State Farm HireVue Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our State Farm interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Behavioral Questions
- 3. Career Goals Questions
- 4. Communication Questions
- 5. Compatibility Questions
- 6. Competency Questions
- 7. Conflict Questions
- 8. Creative Thinking Questions
- 9. Critical Thinking Questions
- 10. Customer Service Questions
- 11. Diligence Questions
- 12. Diversity Questions
- 13. EQ Questions
- 14. Experience Questions
- 15. Problem Solving Questions
- 16. Salary Questions
- 17. Stress Questions
- 18. Tough Questions
Accomplishment
1. Describe a project you completed which you were most proud of.
The Goal
It is okay to showcase your confidence and pride when answering this question. It is important to frame it in the right context, however, by detailing why this accomplishment holds significance, and why you were motivated to see it through, such as serving as a milestone towards your goals. Close it out with how you hope this achievement has advanced you on your career path.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
HireVue uses proprietary machine learning algorithms that record your video interview and analyze your facial expressions, eye movements, body movements, clothing details, and vocal inflections. It evaluates those data points, examining the consistency between your answers, your level of honesty, and indications of your confidence in your own statements. They'll then measure your experience level to predict your future job performance. They'll pass that information, along with the recorded interviews, on to the company's hiring authority for further study.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I consider myself a bridge builder, not a bridge burner. So I have given my current employer two months' notice. They're aware that the opportunities they've offered me aren't conducive to my career goals and that I plan to pursue another position elsewhere, despite the generous offer they've made for me to stay onboard. So, I wanted to ensure that my predecessor would be amply trained and able to fill my shoes. So, I have drafted a training manual to get whoever fills my position fully up to speed comprehensively, and have full understanding and knowledge of the systems I created and put into place to ensure their success. I am very proud of this accomplishment and its end result."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Behavioral
2. What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
The Goal
Although this question offers an opportunity to advertise your merits, its subtlety lies in the specific three words you feel say the most about who you are. They are also trying to determine whether your advertised qualities will appeal to the hiring authority or fit in with their work culture. So you want to use words that resonate with the hiring authority who later will view your recorded interview. Write a variety of industry related terms in advance that reflect your professionalism. Focus on industry keywords with positive connotations to describe yourself. If you can align those keywords with the keywords State Farm on their website, even better.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Once a question is posed, you'll be allowed 20-30 seconds per question to plan your response. You're allowed up to three minutes to record each answer. There are no retakes. You get only one opportunity to record your answers. Some questions may take longer to answer than others, but only take as much time as you need. Don't run out the clock or allow it to cut you off. Be as succinct as possible.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Behavioral
3. What is your greatest strength and greatest weakness?
The Goal
In a work context, share a few of the strengths you feel will contribute to your success. Offer a trait recognized by your superiors or commended by your fellow team members. Frame your greatest weakness as an asset in its own right, while being open and honest about your shortcomings. Convery that you pursue professional self-growth.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
HireVue assesses data points in the recorded videos to identify the top performers most suited to the company's goals and culture. They'll pass that information onto the company's hiring authority, depending on what HireVue package they've signed up for. Some request only the recorded videos and no assessment reports. Some request the report as well, while others request screening, and only receive those which pass the algorithm's evaluations as potential top performers. Once the hiring authority receives the materials, they can view the interviews side by side for further comparison and evaluation.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is how skilled I am with people. I have well above average interpersonal skills. It is definitely a benefit when it comes to dealing with my clients. But this can be my greatest weakness at the same time. I am very social and very polite, but it gets those around me excited and I find it hard to break away. Not that I keep the conversation going, but I struggle with not wanting to be rude or discourteous and have trouble cutting people off or breaking away. I have greatly improved my skills and my exit strategy, but I am also sometimes just too nice, so I've been told."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Marcie's Feedback
Behavioral
4. Are you phone shy? How do you feel about cold calling?
The Goal
This question aims to determine how sustainable of an employee you'd be in an environment such as theirs. By determining whether you've worked in similar environments or not, they'll attempt to ascertain whether you'll burn out quickly from the monotony a job might present. For many, cold calling can be a difficult and tedious task. This question aims to answer whether you have a "can-do" attitude. Having a can-do attitude requires stepping outside of one's comfort zone. An eagerness to step outside of one's comfort zone exhibits adaptability and flexibility. The essential goal here is to communicate that you understand what is expected of you and that regardless of how many don't anticipate that this aspect of the job won't be that difficult, it is more arduous than it seems.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Some of the nonverbal cues the assessment vendor will scan your video interview for are your posture, such as slouching, folding your arms, or protecting your neck. The algorithm will evaluate your professional appearance, such as how tidy and clean your clothing is and your surroundings are. It will monitor your facial expressions, eye movements, head movements, and hand movements. It will also scan tone for your vocal cues, such as placing stress or emphasis on certain words, stutters, or taking long pauses.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"Well, some of the work you do you are bound to enjoy less than others, and I don't know anyone who enjoys cold calling. It's challenging work, but it is sometimes very important work that needs to get done. So I just put my all into the work I am performing, and I always pad the job. I've consistently exceeded expectations, even when it is less desirable work, and I am always the first to step up and volunteer for that work as well."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Behavioral
5. Tell me about yourself.
The Goal
Before the interview, compose an encapsulated biography of yourself that features your career journey as relevant to the position, and the makeup of your professional character. Personal information worth including are any mentors or sources of inspiration, any major educational and professional achievements, and where you feel you are heading in your career. Rehearse it, ensuring you come across as relaxed, interesting, and relatable.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They use this question as an icebreaker to get you out of interview mode. Asking an informal question will more likely get a sincere answer. The algorithm will use such questions to establish when you are being sincere and more true to yourself. It will contrast what it perceives as your genuine personality against your more reserved and performative answers to determine or predict the truth.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm Pat. I'm passionate about travel, love listening to world music, and I really enjoy reading and am passionate about international cuisine. I'm a recent WA State University graduate, excited about my career and what comes next. I'm interested in..."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Working with team sales affordable packages and specials offers to the customer; handle inquiries and solve them."
Jaymie's Feedback
Career Goals
6. Share your career goals and what your goals would be with this company.
The Goal
Every employer aspires to invest its resources in those interested in mutual growth towards like-minded opportunities. One way of gauging your interest is by determining the measure of your career goals and how they align with what they offer. Before your interview, revise your five-year career plan and distill it into your professional mantra and mission statement. This will help you deliver a clear and concise answer when this question comes up, and will showcase that you've taken charge of your own professional development. This will likewise make it easier for them to identify you as someone with like-minded opportunities that suggests a symbiotic match for an employer/employee relationship.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Make sure you are in a quiet place with as little background noise as possible. The camera angle should be at eye level. Positioning it too low will make you come across as domineering. Too high and you'll seem too small. So center it, and make sure your lighting is balanced as well. Maintain eye contact in front of the camera as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person. Be mindful of your facial expressions. Furrowing your brow while concentrating on how to answer a question can be misinterpreted as exhibiting anger and raise a red flag.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I feel proud of what I've accomplished up to this point, and part of the reason I am exploring positions outside of my company is that the opportunities for growth are not in line with the career goals I set out for myself. They are still great opportunities, but I feel that they limit my career options in the future. State Farm has positions I can imagine growing into, which are more aligned with the goals I envision over the long term. I imagine a mutually beneficial long-term employment relationship with a company like State Farm, with similar teams, well into the future."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Career Goals
7. What kind of growth are you looking for?
The Goal
This question aims to assess what your circumstance might reveal about you as an employee. If you are testing the field, while considering leaving your current employer, they'll be curious about how committed you are to your current employer, and gauging how serious you are about joining another team elsewhere. Your motives for leaving your job could be just as revealing. If you quit your job before lining up another, this could speak to poor planning, quitting before you were fired, or lessened professional worth. If you were laid off or let go, that could reveal its potential red flags.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When speaking, try not to speak too fast and moderate your tone. Speaking too fast could make you come across as seeming nervous. When speaking more slowly, you'll come across as relaxed, like an equal speaking among your peers. Also, make sure you choose your words. Spend some time looking up terms which you feel are best applied to you or are part of your vocabulary. Use professional adjectives to describe yourself and your situation, such as career focussed, ambitious, persistent, genuine, patient, enthusiastic, disciplined, and passionate.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I could see myself growing from this position into more of a leadership role. Once I mastered those leadership skills and State Farm's leadership principles, I could see myself moving into that department over there, where I could expand my skills into this other role over here. From there I would revise my career goals and see where that bright future would lead next within the company."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Communication
8. Discuss a time when you had to deliver some bad news.
The Goal
This question aims to reveal your attitude toward communicating sensitive situations. The interviewer wants to know how you handled such situations and your reasoning for bringing attention to the situation. Are you bold and willing to step outside of your comfort zone, answering the call of duty, or are you more shy and try to avoid such situations? In your example, share how you prioritize the welfare of your coworkers, the needs of the team, while working in the interest of all involved parties.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The assessment vendor will study your performance for any signs of discomfort or dishonesty. Verbal cues they'll analyze to identify if you're exaggerating or not being honest include repeating a question before answering, speaking in sentence fragments, displaying a change in speech pattern, irregular speech, and rising and falling tone. When your words don't match your gestures, it's your gestures that will be seen as the truth. So maintain eye contact and confident body language, be comfortable, and speak from the heart.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I had a coworker who decided to quit, but instead of calling management, for some reason they called me. I wasn't a supervisor, yet I was put in this awkward situation. So I had to approach management and inform them that Chris had quit. They then reassigned their project to me. The project Chris was working on should have been close to completion. When I investigated where they left off, I realized the project was never started. This was the second piece of bad news I had delivered. That was an uncomfortable day. But I maintained a positive attitude, and put my all in, assuring them they could rely on me to get it done. Even though the news was bad, I wanted them to know that I had the right attitude."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Communication
9. Tell me about a difficult idea you had to explain to someone.
The Goal
The primary aim of this industry question is to evaluate your communication skills in how effectively you can explain something industry related in relatable terms. It's also in part designed to test your knowledge. So find a way to communicate it, in accordance with your nature. Avoid rambling or explaining it in a roundabout way. Practice.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The assessment vendor will screen you for how well you communicate. So keep an ear out for any stutters, awkward pauses, or your use of any speech crutch words such as "uh," "like," "um," "you know," "so on and so forth," "and," "well," "but," "so," "ah," "er," and "Etcetera." Record your voice while answering some of these questions to identify your tics so you can better practice answering these questions without relying on such words. Also, pay close attention to your choice of words and what they might suggest beyond your intended meaning. Doing so will aid in presenting yourself as a clearer communicator and more of a professional.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I was working with a client with a strong personality who constantly felt they had to be an expert on everything. But they didn't have a firm grasp on the service I was performing, and while I was helping them, they constantly second-guessed me and demanded I stop helping them until they understood what I was doing. Then, when I calmly explained, despite their constant debating with me, they permitted me to continue. It was a time-consuming affair, taking three times as long to perform the work than it should have. But I was patient, reassuring them without patronizing them. In the end, I delivered a strong customer service experience, and they were grateful for my help."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Compatibility
10. What does success mean to you?
The Goal
This question aims to evaluate how similarly your concept of success aligns with State Farm. Try to relate your answer to the success you plan to bring to this position. Provide insights into what fuels your ambition to achieve the professional goals you set for yourself. Scale your accomplishments against the incremental successes of the big picture, going beyond the day-to-day tasks you'd cross off your list.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Share how you weigh success and what success means to you across all fronts; short-term goals, long-term goals, and the big picture. Remain impartial and confident, keeping your face and posture relaxed and your body language open and at ease. Be mindful of the nonverbal cues of nervous or stressful behavior, such as fidgeting, which could include any small movements of your hands or feet, swaying, shifting your weight, rocking or tilting back in your chair, leaning, straightening and freezing your posture, cradling your neck with one or both hands, crossing your arms, cracking your knuckles or biting your nails.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say success is more than putting your all in or doing a good job. Success is more than accomplishing goals. Success for me is when everyone on a team embraces the right attitude, and has a true sense of accomplishment through camaraderie and collaboration. Success is when everyone is looking forward to coming back to work the next day. This is something I believe is easily achieved on a daily basis. Positivity and the right attitude are contagious and attainable. The energy created from collaboration invigorates me. One person can feel a sense of accomplishment for something they've done, and that's great. It feels good to have done something individually and to be recognized for it. But when you're a part of something bigger, and the entire team is resonating with each other, that creates this energy that nothing can compare with. It feels like you're on the winning team. Every contributor recognizes every contribution. That kind of camaraderie feels great."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Compatibility
11. Why are you interested in State Farm?
The Goal
This question aims to assess how knowledgeable you are about State Farm, and how familiar you are with the position. How you answer may inform them whether you are trying to fill an employment gap or if you feel your career goals align with the opportunities that this position provides. How prepared you are for this HireVue interview will offer insights into your work ethic and the level of your ambition.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The algorithm will study your behavior to find out if you believe in what you are saying, as you give them a reason they should hire you. It will evaluate your verbal and non-verbal cues for signs of honesty, your confidence in your skills, and whether you can identify what makes sets you apart from the other candidates. So answer with sincerity. If you can align your interests with the elements of what this opportunity offers, all the better.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"When I created my career plan, I realized my core value is integrity. I pride myself as an ethical person and believe the strongest of teams are built on mutual trust. I'm a people person and believe in quality relationships. I want to work in an environment that fosters and shares these core values in its brand culture. That's why I want to work for State Farm, whose core values comprise quality service and relationships, mutual trust, integrity and financial strength."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Compatibility
12. What kind of availability restrictions do you have?
The Goal
Depending on the position you are applying for, there might be irregular shifts, or evening and weekend hours as well. They're gauging your overall flexibility and expectations, and how well your answer to this question aligns with your other answers provided through the interview set.
Best to be honest. If you have other priorities or demands on your time that aren't conducive to working lots of overtime or covering other shifts, then it is worth clarifying this now. It is better for both an employee and an employer to learn that the job isn't a good fit earlier rather than later.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
HireVue's algorithm will evaluate you for your consistency throughout the set. This includes how consistent your non-verbal cues are with you say, and whether you contradict yourself from answer to answer, or from what you've detailed on your resume. This will also inform them of your attention to detail and the consistency they can expect from your work performance.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I have open availability. I am used to working all hours at a moment's notice. So, where ever I'm needed, and where ever I'm needed, I'm there."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Competency
13. What would you say your strongest skill is?
The Goal
This gives you an opportunity to share any unique skill sets you possess, the value you place on your working relationships, your philosophy towards teamwork, and your work ethic. Research the position for insight into their goals and culture, and determine how what you offer would be of benefit to them.
What they're looking for is a convincing sales pitch. In order to deliver it, you want to sing your praises and appeal to their sensibilities. Be professional and concise. The more tangibles you can deliver, the better.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Be confident, relaxed and at ease. You want to come across as in your comfort zone. When conveying that going above and beyond is your status quo, it should come across as second nature. Keep it natural, speaking with friendly confidence while maintaining eye contact with the camera. Be mindful of your posture and smile with both your mouth and your eyes. Keep your body language open, your tone steady, even, and consistent with your statements. Looking at yourself on the screen could be interpreted as looking down, which is a sign of lacking confidence. So practice beforehand until you are comfortable with this style of interview, and come across as if you are speaking to a real person or to an audience.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'd say my ability to get everybody on the same page. I have an ability to get everybody equally invested in the work they do, to share the vision of the big picture, and to collaborate as a group. In this regard, one of my strongest skills is in enhancing teamwork by strengthening morale. I take pride in that."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Conflict
14. Tell me a time you faced conflict in a team.
The Goal
Are you part of the problem or part of the solution, working towards a communal end goal? This question aims to get a glimpse of your mediation and negotiation skills. Your answer will offer insights into what you consider a conflict and how you confront it, defensively or with diplomacy which attests to your soft skills.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Often when a person recalls a conflict situation, the emotions of that moment rise to the surface and are re-experienced. This will cause them to narrow their eyes, fold their arms, and furrow their brow. The assessment vendor's algorithm will study you for any such defensive cues while you recall your experience with a conflict at work. You'll want to come across as emotionally mature and not regress into the emotion of that conflict when reflecting upon it. So avoid any defensive behavior, posturing, movements, or gestures that could be interpreted as insecure, closed-off, unapproachable, hostile, or disinterested. You may think coming across as a strong figure could be beneficial, but true strength comes from within. Therefore, you want to come across as confident and relaxed.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"A recent policy change went into effect. The person who shared my cubicle was grousing about it, casting shade on the policy. I didn't agree with their perspective and didn't feel their negative outlook was doing them any good. Instead of bringing it up to my coworker, I stopped my supervisor the next time they happened by. Without naming any names, I told them the policy wasn't being perceived well by some. I asked several questions as to why they implemented the policy change. This allowed our supervisor to correct the misconception, framing it in the positive light it deserved. Change can be hard, but not all change is bad. After the supervisor finished and left, my coworker thanked me for clearing it up."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Creative Thinking
15. Describe a time you faced a problem and the steps you took to solve it.
The Goal
They're seeking to measure your preferred working style and whether it meets their required criteria. They want to know how resourceful you are and whether you exhibit outside-of-the-box thinking. You want your answer to exhibit determination. Demonstrate that you aren't easily discouraged. Where there is a will, there is a way, is the attitude you want to convey. Meeting deadlines, over-performing, learning, and innovating is the aim of the messaging in your example.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Showing your personality can go a long way, just like when you do live interviews or phone calls. Even though you are talking to the algorithm, you want to imagine you are speaking to a real person. So try to come across as relaxed as possible, speaking in a level yet enthusiastic tone. Maintain eye contact, and smile softly. Confidence, poise, and natural is the demeanor you want to strike.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"Our department was coming in over budget. We'd recently implemented new systems that streamlined all our processes and would increase productivity and our quality of work. However, we knew it would save us money and time over the next few months, but unless made cuts immediately elsewhere, it wouldn't be sustainable. So, anticipating this, we cut expenses dramatically across our entire department. But a week later, reports came in, and we were still slightly over budget, and something else had to go. Then, I had an idea. We were using an overpriced vendor for our office supplies, and they frequently shipped the wrong products or had significant delivery delays. I knew someone who managed an office supply company, and I was able to negotiate a bulk buyer's discount for our company while cutting out the vendor. Our annual savings provided us with a budget surplus, which then allowed us to readjust our company budget in innovative ways."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Critical Thinking
16. How do you handle multiple priorities at once?
The Goal
Multitasking is challenging for most people. How you track your progress and pick up where you left off holds value. Prioritizing tasks based on the big picture instead of short-term goals is a skill. Being focused is also a strength, so long as you're able to shift gears and exhibit flexibility when the need arises. Talk about the tools and resources you used to plan your work and stay organized on the job.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When answering questions about how organized you are, you want your personal appearance and your personal space to be as consistent with the words used to relay your answer. Your personal space reflects your professionalism and work ethic. So make sure you choose a space for your recorded interview that is clear of distractions, is not too cluttered, is tidy, and organized.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"That depends on the priorities at hand. Flexibility is crucial to success. The goal is to prioritize based on the greater demand for quality versus quantity. Sometimes something's got to give. It's all about striking a balance and consistently hitting the bullseye as often as I can."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Critical Thinking
17. How do you approach multiple projects with approaching deadlines?
The Goal
Attention to detail is only valuable when accomplishing set goals and meeting deadlines isn't sacrificed for quality. So, explain your process for proofing your work for errors while balancing quality and quantity. Items you want to touch on in your answer are your organization skills and your method or approach to project management, the level of your attention to detail, and the standard you set for your own work.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Try to make your responses as structured and concise as possible. Avoid rambling or delivering roundabout answers. Therefore, it is recommended to use the STAR method when structuring your answers. Address each answer by first offering the SITUATION involved with your example. Then move into the TASK which this situation required. Then share the ACTION you took and the RESULT of your actions. This will add structure to your answers.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I consider myself very adept at tracking my progress on any given task so I can effectively pick up where I left off when the need arises for me to be flexible and needing to change gears. I'm extremely systems oriented in my approach. Whether they're systems implemented for tracking my own work or implementing systems for the office which everyone can use, I'm always developing tips and tricks to do the job easier the right way, right away. This ensures I always effectively hit all of my deadlines, and can consistently communicate any needs I have along the way."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Customer Service
18. Tell me about a time you felt upset with a client?
The Goal
They are trying to evaluate your commitment to the customer experience, regardless of the circumstances. Most companies have specific solutions they offer customers when an issue arises, and sometimes you have to get creative. Therefore, being unable to meet a customer's specific demand doesn't mean you cannot resolve their issue. How the customer leaves at the end of any customer experience is what they take with them. So this question explores your background in customer service and whether you deliver an exemplary customer-centric experience. How you respond to this question should reveal how well suited you are to this role.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When researching their website, you'll be able to find language that answers many of the questions posed throughout your interview set. Note their language and value statements. Integrate their language into your answers when possible. This will inform them you've identified them as an ideal match for what you are looking for and already embrace their culture and values.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I take pride in being an emotionally mature person, and have to communication skills and diplomacy to deescalate, mediate and negotiate. Not long ago, I dealt with a customer who was very upset and repeatedly talked over me and was very invalidating throughout. This made it difficult to communicate, and it was frustrating. Yet I maintained my composure and was gracious throughout our interaction. But there were moments where their conduct was surprisingly rude and offensive. Afterward, I decided to take a moment to compose myself."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Customer Service
19. What is your approach towards the customer service experience?
The Goal
This goes deeper than defining a positive customer experience. This question tests the consistency between your answers and what customer service looks like in action to you. Offer an example where you balanced satisfying your customer in a manner that represented your brand, while respecting the boundaries of a company's policies, and protecting their assets. Share the avenues you took to help them, keeping your communication as open, amenable, and transparent as possible, while setting clear expectations. Show them you explored all options before reaching an amenable outcome.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is important to show the breadth of your research and how you embrace similar values as theirs. By showing you share their values and their approach, you will showcase why you are interested in working with them. With customer service, State Farm outlines its approach on its website. "Our vision for the future is to be the customer's first and best choice in the products and services we provide. We will continue to be the leader in the insurance industry and we will become a leader in the financial services arena. Our customers' needs will determine our path. Our values will guide us. We are people who make it our business to be like a good neighbor; who built a premier company by selling and keeping promises through our marketing partnership; who bring diverse talents and experiences to our work of serving the State Farm customer. Our success is built on a foundation of shared values -- quality service and relationships, mutual trust, integrity and financial strength."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I think it's the same approach I take with anyone. Everyone wants to feel heard, everyone wants to be treated with respect, and everyone seeks validation. So whenever I'm communicating with our customers, I engage, actively listen, mirror back to them what I feel they're communicating, and validate what they're communicating based on their perception and their reality. I'll present the situation back to them with the external components that may have been outside of their perspective. I'll share with them my knowledge, the avenues I can explore to help them, and do my best to keep the communication as amenable and as transparent as possible. Show them that you're putting thought into it, exploring all options before reaching an outcome. In the end, by using whatever resources you have, you have to determine how much that customer's loyalty is worth and do all you can to deliver the best customer service experience you can to earn their brand loyalty."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Diligence
20. What actions have you taken to learn more about the insurance industry?
The Goal
This question gauges how in charge of your own development you are, and whether you stay up to date on the developments in your industry. Your answer could provide insights on how actively you expect and adapt to changes that could impact your profession, or whether you take your position for granted, putting the relevance of your skills at risk. It could also reveal whether you'd be a trusted resource for their teams. Before the interview, brush up on any breaking news, or revisit something noteworthy that you've read and were enthusiastic about, so they're fresh in your mind prior to the interview.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Study the gestures and body language of being authoritative and confident. Some non-verbal cues for expertise and confidence in the workplace are maintaining good eye contact, effective hand gestures such as hand steepling, displaying your hands with palms up, interlacing your fingers with your thumbs up, among others. Keep your posture as authoritative as possible as well.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I'm the type of person who can't stop asking questions. Then my questions lead to other questions, and it is an endless rabbit hole. I can't stop. So I have the drive to keep learning. I am always reading periodicals, watching webinars, and taking online classes. Any and every avenue I can take for my continuous learning, I will take it."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Diversity
21. Describe your experience working with a diverse group of people.
The Goal
Communicating cultural competence when answering questions about diversity is essential. On even the most inherently human level, we are all driven by the same basic needs. So focus on the unifiers of diversity, on a general acceptance of the human experience with sensitivity when answering this question. Demonstrate empathy and acceptance.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Conveying cultural competence requires interest, openness, and curiosity. Non verbal indicators for these emotions are leaning in, tilting your head as you speak, smiling and making eye contact. Signs of discomfort and avoidance could be interpreted as indicators of negative bias and antipathy. Such nonverbal cues include decreased positivity, less eye contact and more gaze aversion, fewer smiles, greater interpersonal distance, and increased blinking. Consider these points when planning your answer.
Often when a person recalls a conflict situation, the emotions of that moment rise to the surface and be re-experienced. This will cause them to narrow their eyes, fold their arms, and furrow their brow. The assessment vendor's algorithm will study you for any such defensive cues while you recall your experience with a conflict at work. You'll want to come across as emotionally mature and not regress into the emotion of that conflict when reflecting upon it. So avoid any defensive behavior, posturing, movements, or gestures that could be interpreted as insecure, closed-off, unapproachable, hostile, or disinterested. Therefore, you want to come across as confident and relaxed.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"At my current employer it is a very diverse company, but oddly not our department, However, at one point in college, I worked at a store in a very diverse neighborhood. That was a pretty exciting experience in that everyone from different walks of life worked under one roof. It was probably the most dynamic and innovative crew I've ever worked with. Everything was outside-of-the-box. We were a pretty great team. I still swing by and take the time to say hello when I'm in the area."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
EQ
22. Describe an occasion your credibility was questioned and how you handled it.
The Goal
This will help them evaluate how you deal with those in positions of authority and how well you communicate with them. They want to know if your approach is proactive and supportive, or reactive and defensive. Share how you go about supporting your teams and your leaders' vision. Be humble, calm, and professional while sharing your scope of the big-picture.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Before the interview, research the body language of a confident and relaxed person in a seated position. Pump yourself up with physical exercise to manifest confidence. Go into a private space with a mirror, look yourself in the eye, and give yourself a pep talk. Raise your arms, stretch your back, and make yourself as big as possible. Then practice your answers in front of the camera and record your voice to cast away any insecurity, nervousness, or self-doubt.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"Someone once blamed me for a mistake made based on a poorly formed assumption. I listened to the information they presented to me. I mirrored them and showed concern for the mistake made and the implications it had on the business. They asked me if I had any questions about the verbal warning they gave me. I followed up by asking them what led them to believe the responsibility for this mistake was mine. They explained their logic, and I corrected them and explained I had nothing to do with this mistake. They showed me why they believed I was the culprit. Explained that wasn't the case and helped them conduct a little research, proving my innocence. We were able to uncover the real culprit, and it turned out the mistake was made by the very supervisor who was trying to give me feedback for the mistake they themself made. This was a little embarrassing for them, I think. Luckily, we never had another conversation like it."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
EQ
23. Describe a time a suggestion you made at work was rejected.
The Goal
They designed this question to evaluate your emotional maturity by looking for signs of defensiveness or stress behavior. How you answer will offer insight into your self-awareness and whether you identify your weaknesses and growth opportunities. How you dealt with rejections in the past will offer clues to your communication skills and the professionalism of your conduct. When providing your answer, present the backdrop of your situational example, including how informed your suggestion was. In an instance where your suggestions were rejected, it's important to explain why, and whether the reason for passing over your idea was valid, and what you learned from it. Your answer will show of whether your contributions will match the innovation they are looking for in their candidates. Your motives should come from a place of helpful professionalism and a drive to support the team effort, not of self-advancement.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The HireVue algorithm will evaluate you for your consistency and your non-verbal cues will hold more weight than what you're vocalizing. It will interpret this as the speaker's true feelings, intentions, and attitudes. So not only do you want to ensure your answers are consistent throughout your interview, but your performance as well. When words and statements are incongruent with your tone, facial expressions, or mannerisms, this reveals limited emotional intelligence or burnout syndrome. It suggests a lack of self-awareness of one's nonverbal cues as being inconsistent with your narrative.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I used to experience that early on in my career, feeling I wasn't recognized for my contributions. But, now I realize if I want to be heard out, it's up to me to communicate my vision and be assertive in my efforts to be heard out. This way, I ensure whatever I bring to the table is my best, and communicated to the best of my ability. I can't blame others for not sharing my vision when I'm incapable of illustrating that vision. If it gets shelved, I learn what I can from the experience and move on. Often, the sheer feeling of rejection is the only setback, because that feeling can paralyze you and keep you from moving forward. I like to think I'm past that, but everyone thinks they're ready until they're not. Who knows what the future holds?"
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
EQ
24. Talk about a time you received criticism. How did you take it?
The Goal
On one hand, this question assesses how proactive you are, what your approach to your work is, and whether you seek feedback or wait for others to come to you. Doing the basics of your job and assuming that no news is good news isn't a sign of leadership, but a red flag of putting in the bare minimum. Show that you take ownership of your own development. Rather than providing a single example of where you sought feedback, suggest you seek it out while striving to go above and beyond.
This question aims to assess your attitude toward the feedback you receive. Do you perceive yourself as a victim of an unfair evaluation and grow dissatisfied with your work, or do you distill the useful information from the feedback and take what is necessary to continue to improve? Consider these points when planning your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
When delivering your answers, try not to be in the emotional state of that moment. Practice being in the emotional state you want to convey. If the example you've thought of doesn't allow you to remove yourself emotionally and observe it situationally, think of another. You want your answer to resonate with authentic sincerity.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"In my first year of college, I felt I wasn't fairly graded for my efforts on an assignment. I advocated for myself, communicating as effectively as I could. My professor was at first stand-offish and told me to deal with it and do better next time. But I explained that I didn't understand why they graded me so egregiously on my grammar for a science-based project. After successfully communicating this point, they finally softened and explained that in the scientific community, communication, especially the written word, holds as much value as the work itself. I get that now."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Experience
25. Tell me about your prior work experience and reasons for leaving.
The Goal
They want to know your backstory. This question offers you an opportunity to delve deeper into your work history, so avoid coming across as redundant by listing off items on your resume. Add a human touch to your experience. Discuss your working relationships, and how you contributed in other ways to your team, going into the relationships you built at work. This is your chance to expand upon your encapsulated bio and share the bigger picture of the soft interpersonal skills you learn throughout your continued development.
How you answer could also speak to your planning and loyalty, or raise potential red flags which could lower your professional worth.Your answer could offer insights into your circumstances and motives for leaving your job. If you are testing the field, while considering leaving your current employer, they'll be curious about how committed you are to your current employer, and gauging how serious you are about joining another team elsewhere. If you quit your job before lining up another, or quit because you thought you were going to be fired, laid off, or let go, this will suggest poor planning.
So, focus your answer on your career planning, growth, advancement, development, and how you are pursuing opportunities more aligned with your values.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question assesses your integrity by evaluating how honestly you present your answers, so answer as sincerely as you can. Some non-verbal cues the assessment vendor will use to evaluate your honesty are stroking your chin, and covering your mouth or your eyes, gaze avoidance, the direction of your eyes, excessive fidgeting such as restless foot and leg movements, frequent body posture changes, and grooming behaviors such as playing with hair or pressing your fingers to lips.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I worked for ABC International Corp. for five years. During that position, I moved to Canada for 3 years. It was a pretty rural location and there was some initial culture shock involved which I overcame and immersed myself in the community, building lasting relations. Now I've gotten to a place where I am interested in taking my career in a direction that goes beyond the opportunities my current company presents. They are aware and would like me to continue to advance within their company, and it presents an excellent opportunity, but not the direction I'd intended to take my career. So now I am exploring other possibilities while keeping all my options on the table."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Experience
26. Explain your background and qualifications for this position.
The Goal
Take advantage of this opportunity to align your values and motivators with the work culture of State Farm's brand. Offer insights on how grounded and well-rounded you are, and any unparalleled skill sets you have which would add value to this position or their teams. Maintain your professionalism.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While preparing for your interview, you'll want to present yourself as a professional in every way. Keep in mind that your surroundings are also a reflection of you as a professional. Wear professional clothing suited to the role. You'll want your focus to be on you and not on your background. So make sure your space is organized, free of distractions, and work-appropriate. Last, coming across as confident could make you seem arrogant, whereas being too humble can make you seem insecure or underqualified. So strike a balance in how you present yourself in every regard.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I am all about systems implementation. I'm that person who strives to deliver above and beyond quality in my work, then implement procedures that increase quantity without sacrificing quality. So whenever I finish my onboarding, I get started on analyzing what I've learned and identify methods to improve my workflow and productivity. Once I feel I've done so, I'll share my method with anyone who is interested. In my last job, this led to several improved systems for the entire department, which increased our department's productivity threefold."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Problem Solving
27. A father and son get in a car crash and are rushed to the hospital. The father dies. They took the boy to the operating room, and the surgeon says, “I can’t operate on this boy. He’s my son.” How is this possible?
The Goal
This brain teaser tests and observes your analytical skills in real time while also revealing your gender bias. The answer to this riddle is that the surgeon is the boy's mother. A large percentage of people can't solve this riddle because they're unable to imagine the surgeon is a woman.
Depending on how you go about teasing apart your answer, it will also help them determine your strengths as an analytical or interpersonal thinker. Try answering the question at home on your own before looking up the answer. Try to vocalize your answer as you attempt to problem solve it to practice your communication skills.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Remember, you want to maintain relaxed and confident body language and facial expressions. When confused or moving into a place of concentration, we furrow our brow or redirect our gaze. However, this could be misinterpreted by the algorithm as aggression or frustration. So instead, relax your brow and widen your eyes. Slightly tilt your head and nod slowly. Speak slowly and with ease.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"Well, if the boy and the father were injured, and the surgeon is a parent of the child, that means the doctor is the spouse of the father, which would make her the mother of the boy."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Salary
28. What kind of salary and benefits are you looking for?
The Goal
Discussing salary in a recorded interview is less than ideal. So you'll want to be definitive without closing the negotiation, either. The reason this question comes up towards the end of an interview is to gauge your self-awareness of how the interview has gone. How you rate your professional worth can be revealing. Therefore, the best way to discuss your salary expectations is through transparency and to present it with the facts. Use your current earnings as a base-line. Share any perks, insurance, bonuses, or incentives you receive as well. From there, contrast your current earnings with where you feel you are on your career path to where your ultimate career goals are heading. This should give them a reasonable expectation of what you are looking for from your future employer. When presenting the facts in this manner, there is nothing in what you are saying which could undermine your own confidence, and it keeps the dialogue open.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
You always want to be in the position of seeming prepared to answer the question posed, while exuding confidence and communicating clearly. Enunciate your words, avoiding stutters or long pauses. Sounding too rehearsed likewise can make you sound boorish. Practice in front of your computer's camera, trying not to look at yourself on the screen, but maintaining eye contact with the camera lens as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person, and keep at it until you are relaxed and seem natural.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I am making $XX,000 a year with my current employer. They've offered me more if I choose to stay. Also, it seems fair to mention I have a pretty good insurance plan through work, I receive a performance review every six months with a raise, have 2 weeks of PTO a year and a mutual fund. Career growth is important to me, but meeting other goals holds equal importance as well."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Stress
29. How do you cope with high-stress situations?
The Goal
This question evaluates how well you can handle stress. How you answer this question will offer insights into how you cope with stress, either at work or at home. If an employee is stressed out at work, they'll burn out faster. They might bring more stress home from work, not sleep well, and not perform at their best. A person who is stressed out in their personal life will often bring their personal issues into work, negatively affecting their performance. So they're ascertaining your natural ability to balance these two spheres. So this question aims to reveal how you achieve balance without being governed by chaos.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question aims to gauge how well you cope with stress. The assessment vendor will screen you on your non-verbal cues, facial expressions, eye movements, body movements, tells and posture, and the nuances of tone and choice of words. More often than not, when a person recalls stressful situations from their past, they'll revert to the emotional state of stress of that situation. Consider this when you aim to convey that you keep calm under pressure. So practice and meditate on those moments where you could act decisively and drive success for your teams. Reflecting on your best moments, convey how you manage your stress in those best of times. Focus on the pride of that moment and let your confidence and emotional maturity shine.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"I often feel stress when my managers or leaders feel stress. I am excellent at monitoring my own stress and not internalizing the stress of my clients or peers. But when my leaders feel stress, whether it is because they are ineffectively monitoring their emotions and how it is impacting their decision making, or whether the work or situation is high stakes, that can often affect me. But in those situations, I do my best to channel that stress in the sense of urgency with my work that is required. However, if a leader habitually has difficulty monitoring their stress, this doesn't affect me all that well. In those situations, I simply do what I can to manage up and take it into stride."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Tough
30. Describe an occasion you had to make a tough decision at work.
The Goal
This question offers an opportunity to showcase what aspects of your professional methods benefited you in the past. How you answer will help them assess how well you'll fit into their team and work environment and whether you'll be able to adapt to their way of doing things. So familiarize yourself with the basics of what this position looks like. Describe your system approach, as well as your ability to adapt. If there are aspects of your work style that coworkers have adopted, focus on that as well. Highlight your strengths, your flexibility, and that you are easy to work with.
This question also evaluates how well you'll perform under stress and how you prioritize the needs of the team over your own. It also examines the level of respect you hold for those in positions of authority and your communication skills. Formulate an answer that conveys your scope of the big-picture and what it takes to support the vision of your leaders. When a communication breakdown occurs, share how you strive to bridge that gap.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Objectify the situation, exhibiting an emotionally mature perspective, and how you navigated this terrain, leading to a successful resolution. Nonverbal cues for empathy are slightly tilting your head, nodding slowly, keeping your palms open, maintaining eye contact, smiling softly, and slightly raising your eyebrows. Posture yourself in a relaxed and comfortable position. Focus on the positives and how the overall outcome benefitted the team.
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022
Answer Example
"Actually, making the decision to pursue opportunities outside of my current employer was difficult. I am also a person of integrity and am loyal as well, so I decided to inform them I was looking around and exploring other options to try to manifest my career goals. I do love my teams and my company, and take great pride in all we've built together. But I try to live regret free and feel I have done right by everybody every step of the way."
Written by Kevin Downey on October 21st, 2022