You answer the phone and there is a question that you have no idea how to answer. What would you do?

0

Answer Tips

A client (customer) has been using the products and services of our company (organization) for three years and noticed some changes in the way business is being conducted in our field. The client is making an inquiry about these changes. What would you tell this client?

0

Answer Tips

You are heading a team of executives who belong to a different culture and have a different belief system. Most of them support a particular line of action that is completely opposite to what you think should be done. How will you handle this situation?

0

Answer Tips

You are working in a small school in Asia and you notice that a teacher is making inappropriate comments about the female students. How would you react?

0

Answer Tips

You have been working on a project for over a month and are about to finish writing the report. Suddenly you realize some very important facts that should be included in this project have been overlooked. What would you do in this situation?

0
The interviewer would to see how you assess your prioritizes and adaptable your workflow to incorporate spontaneous responsibilities and tasks.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

The interviewer understands that no one is perfect. It is key you are able to recognize you made a mistake and are able to do accordingly respond to it. Explain and justify what you would prioritize and your goals. Provide examples of how you would take initiative to complete tasks (i.e. taking to a supervisor, etc). 

Describe a time when you received criticism.

0
The interviewer would like to see your capability of learning and improving from feedback.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

While being open to feedback is never easy, describe how you would take in the feedback, analyze it, and potentially make changes based upon the criticism. Of course, you should not take criticism personally. A good answer will show emotional maturity, adaptability, and leadership potential.

Describe a situation where you needed to work with a client or customer who was very different from you.

0
The interviewer would like to gauge your emotional intelligence and people skills.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

The key is to show how adaptable you are when interacting with various personalities. Explain how you may change your style of communication for different people. 

A client has been using the products and services of our company for three years and noticed some changes in the way business is being conducted in our field. The client is making an inquiry about these changes. What would you tell this client?

0
The interviewer would like to how you would represent their company in this situation.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

If ever unsure, it is best to direct or refer them to supervisor or someone that is qualified to speak on the company's behalf. You should be cautious about relaying company or industry sensitive information. 

Scenario: The customer is saying you are taking too long to solve an issue. What do you do?

0
They will want to know you can use good judgment when solving a problem.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

Walk the employer through your thought process. Use the STAR technique. The employer will want to hear how you are addressing their concerns and de-escalating the situation.

What do you do if a customer asks you a question you don't know the answer to?

0
They will want to know that you won't make something up, that you will find the answer by looking it up, asking a co-worker or supervisor etc.

Answer Tips