31 Behavioral Interview Questions & Answers
1. Describe a time when you motivated yourself to complete an assignment or task that you did not feel like doing.
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know that you will still get the job done even when you aren't excited about the task at hand. The goal of your response is to show that you are a reliable person who delivers high-quality work, regardless of how motivated you feel at the moment. By the end of your reply, the interviewer should feel confident that you are a self-motivated individual who takes accountability for your work.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about a specific situation in which you completed something you didn't feel motivated to do. Outline the situation, describe your responsibility, and explain why you were not excited about it. Be sure to tell the interviewer that even though you were not enthusiastic about the task, you did it promptly and with care, knowing that it would help the organization as a whole. Give as much detail as you can about the actions you took to reach the finish line. If your hard work made a measurable impact, be sure to offer details about this accomplishment.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
'Describe a time when...' means that the interviewer is looking for a story-based example for this behavioral-based interview question. This style means forming a response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general answer regarding your level of self-motivation. Stay away from vague statements like, 'I cannot think of a time when I struggled to complete an assignment or task. I am a very self-motivated person who rarely has trouble staying on task.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Human Resources Example
"(Situation) My current company receives an incredibly high volume of online job applicants every day. (Task) As the HR assistant, it is my job to review the resumes in our job portal every week. The task can be repetitive, and it takes a lot of care and attention. (Action) I set rewards for myself. Sometimes there will be up to 200 resumes to review. They all begin to look the same over time, so I set a goal to look at 20 at a time, give myself a quick break, and then return to the task. (Result) I do this every week and have been able to get through all the new resumes every week. As a result, no applicants wait more than seven days for a response, which I believe is an excellent business practice."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Part of our project process is to have an initial discovery call with our clients. The call is supposed to take about an hour, but I tend to take up to two hours explaining our process to the clients. I began to dread these calls. (Task) As the marketing manager, I lead these calls. I know that at least 50% of the call is not a good use of time for my team, myself, and my client. We spend so much time explaining our approach and less time talking to the client about their vision for the project. (Action) I decided to have our team create a library of resources for our clients. We would share these digital resources before the initial client call, allowing the client to learn more about our process upfront. (Result) Now, I spend much less call time relaying tactical information and more time getting to the necessary details. These calls are much more enjoyable for everyone now."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) At Company ABC, every sales rep must document in the CRM immediately after a client appointment. (Task) As a salesperson, I do not always like filling out the CRM immediately. It's time-consuming, and I often need to get to my next client appointment. Also, I like the call, the chase, the close. Taking time to pause and write out the details of the conversation and projections is not something I look forward to doing because it slows me down. However, I understand that it's a necessary step in the sales process. (Action) To ensure that I am compliant, I now give myself an extra 15 minutes between appointments to ensure that I have the time to document properly. (Result) Not only does this approach keep me on track with my notes, but it has helped me to sell more since I have more up-to-date client analytics. I realize that our CRM is an essential sales tool. It helps me and my company to succeed, even if it takes slowing down and doing a seemingly monotonous task."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Administration Example
"(Situation) Recently, my boss asked me to clean out our huge office supply closet. It was a daunting job. (Task) The 3,000 square foot room had become a dumping ground of junk and random items that we never use. As the admin assistant, I knew it was up to me to put my whole heart into the task to make the lives of my co-workers so much better through the art of organization. (Action) I came to work over the next four days, prepared with comfortable clothes and shoes, and tackled the job. I created a pile for keep, one for recycling, one for donating, and one for the garbage. (Result) In the end, the supply room looked like an office supply store! Everyone appreciated my hard work, and I was glad that I chose to shift my mindset and find the motivation to get the job done with enthusiasm."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) As an assistant manager for the clothing department in Department Store X, my least favorite task is cleaning out the dressing rooms and doing take-backs. (Task) However, these tasks are a significant part of what I do and an important part of keeping the store clean and organized. As the assistant manager, I never show my dislike for these particular tasks. (Action) Instead, I incentivize myself and my team to make these tasks fun. I will run little contests for the team. For example, one day, I bought a coffee for the person who organized their section of the store perfectly. (Result) I have been able to change the attitude of my team and department by implementing these incentives. As a result, our store now looks clean, tidy, and organized. The customers appreciate the added effort since it makes their shopping experience much better."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) We all know that the report card season is busy and can be overwhelming. (Task) As a junior-high teacher for our city's largest middle school, I have over three hundred students, so it's an enormous task. (Action) I make these report cards personalized, knowing the parents appreciate the added effort. So, it becomes a rather large project. I make sure to break the reports up by class and complete one class per day. (Result) It's not a fancy process, but it works for me. I believe the extra effort is appreciated as I often receive kind emails from the students' parents, thanking me for the added detail on how their kids are performing in class."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) In the warehouse where I currently work, our turnover is high due to the strenuous nature of the job. (Task) I manage over 500 warehouse associates and see around a 5% turnover rate month-over-month, which equals about one person per day. This number means a lot of terminations, which I do not enjoy leading. (Action) Although I dread this task, I balance it out by reminding myself that we have a fantastic new employee lined up as a replacement who will perform better and compliment the positive workplace culture. (Result) By changing my mindset, I can better focus on the job at hand, which is leading and growing the associates who want to be there."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"I am mostly active and self-motivated. But when I have to do something that I don't feel like doing, I turn around to be who works following the money. I remind me the company pays me because I work. And it works much more than I try to find the meaning of itself. Once the work initiated, I feel like performing better."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This seems like a good way to stay motivated! It's good that you added in the fact that you are self-motivated most of the time.
"I am active and self-motivated; however, there are times when I run out of steam. During those times, I remind myself that the company pays me for my best work. Once I have initiated a task, I always feel better and can perform as expected."
2. Think about a difficult boss, professor, or coworker. How did you successfully interact with this person?
The Goal
The interviewer wants to see evidence that you can interact professionally and constructively with others, even if they have a challenging personality or work style. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you work well with a range of individuals. Your answer should assure the decision-maker that your communication style will be an excellent addition to their team.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific time you encountered a challenging boss, professor, or co-worker and successfully communicated with them. Outline the situation, describe why it was vital that you communicated successfully with this person, and explain the actions you took to build a healthy relationship with the individual.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
'Think about a time when...' means that the interviewer is looking for a story-based example when responding to this behavioral-based interview question. This means that you should form a response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid speaking poorly of anyone you have worked with in the past or present. You should also avoid giving a general answer regarding your approach to getting along with others. Statements like, 'I can't think of a time when this happened because I get along with everyone,' should also be avoided.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"(Situation) I once worked at a locally-owned shop where the owner was very demanding. When he walked into the store, employees would announce over their headset system that the owner was in the building so that everyone could prepare for his entrance into their department. (Task) I am a perpetually positive person, so I assumed that he had great intentions; however, his people skills were a little rough. I could see that he meant well, and I recognized that he wanted to do a lot of good things. I was determined to help my co-workers see it this way as well. (Action) When we interacted, I always took his feedback with the understanding that he didn't mean things as harshly as he might say them. Slowly, he began to soften up. As my colleagues saw that my approach was working, they began to communicate with the owner in the same manner. (Result) After just a few months, the mood of the store was more positive, and our team was much more at ease."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Administration Example
"(Situation) I once worked for an executive who was very difficult in meetings. He did not interact politely with others. (Task) As his Executive Assistant, I took it upon myself to help this person interact better with our team and stakeholders. (Action) When he would bark orders, I would reiterate what he was trying to say to the group more professionally. It was a subtle approach, and I did so with total respect and patience. (Result) It took some time to see change, but soon he learned to communicate in a way that made people want to collaborate with him."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) The most difficult person I ever worked with was my boss a few years back. She was the Marketing Associate until she was promoted to Marketing Manager. Unfortunately, after her promotion, she was no longer willing to listen to my project ideas. I believe this was partly out of pride and partly because she was trying to find her footing in this larger role. (Task) Because our roles were so closely aligned, I knew that we needed to learn to work together. (Action) I sat with her for a one-on-one meeting, and we had a nice talk about the positive changes she made to the department. After I showed her that I appreciated her contribution, I then presented my thoughts about growing the ideas that she had started. (Result) We quickly became a great duo. We worked very well together by combining our strengths to make each project exceptional. Today, she stands as one of my professional references."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) In the past, I struggled with my VP of Sales. She was brought on with no industry experience and seemed to have little interest in learning the industry. (Task) As the Sales Manager, it was up to me to win her over. (Action) I invited her on a business trip for an out-of-town client. I wanted her to meet my clients. I aimed to spend one-on-one time to get to know her personality and approach. I asked questions about her background, what attracted her to our company, and her short-term goals for the organization. (Result) During the trip, we bonded as humans, mothers, and sales executives. She learned a lot about the company and industry, and I learned about the skills she brought from her previous roles."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) One of the most difficult people I've encountered was a customer at ABC Luxury Store. (Task) I was a personal stylist at the boutique, and this customer was notoriously difficult, cranky, and picky. However, she was a big spender, so I needed to cater to her needs. (Action) She shopped with me once per month, and each time she arrived at the showroom, I challenged myself to win her over. I gave myself incremental goals along the way - small checkpoints, such as getting a nod of approval or a smirk or grin. I made it a fun little game for myself. (Result) Ultimately, I did win her over, and she warmed up to me, even smiling now and then."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) I had a coworker in the Spanish department of my former school who was very traditional in her teaching approach. She came from the school of thought that children were to be seen and not heard. (Task) I believe that kids are kids and, to be able to learn most effectively, they need to get up and move. I wanted to show her the importance of relaxing, just a touch. (Action) Over a few months, I spent more time with her in the teachers' lounge, where we would often discuss teaching philosophies and experiences. (Result) She began to trust my teaching approach, and we even collaborated on a couple of activities between classes. I think the students appreciated my efforts to help their other teacher introduce more fun in the classroom."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) At Business ABC, one of my managers was very cold and 'matter-of-fact' in his approach. (Task) I have worked most of my career in the logistics industry, which attracts a large variety of personalities. However, I am a warm person by nature and found it challenging to connect with this particular person. As the team lead, I needed to adapt because we collaborated on tasks nearly every day. (Action) I changed my approach by sticking solely to the facts when in meetings and always presenting data versus opinions. (Result) In the end, it wasn't the most profound relationship that I've had in my career, but we made it work for us and got along well enough to do our jobs and deliver reliable performance."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"There was a time when I did have to work with a coworker that was hard to get along with. He wanted to do his own thing and didn't like working as a team even though he knew that some of the responsibilities belonged to both of us. When I tried to work with him, he would always say that he did not have time, maybe later, or that he was working on something else. What I did to interact with him was, I started praising his accomplishments in front of others, did small things to make his life a little easier. As time went by, he began to trust me and assist me with project tasks."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This is awesome! What a great approach you took. Well done.
3. Tell me about a time when you were in danger of missing a deadline. What did you do?
The Goal
The interviewer wants assurance that you can perform under pressure and still deliver on your deadlines. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you are a diligent person and will complete your work on time.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific time you had to perform at an accelerated level to meet an important deadline. Outline the situation and describe why it was vital to complete the deadline on time. Focus the bulk of your response on the actions you took to meet a deadline successfully. If your diligence yielded an impressive accomplishment, be sure to include this in your story-based response.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general answer regarding your dedication and time-management skills. Stay away from vague statements like, 'I am sure never to miss a deadline. I am a very hard worker with excellent time management skills.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
" (Situation) Last month, our corporate head office requested a full inventory count at random. We had just 48 hours to complete this count, and inventory counts typically take three full days to complete. (Task) I am the team lead, so it was up to me to determine how the team was going to make this happen. (Action) I rescheduled us to work longer split shifts to ensure we met the timeline without overworking anyone. I turned the task into a competition - the first person to complete their inventory section received two free movie tickets. (Result) My plan worked well! We finished the inventory count in just 39 hours, and the team remained motivated."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Administration Example
"(Situation) My team and I were recently under a deadline to complete a global employee satisfaction survey. (Task) We had to execute the project from start to finish within six weeks. Before beginning, we came across one major roadblock that would prevent us from accomplishing this. Global customs would take six weeks to ship the surveys in and out of the facility. (Action) We came up with the solution to email the surveys and still include the coding that would catalog the results by location and department. (Result) It was our transparency in communication and collaborative work environment that allowed us to meet the deadline and deliver the results to the leadership team."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) I was once part of a marketing project that had a major setback because of the crash of our project management software. (Task) As the Marketing Manager, it was up to me to find the solution so that our team did not miss our deadline. (Action) I went to the project backup database, quickly reviewed everyone's open tasks, rearranged the schedule, and called an emergency team meeting to set us back on course. (Result) We barely made it in time, but we did, and I was very proud of the hard work my team put in to make it happen."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) I currently work as a telephone sales representative in a highly competitive environment. I recently had a chaotic week; Monday was a holiday, and our company database was down on Tuesday. (Task) I was tasked with cold calling 100 prospects per day, and my numbers do not change despite long weekends or tech roadblocks. This setback meant that I needed to complete five days of work in just three. (Action) I spent a few hours of overtime and skipped my lunch breaks so that I would meet my target. I called 150 people per day and 200 on the final day. (Result) My boss was thrilled with the dedication that I showed and thanked me for not making excuses and hitting my targets despite the roadblocks."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Recently, I was called into work at the last minute to help reach a buying deadline. (Task) Our previous manager had left suddenly, so I was asked to step in and make buying recommendations for next season. (Action) I stayed up for hours that night reviewing last year's data for the same season, to make educated recommendations to corporate. (Result) In the end, the company made many of its buying decisions based on my recommendations. I was so nervous throughout the entire season that I made an inaccurate representation of our data and put my job at risk. As it turned out, I was pretty accurate, and we had a successful summer season."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) Last year, while writing the curriculum, we had some conflict about what lessons would be added, cut, or kept. Because of this conflict, our faculty fell behind on the curriculum deadline. (Task) Of course, as a dedicated teacher, my students and their learning always come first. I knew I needed to hustle to reach these curriculum goals before the start of the year. (Action) Ultimately, I ended up working longer hours than usual to make my final recommendations and revisions. (Result) In the end, I was able to reach my professional deadlines. I believe that my passion showed in the inspired curriculum changes I contributed."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Human Resources Example
"(Situation) This past year my Regional Manager wanted to have a new sales rep hired and trained for the first week of January. (Task) She informed me of this on the first of December. (Action) To expedite the process, I requested a budget allowance to hire a recruiter. (Result) The recruiter worked fast, and we had an offer out to the perfect candidate in just three weeks."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"We currently have goals of 25 insights a week, which I have broken down to 5 a day, so it's not so overwhelming. My manager one week upped ours to 35, which kind of threw my smaller goal system off. This needed to be completed by Friday night. I was behind because I was used to my five a day. I set myself up a tracking system on excel and tracked my progress. I did end up meeting this goal."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This answer shows your ability to adjust while also keeping yourself accountable and on track. Nicely done!
4. Tell me about a time when you worked with a person who did things very differently than you. How did you collaborate?
The Goal
Since everyone's work style is unique, it can be challenging to collaborate with everyone 100% of the time. The interviewer wants assurance that you are a team player, regardless of personality or work style differences. The goal of your response is to describe your approach to collaborating with others while highlighting how your collaboration style will be a good match for the new team you'll be joining.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific time you worked with someone who approached their tasks or communication style differently than you. Outline the situation and describe why it was a challenge to collaborate with this person. Focus on describing the specific actions you took to ensure a successful collaboration.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid sounding closed-minded when discussing other people's work styles. You'll want to avoid sounding inflexible or like a know-it-all type of individual. You can prevent creating this impression by giving merit to different working styles, even if they do not match your own.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) My fellow administrator and I approach our work very differently. I prefer mapping out the situation and putting myself on a timeline, whereas she prefers to jump right into the task. (Task) After working on a few projects together, it became apparent that we needed to find a better balance between our two working styles. (Action) I called a private meeting where we openly discussed our differences. We agreed to split our tasks up and come together at the end of each day. We also agreed to keep the lines of communication open throughout the day. (Result) So far, this approach has resulted in a more streamlined process. As different as we are from each other, we both agree that as long as we get to the end goal together, it doesn't always matter how we got there."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) My coworker in HR had a completely different working style than me, even down to how we organized files. (Task) Tasked with a total reorganization of our digital files, I knew it was time that we learned how to mesh our two working styles. (Action) I made a list of the areas in which we worked differently from each other and sat with this person to work out our process. We divided up the tasks according to top skills and compromised on some procedures. (Result) We powered through the task and came out of the project with a much better understanding of each other."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) I recently collaborated with a designer who had a very different style of organizing and prioritizing work. I approach my work by scheduling meetings in advance and using lists. The designer was rarely prepared for meetings and spent a great deal of time talking about their personal life. (Task) I believed that we could work well together if we had clear boundaries and expectations. As the Marketing Manager, it was up to me to outline these boundaries. (Action) I took it upon myself to speak to that person about our different styles and come to an agreement on how we could work best together. (Result) The designer agreed and ended up adopting some of my organizational tools, and I learned from this person how to better embrace last-minute changes and creative pivots."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) When I started my current job, my direct boss did things very differently than I did. She was great with closing deals but was a tornado heading into meetings. She was always in a state of scrambling due to disorganization. (Task) It was hard to address this situation with her since she was my superior. However, I knew that my career success was also important. (Action) One day over lunch, we talked about our work stylings and how our professional styles impacted each other. (Result) We were able to cordially brainstorm ways that our styles could complement each other in the workplace. Since this conversation, we have worked harmoniously on multiple initiatives."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) When I worked at Store X, I was one of two team leads. Since we were sharing team and management responsibilities, we often had clashing opinions. (Task) I knew that I needed to collaborate with the other shift lead since our behavior would directly impact the productivity of our sales associates. (Action) By spending time writing out our main strengths, we were able to divvy up the work according to each other's strengths. (Result) This method solved the 'too many cooks in the kitchen' issue entirely."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) One of my colleagues and I had opposing teaching styles. (Task) This difference of opinion became an issue when we were assigned to share a split-grade class of 40 students. (Action) I worked very hard to be respectful of her love of worksheets, while I demonstrated the importance of movement and variety in the classroom. I used studies, as well as my own student's test scores, to show her how much students enjoy the approach in the classroom. Together, we agreed on some of the ways we should approach teaching these shared students. These approaches included putting a limit on the amount of desk work we assigned. I agreed to include some worksheets, and she incorporated more movement in the classroom. (Result) This compromise was a huge win for us as teachers and, most importantly, the students. Grades have increased, and friction has significantly decreased."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) When I began my most recent role, I replaced a manager who very much believed in a dictatorship management style. (Task) It was a huge challenge to undo the damage created among the team. (Action) Without too much disruption, I implemented a more relaxed management style. My team was so used to a stringent workplace that they resisted my methods at first. (Result) Once I developed trust as their manager, we were able to create a healthy workplace culture, and productivity increased by 24%."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"When I was second to a specialist role with another co-worker, we were in the project of preparing and facilitating training for our new temporary staff. I noted that I had a different style than her that I prefer to using more visual elements to present the key process, leaving the details for the trainee to learn through on the job training. While my coworker preferred a lengthy and detail approach for training. I suggested a nice talk over coffee to work out the best way of collaboration that we re-schedule our training contents that we utilize our different training styles that satisfy the needs of the trainee."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Nice reply! The interviewer will appreciate that you are very self-aware and willing to work with others who are different from you.
5. What is your greatest work-related accomplishment to date?
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know what kind of work-related successes you value in the workplace. The goal of your response is to give the interviewer a firm idea of the type of accomplishments you value the most. It's best if your values align with those of the hiring company. For instance, if the hiring company values customer service, consider discussing one of your proudest customer-service-related accomplishments.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Think about a stand-out work accomplishment that you believe will resonate with the hiring company. This approach means choosing an achievement related to the successes you hope to see in this new role. This approach could also mean selecting an accomplishment that aligns with the hiring company's mission, values, and goals. Explain why the accomplishment means so much to you. If you can, finish your response with a qualifying statement regarding how you will continue this pattern of achievement if you are the chosen candidate. Be as detailed as you can. If you are new to your career, you can lean on other experiences such as school, competitive sports, or volunteer work.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Since the interviewer asks for a work-related example, it's best to avoid discussing a personal accomplishment. Yes, you have accomplished many exciting things in your personal life! Perhaps you have raised incredible children, or you have overcome a personal struggle. However, it's essential to keep your interview answers work-relevant whenever possible.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current position, I reduced costs by reviewing packing slips, contracts, invoices, and calling out vendor billing errors. Then, I assisted Accounts Receivable by making collection calls, bringing in potentially lost revenue. Lastly, I created a new filing system that helped us research transactions faster. These changes resulted in a 15% revenue increase in just 90 days. I am eager to bring these types of results for your organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"My greatest accomplishment stems from my time in university. I graduated top of my Business Administration class while also holding down a full-time admin job. It was a true success story, and it encouraged me, knowing that wherever I land in my career, I will always be able to handle busy workloads and heavy expectations."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"My proudest moment was setting a company record for fastest hire-to-promotion at Company ABC. I walked into the new opportunity, crushed expectations, and saw the reward of a promotion. The situation turned out exactly how I had hoped, and it gave me the confidence to keep pursuing my biggest career dreams, which is what brings me here today - interviewing with your esteemed organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"My proudest professional moment was being the youngest employee in my company to be promoted to the department manager role. I worked hard to meet my sales targets and also spent time mentoring new hires. I learned a lot about management, leadership, and coaching - all skills that I am excited to bring to this new opportunity."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"Two of my proudest career accomplishments occurred this year. I earned a spot in the President's Club and was awarded Top Customer Choice in my division. This recognition meant so much to me because it showed me that my dedication and tenacity truly paid off. I won the President's Club annual trip to Mexico, which was exciting. I plan to continue this pattern of success with your organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"My biggest work-related accomplishment came when the school district cut my elementary Spanish program for budgetary reasons. The parents of my students rallied to ensure the district, the board, and the principals all knew that it was not an option to cut the program. I had former students speak about how important Spanish has been for them and how impactful I was as a teacher. I knew then just how big of a difference I had made at that community school. Rest assured, I will bring this same energy and dedication to your school should you choose to hire me."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"In my last role, I created a social cause program for our organization. The charity initiative focused on giving back to the community, and our employees were happy to be involved in volunteer efforts. I have had many wins in my management career, but giving back to others was truly the most gratifying. I look forward to gaining more experiences like this with your organization as I see that your company also puts a spotlight on giving back."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"I was awarded as an outstanding employee on four separate occasions for my services to students, colleagues, and institution. However, my greatest accomplishment was to see my students take my advice, complete the course successfully, and embrace a bright future of doing what they are passionate for and capable of."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Very nice balance between professional rewards and reward through feelings of accomplishment.
6. Tell me about a time when you had to learn something new within a short deadline.
The Goal
The interviewer wants assurance that you can learn new skills under pressure. The goal of your response is to show the hiring authority that you are willing to put in the effort required to learn new skills, even when it may seem difficult. This question also presents an excellent opportunity to express that you accept workplace changes with poise.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Think about a time you learned a new task or responsibility with little advanced notice. Perhaps your company implemented new software on which you had to give yourself a crash course. Maybe you needed to learn and implement a new procedure without notice. Perhaps your employer asked you to attend a workshop at the last minute, or you had to study for a policy exam. These make great real-life examples of times you had to learn something new within a short deadline. Discuss your diligence and actions to learn the content, task, or responsibility within a short timeline.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general answer regarding your ability to learn new skills quickly. Stay away from vague statements like, 'This happens to me every day! I am often learning new tasks on the job, and I am always up for a new challenge.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) In my most recent role, I was unfamiliar with the hospital record-keeping system at first. (Task) After a few days of on-the-job training, I was able to maintain the hospital record-keeping system, but I still wasn't happy with my fluency. (Action) I found tutorials online and spent evenings training myself to improve. (Result) I became fluent in the program in no time flat. It was nice to dive in, learn the system well, and have that sense of accomplishment early on in my role."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) When I first began my administration career, I started as a temporary employee with a temp agency. (Task) Because I was placed in a variety of roles that changed weekly and sometimes even daily, I often jumped into positions where there was a lot to learn in a short time. Deadlines were often extremely tight, and technology changed frequently. (Action) I utilized and maximized my resources to the fullest, often learning technical tasks through YouTube tutorials the night before. (Result) I learned plenty of programs and software, and best of all, had fun doing it!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Our agency implemented a new design program recently. (Task) I needed to know the ins and outs of this design program to work effectively on my largest client project. (Action) I hunkered down, put a sign on my cubicle that said, 'Do not feed the animals,' and got to work researching and learning. (Result) Everyone understood that I needed some time, and they reserved calling my name for urgent requests only. I was able to learn the program in just one day, an accomplishment that I am quite proud of."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Last year, I earned a promotion to assistant manager with two weeks' notice. (Task) While earning a promotion was super exciting, the promotion was in an entirely different department. From the employees to the merchandise, everything was all brand new to me. (Action) I took the bull by the horns and got to work, learning everything I could about the collections, what sold well, and team dynamics. I wanted to be as efficient as possible right out the gate. I also recognized that I should seek the guidance of the current staff so they knew I valued their knowledge. (Result) Leading with an eager mind and humble heart, I got down to business and up to speed within a week."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) One instance that stands out is my work with a new student I had this year. This student has special needs, and his parents asked that he attend my Spanish class. (Task) As an experienced teacher, I often have moments of learning on the fly and know that I need to be flexible with all learning levels. (Action) I needed to learn overnight how to best include this student in my classroom without hindering his or the other students' learning. I wanted him to be successful. I read his IEP cover to cover and spoke with his aide and his parents to better understand his needs. (Result) The next day, this student stayed for Spanish and had a huge grin on his face throughout the lesson. It was so rewarding to see how he connected well with the curriculum and the other students."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) When I started my first car sales position in 2010, I took a salary cut for a highly commissioned opportunity. (Task) I had to hit the ground running to start earning commissions ASAP. I also had to learn about the car industry as quickly as possible so that I could start making appointments and sales. (Action) I spent the first week of this new job shadowing everyone I could, reading industry-related publications, and taking myself through the customer journey and sales cycle. I wanted to understand the entire experience from the customer's perspective. (Result) By the following week, I felt ready and was making appointments and running demos."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) Our company recently implemented a new SAP system. (Task) Not only was I tasked with learning the system, but I also needed to train my team of five on the use of the system. (Action) I had two weeks to learn and train, so I took a lot of the modules home, watched a plethora of tutorials online, and even utilized some how-to videos on YouTube. (Result) In the end, I met the goal and was proud of myself for learning a complicated concept under such a tight deadline."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"Working as head bartender at TGI Fridays, part of my role was to ensure my team, and I was always up to date with new cocktails/ promotions. As the Christmas season was rapidly approaching, there was several new products and promotions to learn. I took home the latest product information and spent some time learning them and coming up with fun games/ rhymes to help my team learn them. In result, this created a fun, lively atmosphere on the bar and the Bartenders enthusiastically promoting the new products."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Alexandra E. Reviewed the Above Answer
Great answer! Again, you follow the STAR method here, which is very beneficial in a behavioral interview. I love your example - it not only shows how you learned something quickly, but also goes above and beyond to show how you also helped others learn that.
7. When have you had to make a split second decision? How do you react under unexpected pressure?
The Goal
We all make a lot of choices every day! The interviewer wants to know how you handle pressure when an unexpected decision calls for your attention. The goal of your response is to provide the interviewer with a specific example of how making quick decisions and thinking fast on your feet sets you, a top-notch professional, apart from the other candidates competing for the job.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific time you had to make a split-second decision and made the right choice, despite being under unexpected pressure. Outline the situation, describe the last-minute decision you were required to make, and explain how you came to your final decision. Be sure to tell the interviewer that you made a well-calculated decision even though you were under pressure. Give as much detail as you can regarding how you weighed the pros and cons of the decision. If your final decision made a measurable impact, be sure to discuss the results you generated.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'When have you...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general description of how you react under pressure. For instance, saying, 'I make split decisions daily when meeting with prospects. I react well under pressure,' is vague and fails to tell a story of a specific time when you encountered a pressure-based situation and came out of it successfully.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) Last week, I had two high-profile clients show up for a meeting at the same time. (Task) My current position requires me to make tough decisions regularly, so luckily, I work well under pressure. (Action) In this situation, I did not want anyone to feel bad for being late or too early. I had each party placed in a different conference room. My colleague started the meeting with our early client while I met with the client who had arrived late. The situation worked out well because I am no stranger to multi-tasking, and I have a great support team."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) In my current administrative role, I face split-second decisions related to customer service. (Task) Often, I have guidelines to follow, but there are also times when situations call for creative solutions to meet customer needs. (Action) Multiple times per day, I make split-second yet calculated decisions when resolving these customer service matters such as refunds or account credits. (Result) I always keep the best interest of the company in mind while ensuring that the customer is happy with their experience."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) When working for Agency ABC, I had a client approve website copy that I didn't find to be compelling. (Task) Something sounded off, but I couldn't fully put my finger on it. Yet, as the project manager, it was up to me to ensure that all sign-offs looked impeccable. (Action) The day I was supposed to sign off on the web copy, I pulled the plug and sent recommended changes to the client. (Result) It was a risk, but it worked out better in the end. The client gained further trust in my work, and I learned that it's always best to follow my intuition."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) One split-second decision helped me close a huge deal recently. I was on the verge of signing a six-figure deal with a key client. I had the final meeting set up where all stakeholders would be in attendance. (Task) I knew that we needed to nail the presentation to gain the support of all stakeholders. (Action) I talked to my manager and told him that I wanted to fly to the clients' location because I believed an in-person meeting would make all the difference. (Result) My manager agreed, and I presented the final pitch in person. The deal was signed, and I believe that my dedication made a significant difference to the client. In sales, I sincerely believe that going above expectations will never fail."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Last month, my manager quit her job with no notice. (Task) As the assistant manager, all responsibility immediately transferred to me. (Action) At first, it was an uncomfortable situation. However, I got my head in the game, took charge of the team, and reassured everyone that work would go on as usual. I delegated tasks and leaned on additional training resources related to leadership. (Result) I learned many lessons and am still learning. However, the team and my managers have greatly appreciated the way I have stepped up and performed."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) Recently, a student with significant behavior issues had a breakdown in my class. (Task) As a teacher, I face many daily split-second decisions, often surrounding student behavior. Whatever the situation, it's my professional responsibility to react swiftly and correctly. (Action) I quickly assessed how to handle the situation to ensure the safety of all students without alarming anyone. I was able to quickly grab an aide from another classroom and get help for this student. We called the school nurse as well. (Result) By reacting promptly, I was able to contain a potentially volatile situation. My adrenaline was flowing, but I felt pride knowing I had made a great decision in a high-stakes situation."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) In my previous role at Company ABC, the senior plant manager was out one day, and there was a bottleneck on the production line. (Task) As the assistant plant manager, it was up to me to pull the team together. (Action) I reviewed the schedule and made a quick decision to double up on team hours for the following day. (Result) We were able to catch up and avoid any customer issues related to product shortages."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"With one of my previous companies, I found that one of the Active Directory servers were not functioning correctly. I decided to go ahead and reboot the server during business hours. I let all the employees know, and we rebooted the server, it came back up successfully, and all the employees were able to continue to work with minimal downtime. I felt like I handled this good under pressure."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Kristine Knutter Reviewed the Above Answer
Good answer! It's clear you understood that you were making an important decision that affected all employees. To enhance your response, try explaining why you felt you needed to reboot the server during business hours. Make the interviewer understand why this situation was urgent. You can also discuss if you have to make split-second decisions regularly.
8. Tell me about a time when you undertook a project that demanded a lot of initiative.
The Goal
The interviewer wants you to demonstrate your ability to take on projects that require a great deal of commitment. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you are a motivated individual who is ready to take on demanding workplace initiatives such as complex projects, new accountabilities, and more significant responsibilities.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Answer this question by discussing a specific time you took the lead on a demanding initiative. Be sure to include details of your project timeline, which portion of the project you led, or what you had to teach yourself for the project to be successful.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general answer regarding your willingness to take on demanding projects or initiatives. Stay away from vague examples like, 'I recently took over as leader of the entire sales team. This promotion has required a lot of initiative on my part, but I am up for the challenge.' At first glance, this example seems okay, but it's essential to provide as many details as possible about the situation, your responsibilities, the actions you have taken so far, and the results of your actions.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) A few months ago, my team was asked to perform a major inventory count, as requested by our corporate head office. (Task) At the time, our manager was away on temporary sick leave. No one quite knew where to start or who should take the lead. (Action) I took the initiative to lead my co-workers through the inventory project. I taught myself the tracking software in a short amount of time and created a schedule for the inventory counts so everyone knew the expectations. (Result) We completed the project three days ahead of schedule! It was a great success."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) With recent changes to healthcare, my employer knew it was time to revisit our employee health benefit provisions. Making an educated decision was crucial to the employees and the company's bottom line. (Task) As the senior administrator, I was tasked with performing the research on alternate health benefits providers. (Action) I made dozens of calls and sent in numerous RFQs. I spent a lot of time crafting charts and flows to make sense of the information for the short- and long-term. (Result) When it came time to present my findings to the company leaders, they were very impressed with the amount of data I was able to collect. In turn, they were able to make the best choice before enrollment time."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) One situation that comes to mind was the first time I was named Lead Marketer on a big client project. (Task) As the Lead Marketer, I had to guide the initial intake calls, ask the right questions, and correctly relay the information to my marketing team. If anything went wrong, it fell on my shoulders. (Action) So, for that reason, I worked double time and triple-checked everything before it went out to our client. I put in around 40 overtime hours working into the evenings and weekends. (Result) In the end, our client was thrilled with the outcome, and I received the opportunity to be the lead marketer on another opportunity with that client just a couple of months later."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) While working for Company ABC, I was responsible for rolling out an entirely new sales territory from scratch. (Task) We had zero name recognition and no clients in that region to point to as references. As the Territory Manager, it was a daunting task. (Action) I developed a plan of attack by reading what other high-growth tech startups had successfully done in a B2C model. Next, I identified the notable names in the area that would make us an influencer in the space if we partnered. Finally, I began digging in, calling everyone and anyone who would sit down and talk with me. (Result) It took a lot of legwork and overcoming obstacles, but my approach ultimately proved effective, and that territory is now one of the top producing markets for the organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Last year, Company X corporate head office was renovating my older store to match their new stores popping up across the country. (Task) As soon as it came up that they'd need team leads for each department, I asked for the job. Luckily, they chose me! (Action) The nine months spent in transition was a blur of to-do lists, meetings, and cross-collaboration with head office, contractors, and more. (Result) I was very proud of the final product, and I am happy that I was able to play a part in creating and executing that vision."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) While on the curriculum team, I volunteered to lead the entire rewrite of third, fourth, and fifth grade Spanish lessons. (Task) We had previously agreed upon targets that we wanted to keep to stay in line with the goals of the middle and high school teachers. Beyond that, I was responsible for creating the key lessons that all teachers would use while connecting them to the state standards. (Action) This project was a huge undertaking, and I recruited a few fellow teachers to help. I delegated the work, choosing each teacher's workload based on their strengths and favored tasks, and then took on the rest for myself, along with overseeing and compiling all of the collaborative work. (Result) While it took the entirety of the summer, when it was finally complete, we had an incredible meeting going over it all, talking about the upcoming year. Everyone was excited. It was even more rewarding to see the plans in action within my classroom and hear about the successes other teachers had as a result."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) My current company recently switched over our entire leadership team. During the process, the corporate head office decided to change our medical benefit plans. (Task) As the HR Manager, I knew it was up to me to protect the company culture at that time. (Action) I reached out to all associates individually to gain their feedback on what changes they would like to see. I explained some possible options and gained their feedback for the new leadership team. (Result) This initiative was a demanding one; however, I am proud to have led my associates through a seamless benefits transition."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"My last company recently changed our version control system from Jenkins to Go Cd. During the process, the engineering team changed our meeting plans and project sprint deliveries. As the Lead Manager, I knew it was up to me to protect the team deadlines. I reached out to all engineers individually to gather feedback about which changes they would like to see made. I explained some options and listened to their feedback about the new tool which was Go CD. This initiative was a demanding one; however, I am proud to have led my associates through a seamless transition."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Excellent use of the STAR framework and the Mock Question example answer for organzing your response! The interviewer should find your answer to be concise and clear. If you want to make your answer more robust, I recommend adding more detail to the 'action' portion of your response. You could include details on what the changes were, what your options were, etc.
9. Tell me about the most competitive work situation you have experienced. How did you handle it, and what was the result?
The Goal
The interviewer wants to determine if you function well in a competitive environment. The goal of your answer is to show the interviewer that you can rise to a challenge and that you are excited to push yourself to be the best. You'll also want to highlight your desire to maintain healthy competition by cheering others on along the way.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific time you faced a competitive situation at work. Perhaps you were in a friendly competition to achieve the highest sales, were working towards a promotion, or eagerly trying to win a new contract. Be sure to explain how you react in the face of competition. Discuss the actions you took to ensure healthy competition and include details of the stand-out results you generated.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general response about your approach to competitive situations. Statements like, 'I haven't been in a competitive work situation, but in that case, I would do my best to be a team player and encourage collaboration,' are too vague and lack depth.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) My current sales position is highly commission-based, so my colleagues and I are quite competitive. (Task) Despite being competitive, we have a terrific work environment where we help each other when someone is struggling to meet their quota. (Action) We coach each other on sales techniques and share success stories. (Result) The result has been a positive work environment with healthy competition."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) There is not often a chance for competition, as an Administrative Assistant; however, our office does a fundraising challenge every Thanksgiving. (Task) This challenge involves raising sponsorship for an office-wide 5K race. (Action) Most years, I am in the lead for funds raised, as I have a very supportive network of friends and family. Also, this challenge is one of my favorite charitable initiatives. (Result) Every year, we donate 100% of the funds to sponsoring two families for their Christmas needs. It gets competitive, and all for a great reason!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) My employer recently introduced a 'friendly' competition between two agency locations. (Task) It turned into a fierce contest to see who could increase their productivity, decrease errors, and maintain the company's high-quality standards while earning the highest amount of positive client reviews. (Action) Our team worked tirelessly and harder than usual, spending weekends working extra hours and encouraging each other along the way. (Result) We won the competition, and everyone received a new iPad. The whole event was a lot of fun."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) The most competitive I've ever been in a work environment was when I was up for promotion against a sales executive in another region. (Task) The leadership team let us know that we were both the contenders and essentially pitted us against one another. (Action) I hunkered down, worked extra long hours, and got my team on board to create and execute a plan to surpass our quota. (Result) Our efforts worked, and I received the promotion! I was also so thankful to my team for supporting me in my career goals."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) In retail, Christmastime is very competitive. Numbers are high, and everyone is trying to outdo last year's performance while earning the most commission. (Task) This holiday season is the time when our managers introduce an incentive program to encourage even more hustle. This particular year, there were rumors of a promotion being at stake. (Action) The rumors of a potential promotion, coupled with the holiday sales incentive, made me and another employee want to prove ourselves worthy. We made a handshake deal that we'd play nice, but at the end of the day, each of us still wanted to win. (Result) I did not earn the promotion; however, I was a close second. I learned a lot about healthy competition and enjoyed my successes either way."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) Teaching environments are not openly competitive. (Task) With that said, as an enthusiastic educator, I am internally competitive when it comes to helping a student improve their performance. (Action) I like to set goals for my struggling students and coach them in a way that speaks to their internal competitive streak. (Result) Throughout my years as a teacher, I have made a difference in the lives of students by exuding enthusiasm. It's gratifying."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) In my current role, we have four department managers. (Task) Since our jobs are so closely aligned, we are always in a friendly competition. (Action) We compete to see who can save the most money on hours per quarter, follow procedures the closest, and have an accident-free month. (Result) It's a fun approach, but we also take these KPI's seriously at the same time. In fact, since introducing this friendly competition, all departments have seen a boost in employee engagement and productivity."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"One of my most competitive work experiences was with a manager that was placed above me that was younger than me but wanted to compete with me resolving automation issues with pumps, valves, and other instruments. He didn't have to assist me resolving field related issues but I suspect he wanted to take credit for resolving problems. I basically had to confront him on the matter and remind him that he had so many other duties he could be successful in completing. He was not happy at first but over time, he came to understand his responsibilities."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Rather than positioning the situation as an age issue, I recommend phrasing this differently. For instance, he was less experienced than you. I have reworded this slightly so that there is no risk of you sounding jaded because the manager was younger. Be careful with wording such as 'reminding' your manager of their duties or the fact that he 'came to understand'. These phrases can sound like you belittled the manager. Mix that tone with ageism and it can become a big red flag for an interviewer.
"One of my most competitive work experiences was with a manager placed above me who had less experience resolving automation issues with pumps, valves, and other instruments. He didn't have to assist me in resolving field related issues, but he felt the need to participate. Once trust was built between us, I brought up the fact that he had so many other managerial duties to tend to, and I was comfortable being in the field on my own. He was hesitant at first, but later agreed, and it worked out well for both of us."
10. What is the riskiest decision you have ever made in the workplace?
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know how you approach making risky decisions. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you can analyze a situation and that you understand the importance of making well-calculated decisions, even if there is some risk involved.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Start with an overview of the decision you needed to make and explain why it was risky. Describe who the situation impacted as well as the outcomes. Complete your answer by sharing how your decision paid off or mention any recognition you received for your success.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions like this, where the interviewer is looking for a story example, are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a surface-level answer that sounds like a lesson in risk-taking. For instance, 'Leaving my job to join this company is a risky decision, but if you don't try to achieve your dreams, you will not have the career progression you want.' This type of response does not answer this behavioral-based question directly and tells the interviewer very little about your behavior in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) The riskiest decision I ever made was to leave the recruitment industry. (Task) I had a desire to move into workforce planning as a consultant. The risk meant that if I were unsuccessful, I would be looking for a new job in a plodding economy. The payoff would be that I would finally be in a sector in which I was truly interested. (Action) Through hard work and leveraging my connections, I made a great career for myself over the next eight years. (Result) This hard work is what has brought me here today with an exceptional career opportunity in front of me."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) The riskiest career choice I made was asking for a reduction in hours, from full-time to part-time employment. (Task) I was asking for this reduction so that I could pursue my degree in Business Administration. (Action) I approached my boss with the facts and humbly asked that he consider my past commitments to the company when making his decision. (Result) My boss could have let me go, but he didn't. He openly supported my pursuit of higher education."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) One of the riskiest decisions I made was to leave corporate America and join a startup with an innovative idea. (Task) The company was seeking to provide a product/service that would pioneer a new industry. (Action) We worked harder and smarter to launch and create a new space in the nutraceutical marketplace. (Result) We failed a lot along the way, but we learned to fail fast, and it made us all better professionals."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) The riskiest career decision I've made was to leave an established organization in a down economy. (Task) Despite being groomed for a general manager role, I knew I needed to try my hand in a technology startup. (Action) Most of my family thought I was nuts, but I followed my intuition. (Result) Not only did I get to experience a different, more innovative culture, team, and product, but I was able to be a real 'difference-maker' in the organization. That leap brought me to more opportunities I never thought possible."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) I think the riskiest decision I've made is taking steps to pursue a new position. (Task) I am seeking out an opportunity, which means leaving a 15-year tenure at a successful store. (Action) Although I have risen through the ranks in this job and made a name for myself, I have a desire to challenge myself professionally. (Result) I am thrilled to be taking this chance and speaking with your esteemed retail brand today."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) My most considerable risk was choosing between pursuing a role as a high school Spanish teacher or an elementary Spanish teacher. (Task) Choosing to work in an elementary school environment was risky because I knew of budget cut rumors to elementary-based language programs. (Action) Regardless of these rumors, I decided to pursue an elementary school teaching gig. (Result) I was laid off after two years; however, it was the role that I wanted the most, which is why I took the chance."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) My riskiest decision was to ship a customer order late. (Task) I was not satisfied with the quality audit, and as the QA Manager, I took my responsibility seriously. (Action) The numbers were within the correct threshold but not to par. (Result) In the end, while the customer was unhappy to receive a late order, she was happy that we cared enough to investigate any potential problems."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"We had a customer that had 2 failed drives on their SAN that was hosting their servers. We decided to shut down the servers and have the employees do without network connectivity until the drives rebuilt to be safe on the rebuild process. The drives took a few hours to rebuild but once they did we turned the servers back on and everything came back up successfully."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Kristine Knutter Reviewed the Above Answer
Good answer! You describe a situation that demanded immediate attention, and you show how it was handled successfully. While reading your response, it wasn't clear why employees, not customers, had to go without network connectivity while the servers were down. You may want to revisit that part of your answer as well as share more context of the situation. Why was this decision risky? Do you feel you handled the experience in the best way possible, or did you learn any valuable lessons? I reworded your response a bit for clarity.
"We had a customer that had two failed drives on their SAN that was hosting their servers. We decided to shut down the servers and have the employees do without network connectivity until the drives were rebuilt to be safe. It took a few hours to restore the drives. When we turned the servers back on, everything came back up successfully."
11. Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to major change in the workplace. How did you cope?
The Goal
Change is prevalent in the workplace, and interviewers want to know that you can embrace change. The goal of your response should be to help the interviewer feel confident in your ability to adapt to unexpected changes in a workplace setting.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Pick an example of a time you faced a change in the workplace and your response was constructive. Explain how the change directly impacted your job and tell the interviewer how you maintained a positive approach during the transition. Perhaps your job duties shifted, there was a significant revision in policy, you had to welcome a new manager, or your company was acquired. These situations make excellent examples to draw on when you form your story-based response.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid focusing on a negative change. For example, 'When my company hired a new manager with a horrible temper, my entire work environment changed.' Also, avoid examples that could easily sound like you are blaming others. For example, 'I recently had to do an entire project by myself because my co-worker quit unexpectedly.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) Last year, we changed our patient check-in process. (Task) I was required to learn a completely new software system in a short amount of time. (Action) To tackle this challenge, I took a weekend-long online workshop to master the program. (Result) I encouraged my co-workers to do the same course, and it was beneficial for them as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) At Company ABC, my management team was turning over due to a merger. (Task) I needed to avoid a layoff in the process. (Action) I began learning as much as I could about the new company, its style, and its leaders. I wanted to stand out as an enthusiastic team member. (Result) The leaders noticed my positive attitude, and I avoided layoff through the process."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) We recently hired a new CEO with many years of experience in global marketing. (Task) This CEO's experience brings great value to my team; however, their leadership style is very different from the former CEO. For that reason, I had to work hard to help my team adapt. (Action) I shared with my team that change is good. I shared my belief that it is important to adapt, or we risk falling behind as a group. (Result) My team trusts me, and they agreed by fully buying into the new CEO's approach. The situation has been highly positive so far."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) When our sales team was appointed a new VP of Sales, it was a huge culture and organizational shock to everyone on the team. (Task) The change was tough at first because this VP seemed to be less experienced than the person who had previously been in the role. Overall, it felt like a bad hire. (Action) I decided, however, to keep that opinion to myself. I wanted to get to know this VP and learn about her past successes. (Result) In only a few months, her contribution has been hugely successful for our SaaS business. My team and I have come to appreciate her insight and perspective."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) My current company has very high turnover rates. On many occasions, I've had to adapt to a new manager. (Task) As the assistant manager, I've had to lead the proverbial 'welcome committee' many times. (Action) I prefer to set an excellent example for the rest of my team, so I am quick to adapt and welcome any new managers warmly. I provide them with the tools that they need to succeed. (Result) As a result, my team members follow suit and are kind, helpful, and welcoming as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) The founding member of my school's ESL program ran the program for 20 years. When she left, it was a big change for us all. (Task) The subsequent chair was a high school French teacher, so it was a 180-degree change to which I needed to adjust. (Action) It took a period of adjustment and a summer full of meetings, but we came to respect and understand each other. (Result) Ultimately, the change was beneficial. With this person's outside experience, we were able to communicate more seamlessly with the older grade levels, thereby ensuring that the entire ESL department was connected in its goals, targets, and program execution."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) Last year, my company shuffled around a lot of our team members with no notice. (Task) This shuffle meant that, overnight, the team of 40 that I was leading, became a team of 60. (Action) I had a great rapport with the current 40 and needed to come up with a fast strategy for connecting with the additional 20. I chose to throw a team-wide after-work event so that everyone had the opportunity to get to know each other and make meaningful connections. (Result) My idea worked like a charm, and everyone clicked right away, making the best of an abrupt situation."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"When my manager, who I truly valued, was replaced by someone who had a whole different approach to work. I needed to understand for myself and set goals about what I can learn from this person, and I succeeded well."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This would have been a tough situation! I recommend diving in a bit further on what you did to pivot your approach.
12. Tell me about a time when you used good judgment and logic to solve a problem.
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know about a situation where you used good judgment to solve a work problem. The goal of your response is to assure the interviewer that you approach issues with care and logic. The interviewer should envision you using good judgment in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Give a work-related story example that showcases your logic and reasoning abilities. Share a brief overview of the problem you faced, discuss the pros and cons of each decision you could have made, and tell the interviewer why the solution you chose was the best. Be sure to include details of the positive impact you generated for your employer by using strong judgment.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a vague response like, 'I use good judgment and strong logic all the time! Rest assured, if you hire me, I will make decisions that are good for the company.' Although the interviewer will be happy to hear that you plan to make wise decisions, this type of response fails to give a measurable example of your logic in action.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) Just yesterday I had a customer who was upset because our sales associate would not refund a garment that the customer had already worn. She was outside of the 14 days return policy as well. (Task) I am the assistant manager, so I stepped in to alleviate the situation. (Action) By showing the customer that I could meet her in the middle, she was able to calm down and reason with me. (Result) I did not refund her the price of the garment; however, I offered her a $25 in-store credit. I know this will cost my company money, but, in the end, I had a happy customer."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) In my current role, I face a multitude of scheduling problems every day. (Task) As an administrative assistant, I must use logic every day. (Action) For instance, I use logic to figure out how to arrange my executive's work and travel schedule through the path of least resistance. If a scheduling hiccup occurs, I will first call the most flexible appointments to reschedule and work my way down the list from there. (Result) By following this logic, I can solve many problems very quickly."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) When I take on a new client, I always ask them what their most significant pain point is. (Task) Understanding the customers' issues and their logic is a considerable part of my creative process. (Action) Using the logic and the thought process of my customer, I can dive into an impactful marketing strategy. (Result) I have utilized this approach for many years. It's always resulted in a clear project vision from the start and a happy client in the end!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) With Company X, I had a customer who was unhappy with his purchase. (Task) Since the item in question cost over $20,000, I needed to involve my support team. (Action) Although my support team advised that I escalate the issue to our Director of Operations for resolution, I knew that I could lose this account over a one-time issue. I was not about to let that happen. (Action) By stepping in and mediating a resolution call, I was able to assure the client that we would work together to not only solve the issue but address the arbitration process in the future. (Result) I was able to turn a disgruntled customer who threatened to never purchase from us again into a top account for the company."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) As a Manager in retail, decision-making often means weighing the potential of being blasted or praised on social media. (Task) One example that comes to mind was when I handled the termination of an employee. It was clear that this person was not going to work out, despite my best efforts at coaching and mentoring. (Action) Throughout three shifts, I worked with her, coached her, and gently allowed her to realize on her own that this position was a poor fit. By the end of the third shift of coaching out, she let me know that she was putting in her notice. (Result) By taking a different approach, we avoided the disgruntled exit of an employee. She now comes into the store as a friendly customer, so it did turn out well for all parties."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) My fourth-grade class was recently working on a project for our family unit, and one of the students was quiet and unengaged. (Task) This student was usually a bubbly, active participant, which signaled to me that something was wrong. (Action) I found a moment when I could quietly speak with him. He didn't know what to put as his mom's picture since she passed away when he was a baby. I was brokenhearted for him, but we had a moment to talk about how we can be sad but still remember our loved ones and how they're always a part of our family. (Result) By being in tune with my class, I was able to tackle an issue that resulted in a happy, smiling student."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) With Company X, we had a serious space issue in our warehouse. (Task) As the Warehouse Manager, it was up to me to find a creative and affordable solution. (Action) I rearranged our shipping lanes to allow for smaller customers to be contained in one area. Next, I arranged for large customers to have a dedicated shipping area. (Result) This change made locating shipments and loading trucks much easier. My team of operators was thrilled with the change."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"It was very basic judgment, a co-technician was testing a wcm module, It was not working, then they called engineers, still didn't work. I looked at the test scripts and changed the sim position, and then the modules passed. I think that is by far good judgment and logic I used to solve a problem."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a very good example! It's great that you jumped in and did some troubleshooting.
"When a co-technician was testing a WCM module, and it was not working, they called the engineers to help. It still did not work. I looked at the test scrips and changed the SIM position, and the modules passed. I used good judgment and logic to solve that problem."
13. Tell me about a time when you had to address an angry customer. What was the problem and how did you resolve it?
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know that you can professionally handle stressful or uncomfortable customer-related situations. The goal of your response is to showcase your ability to de-escalate customer issues and deliver professional service.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Briefly describe a time you resolved a customer service issue. Be sure to highlight your ability to remain patient and rational in the face of conflict. Focus the bulk of your response on the positive action you took and the resolution you came to with the customer rather than details of the conflict itself.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid providing a long, drawn-out story that focuses on the drama surrounding an angry customer. It's easy to get lost in stories surrounding conflicts.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) Last year, I worked in a retail customer care center of a company with many service complaints. (Task) As a Customer Care Representative, I had to navigate angry customer experiences more times than I would have liked. (Action) To cope, I took the stance that people who are upset want to be heard and respected. I would listen, empathize, and reassure the customer that I was there to support them and resolve the matter. If I needed to check on an order or get back to the customer, I would explain what I was doing and when they would hear back. (Result) I am proud to say that I successfully turned more detractors into promoters than anyone else in that organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) In my current role, I address angry customers daily. (Task) As an Administrative Assistant, I often encounter people who are upset about being asked to hold. (Action) When this happens, I 'kill them with kindness' by profusely thanking them for their patience and letting them know they now have my full attention. (Result) I would say this communication approach works 99% of the time."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Just last week, a customer called our design team because he was unhappy with a particular design we were creating for him. (Task) As the Marketing Manager, it was up to me to fix the situation. (Action) I called the client and reassured him that we would modify the design to his liking before finalizing the project. After we spoke further, I realized he was feeling uncomfortable because he was not a part of the decision-making every step of the way. I remained patient, listened to his concerns, and reassured him that we would satisfy his requests. (Result) As a result of the conversation, we were back on track and delivered a stellar design in the end."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) Recently, a client was delivered a damaged piece of goods that we sold him. For a $30,000 piece of inventory, he was understandably agitated. (Task) As his Key Account Manager, it was up to me to turn the situation around. (Action) Within five minutes of receiving his angry email, I hopped on the phone with him to address the issue. I had my COO and Director of Operations in the room so he would feel that the issue was being taken care of by upper management. (Result) Through a 10-minute conversation, we resolved his issue, bought back the piece of inventory, and had a pick-up arranged for that very afternoon. The client was so happy with our proactive approach that he committed to buying another five pieces of inventory that same week."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) I was challenged during a rollout of my current employers' new return policy. (Task) As a cashier, I had to request identification from any customer making a return without a receipt. (Action) One customer became irate after being asked for ID. She assumed it was a race issue. I took a step back and explained the reason for the new policy and assured her it was a new company-wide policy. (Result) After taking the time to hear her concerns, validate her feelings, and explain it all in context, she handed over her ID and apologized for her explosion."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) Last year, I had a parent upset that their child experienced exclusion from Spanish class. (Task) As the primary Spanish teacher, the parent chose to come to me. (Action) I looked into the situation and found that the exclusion was due to the student's IEP and special services scheduling. The student went to speech and social work during my Spanish class. This fact didn't stop the parent from showing frustration with me, so I made sure to find time to sit down and speak with her and show that I heard her frustration. I asked our principal to join us as well. (Result) We were able to figure out a better schedule for the following semester that would allow her child to attend Spanish class. By showing that I understood her frustration and was willing to work with her, she softened and was thrilled that we were so receptive to her concerns."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) I once worked at a call center that took high volumes of client disputes. (Task) As the Call Centre Manager, I took many escalations from angry customers. (Action) I remember one instance quite well. The customers' order was missing items. When I told her that our policy was to send the order back for a refund, she blew up. She just wanted us to ship the missing pieces. I decided to comply, as it was not worth upsetting her further. (Result) The customer ended up getting a refund in the end and was satisfied. After this situation, I spoke with our corporate head office about the possibility of changing our return policies."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"When I was a reseller at a bookstore I learned how to handle different types of customers in both stressful and calm environments. For example, when it was during Christmas time and many wanted to buy books as presents we needed to say customers to wrap their presents by themselves because of our time limitation due to the number of customers. The result was, of course, some angry customers who thought it was bad service. My approach was then to handle these customers by telling them that we have not resourced to wrap and handle all the customers these days, that if we would do that the queue would be even longer and many customers prefer to wrap their presents by themselves instead of wait in line for a longer time. The result was usually good because they calm down because they understood the situation and by comparing to a worse case if we would have done it in another way, they understood and agreed that this was the best approach right now."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Try to keep your answer more brief with less repetition.
"I once worked at a bookstore over the holidays. We did not offer gift-wrapping, which angered a lot of the customers. When approached, I patiently let the customers know that we were not set up for gift-wrapping. I pointed out that if we did offer gift wrapping, the line would take even longer, making customers wait for their turn. Most of the customers understood the situation and were happier to take a shorter wait time in line."
14. Have you ever worked in a situation where the rules and guidelines were not clear? How did you cope?
The Goal
The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you can thrive even in ambiguous situations. The interviewer should clearly understand how you approach your work when you lack explicit instructions. You should also highlight your dependence on your strong moral compass when company rules or guidelines are unclear.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer about a specific situation you faced where you were unclear about the guidelines or rules. Outline the situation, describe what your responsibility or goal was, and explain how you chose to approach the situation. Be sure to tell the interviewer that even though you were not entirely clear about the guidelines or rules, you still took great care in your approach, leaning on your knowledge base. Give as much detail as you can regarding how you coped in the face of ambiguity. If your process generated positive results, be sure to provide those details.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
'Have you ever...' means that the interviewer is looking for a story-based example for this behavioral-based interview question. This style means forming a response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid saying, 'No, I have never encountered this type of situation in the workplace.' The interviewer wants a specific example. Rather than saying you don't have one, dig deeper and think about an ambiguous situation you have faced at work, school, volunteer, or even your extra-curricular activities.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) One of my earlier positions was for a family-run furniture company with very few guidelines or rules of engagement when it came to sales, service, and protocols. (Task) As an experienced salesperson, I found this situation to be pure chaos. (Action) I did my best by following what I intuitively felt was the best decision on a case-by-case basis. I also created new processes and guidelines for my team along the way. (Result) By showing this initiative, I ended up being the top-performing salesperson and earned a promotion to manager."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) I worked for a small family-owned agency a few years ago. (Task) As the new Admin Assistant, I quickly noticed that most processes were not formally written down or included in my onboarding training. (Action) I made it my project to create 'what-if' scenarios, collect answers from my superiors, and compile a troubleshooting list for future reference. (Result) When I presented the documents to my leaders, they were thrilled with the initiative that I took and gave me a small raise."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) While working for an online marketing start-up company, I noticed there were many situations where rules and guidelines were not clear. (Task) I took it upon myself to address the need since my team and I needed direction. (Action) I drafted the rules and guidelines and came up with a system for others to contribute. (Result) Together, we created the internal structure that the company operates with today!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) In my previous role, I quickly learned that within startups, hard-set rules are difficult to find. (Task) As the new Business Development Director of a startup, I was to sell and hit my metrics, but it was a 99% 'figure-it-out-yourself' situation. (Action) I decided that the situation could be an excellent opportunity to pilot my business development ideas and sales tactics. I was confident in my work and comfortable with taking some creative license. I took the opportunity to create a set of approaches and processes for new client development. (Result) In the first 12 months, I secured 154% of my original sales goal, which allowed the startup to flourish."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) In the past, I worked for a retail company that did not have clear guidelines or procedures. (Task) Being new to my career in retail sales, I found this situation to be tricky to navigate. (Action) I decided to educate myself through workplace manuals and any other internal guides I could find. (Result) Ultimately, I found a comfortable middle ground that kept me productive."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) During a transition period in my school district, we had no department chair, and guidelines were unclear. In particular, nobody was mandating teacher meetings. (Task) A few more seasoned teachers knew that it was beneficial to us as teachers, and the department as a whole, to continue with our usual scheduling. (Action) We took turns leading the meetings and acting as though each of us was the supervisor, passing the baton to the next teacher for the next meeting. (Result) This approach allowed us to continue growing, learning, and collaborating during the transition."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) When I first took on my current management role, my team did not have many guidelines or processes to follow. (Task) As a seasoned manager, I understood the need for clear instructions and expectations. It concerned me that our team did not have a playbook to follow. (Action) I don't like to enforce rules explicitly; instead, I hope that my team will use their training, knowledge, and intuition to make the best decisions. For that reason, I asked the group to collaborate with me to create this playbook of sorts. (Result) We finished this internal guide in a couple of weeks, and everyone seemed proud of their involvement."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"Yes, there was a situation where Product based information was not clear to the entire team, which led to poor requirement gathering by the BA resulting in testing issues. As I was introduced in the middle of that project, I had great difficulty in understanding the gaps and functionalities. I immediately booked some time with BA, Solution Architect, Product Owner, and Developer to understand every aspect of the product and what solutions to approach with regards to the gaps. It worked out pretty well for all of us and I was able to achieve the deadlines well in time."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Cindy Ramsey Reviewed the Above Answer
Good! You're explaining the origins of the problem and how you were able to solve it proactively.
15. Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision without all the information you needed.
The Goal
The interviewer wants to hear more about your critical thinking skills. They would also like to see that you can use logic to make sound decisions. The goal of your response is to show that you are capable and confident when it comes to independent thinking and decision-making.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Think about a time during your career when you needed to make a decision without all of the information you would typically possess. Then, tell a story that outlines the situation and how you approached coming to a conclusion. Outline your ability to think critically and independently. At the end of your response, be sure to make a connection between your decision-making abilities and how you will make an impact in this new role.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general answer regarding your decision-making skills. Stay away from vague statements like, 'I am a skilled decision-maker and am confident in my ability to come to decisions even in an ambiguous environment.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) In my current role, I am responsible for creating the weekly schedule for 56 staff members. (Task) When I first took on the responsibility of scheduling, I did not have any data regarding our busiest times of the week and day. (Action) I worked hard to 'guesstimate' our customer traffic while remaining under the staffing budget and, at the same time, not understaffing. I used my logic and critical thinking skills to fill in the blanks for the data that I did not have. (Result) This scheduling approach worked out quite well for me. Now I fully understand our customer traffic flow, which has made staff scheduling a breeze."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) In my position, ambiguity is a large part of my daily reality. (Task) As an Executive Assistant, I often find myself making decisions wishing I had just a little bit more data. (Action) Just last week, the executive I support sent me a rough outline of her preferred travel itinerary. I knew that some of her requests would work and that some would not align with pre-booked meetings. In this case, I looked at everything I had scheduled for her up to that point, created what-if scenarios for several variables, and selected the best possible option. (Result) I always do my best for this executive, and she appreciates my hard work and critical thinking."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Often, our agency's clients are vague about their needs or the vision for their project. (Task) As a Creative Director, I know this vague approach occurs because they don't fully know what they seek. I have had to fill in the blanks many times. (Action) To do this, I bring forward a few tools such as questionnaires, brand sprints, and discovery sessions. (Result) By using these tools, I can get to know my clients well. Also, it helps me to be more comfortable in making executive decisions on projects."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) I recently had a customer seeking a particular piece of inventory that was hard to source. (Task) As a seasoned Account Rep, I knew my products very well. I also knew that there were only two products nationwide that met his criteria. (Action) These products were seemingly identical, but I had to choose which one to purchase on his behalf. With a price tag of $5k+, it was a significant decision to make. I leveraged my industry knowledge and my understanding of the customer. (Result) By using context and prior knowledge, as well as a bit of instinct, I made the right choice, and my customer was thrilled."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Often when a customer dispute arises, I am missing pieces of the story. One particular example that comes to mind occurred just last week when a customer stormed in and demanded a refund. (Task) As the Retail Manager, whether I had the full story or not, I was instantly pulled into making a customer service decision. (Action) I quickly assessed what category the problem seemed to fall in, whether it was a service, product, or pricing issue. Once I determined that it was a product issue, I knew I would go ahead and offer a product replacement. (Result) All in all, this customer dispute lasted under five minutes, and I was able to avoid any other potential damage to our store's reputation."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) For years, my department didn't have a consistent or reliable way to quantify the effectiveness of our teaching methods. (Task) As a teacher, this presents a challenge when it comes time to tweaking the curriculum or even gaining accurate feedback. (Action) Two years ago, I proposed that we set up four tests throughout the year to test cumulative knowledge. My department head agreed, and we have been using these tests ever since. (Result) Now we shape most of our teaching decisions using actual data, making for much clearer feedback."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) Before my company had an HR department, I had to lead all of the hiring efforts. (Task) I was often missing information critical to job offers, such as details on the company's health benefits plan. As a new manager, I was afraid of looking green and unorganized. (Action) I connected with our benefits account rep, and they agreed to come to my office and walk me through the details of our benefits package. (Result) After this meeting, I had a clearer understanding and was able to answer most candidate questions with ease."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"In my current role, I am responsible for creating a weekly schedule. I didn't have any data regarding our busiest times of the week so I had to guess and still remain under staffing budget but at the same time avoid understaffing. I used my logic and past experience at other pharmacies to make decisions on staff scheduling."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
I reworded this just a touch, to help with the flow. Otherwise, good response.
"In my current role, I am responsible for creating the weekly schedule. I don't have access to data regarding our busiest times of the week, so I had to figure out the schedule to ensure I remained under the staffing budget, while at the same time having enough coverage. I used my logic and experience at other pharmacies to make decisions on staff scheduling."
16. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with.
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know how well you get along with others despite personality or work style differences. Show the interviewer that you can encounter individuals in the workplace who may seem challenging without impacting the quality of your work or your level of professionalism.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Focus on when your work style was different from another person, but perhaps you still had to complete a project together. Discuss, in a positive tone, how you made the situation work. Outline your ability to be a team player and build a connection with others, even if their personality or approach to work is different from yours. At the end of your response, be sure to connect your communication abilities and level of professionalism and how these factors will benefit the hiring company.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid overdramatizing any event. It's also important to avoid extreme responses that include speaking negatively of others or telling the interviewer that you get along with everyone.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) Last month, I had to collaborate with another project manager with a different working style. (Task) As an experienced PM who comes from the tech industry, I find timely client follow-up to be mission-critical. This particular PM had a much more relaxed approach. (Action) Before the project launched, I asked to meet one-on-one. We discussed our strengths and created a basic outline of expectations and timelines. (Result) By taking this communicative approach right away, we were able to collaborate quite well and ensured a fantastic project outcome. In the end, I truly enjoyed working alongside this PM."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) About one year ago, I had an administrative team member who was constantly late to meetings and missed deadlines. (Task) This person was new to their career, and, as the administrative department lead, it was important to me that they succeeded. (Action) I approached this person privately to understand what was going on and what was preventing them from working well with the team. When they shared their struggles with me, I offered the proper support and resources. (Result) By taking the time to nurture the situation rather than simply terminate the person, I was able to mentor and grow one of the best Administrative Assistants I have ever had."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Years ago, I had a team member who would scoff at other coworkers' ideas in meetings and loudly proclaim that he was the smartest person in our office. (Task) As the Marketing Manager, I knew this behavior would not fly. (Action) I approached him in tandem with our Human Resources Partner to talk about the culture he was cultivating. We wanted to create a resolution with him. (Result) It turned out that he did not want to work in our division, as he felt the projects were too 'junior' for his experience. He ended up requesting and receiving a transfer. By initiating an open conversation with this person, we were able to uncover his need. We also looked after the needs of our team by protecting the workplace culture."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) I often have to collaborate with a sales manager who approaches problems, and people, much differently than I do. She is more comfortable taking an indirect, apologetic route, whereas I prefer to tackle things head-on and with enthusiasm. (Task) Our sales were slipping, and it was important for our department that we worked well together. (Action) I suggested a one-on-one meeting where we mapped out our vision for the department in the short and long term. We crafted a plan to leverage each of our strengths and build on the other's ideas. (Result) Not only has our sales department become stronger and more successful, but I have learned some great communication techniques from her."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Recently, our head office launched a sales competition between all store locations. (Task) This sales competition meant working alongside other associates to reach this goal. However, as a highly commissioned retail professional, these associates were typically my competition. (Action) I pushed those competitive thoughts to the side and jumped into action. I called a group meeting to outline goals and targets and to gain total buy-in from all sales associates. I distributed specific goals to each associate as per their hours and previous sales results. (Result) In the end, our store won first place out of fifteen locations. It felt great to win!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) I have conflicting teaching styles from one of the primary substitute teachers on my list. She likes the students to be quiet, and I like my students to be up and moving whenever possible and appropriate. (Task) I know my teaching style drives her nuts, and she's gone so far as to give my students conflicting information. As the full-time teacher, I knew that I needed to nip the situation in the bud. (Action) I was sure to be respectful of her feelings; however, I gently reminded her that I was leading my classroom in a way that my students responded to best. I asked her to honor the classroom culture I have created and gently reminded her that I could source a different substitute teacher. I was firm but respectful, and I stood up for myself. (Result) Months later, we seem to be working more harmoniously together."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) Many of my team members can be rough around the edges. I recently had a forklift driver flip me the bird after a daily huddle. (Task) As an experienced Logistics Manager, I have worked with a variety of people who challenge me, and I do not shy away from potential conflict. (Action) I called this person into my office immediately and reminded them of our code of conduct. I wrote them up with a warning, which they needed to sign in acknowledgment. (Result) So far, this driver has behaved appropriately, and I continue to monitor their behavior closely."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"I am currently working with a person who feels that her way is the only way. On the days I do work with her, I just adapt to her personality and go with the flow."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Mary H. Reviewed the Above Answer
Consider providing more details to elaborate on the Situation, Actions, and Results. Actions, in particular, help demonstrate to interviewers how you think and act in certain scenarios. Interviewers look to behavioral-based responses to predict how an individual will operate in a similar, future circumstance.
"Situation: I currently have a co-worker who can be difficult to get along with- she feels that her way of doing things is the only way. Action: On days we are scheduled to work at the same time, I adapt to her personality by adjusting my communication, asking her questions and adjusting my methods, always within compliance. Result: We have a productive working relationship despite her being viewed as a more difficult team member."
17. Tell me about a time when you showed initiative by taking the lead on a team project.
The Goal
The interviewer wants to see that you are confident enough to take the initiative when the opportunity arises. Provide the interviewer with evidence that you are a motivated and passionate person who is ready to be an active leader in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Describe any project or learning experience where you saw a chance to lead and took advantage of it. Talk about the success of the project and your biggest takeaway from experience.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a general answer regarding your willingness to take the lead at work, in school, while volunteering, or during extra-curricular activities. Stay away from vague statements like, 'I am very comfortable taking the initiative and acting like a leader. I did this while in school and even during my latest internship.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) In my previous role, I recognized that we needed a better training program to onboard new hires at a quicker rate. (Task) As the leader for onboarding and training, it was up to me to create such a program. (Action) I took the initiative to create this training program, incorporating all the work we did in a way that new hires could easily learn and replicate. (Result) The team loved having this guide and enjoyed feeling empowered when it came to training new hires the right way."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) When I first started my current admin role, I took it upon myself to organize the digital files for the company. (Task) The files were a mess, and I was the person who had the time to take care of it. (Action) Organizing these files was a huge challenge, but I tackled 100 documents per day on a schedule that I had created for myself. In 20 days, I finished. (Result) I was pleased with my ability to take on a project that nobody else wanted to do, and my boss was thrilled with the initiative that I showed."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Last year, our company was discussing a potential product launch in the European market. (Task) As an intermediate project researcher, I knew this was my chance to be noticed. (Action) I reached out to the head of the marketing department and asked if I could be the lead product researcher. I stated my case by discussing why I would be the best fit for that opportunity. She agreed and allowed me to take the lead. (Result) The project was a great success, which gave me the confidence to speak up again. Next week I will be starting another project where I'll be the lead product researcher."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) Last year, I identified the need for ongoing learning and sales training for my company's junior sales reps. (Task) As the Sales Manager, I knew I had a lot of ideas to offer for mentoring and growing these reps. (Action) I founded Friday lunch-and-learns with a different topic presented every week. I worked across departments to feature guest lecturers and industry experts via Skype. (Result) As a result, I was able to educate the sales team further, improving retention. Today, we are all more effective in our sales pitches, and our numbers have increased by 15% overall."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) This year, I took the lead by testing a new tech platform for our online learning students. (Task) I am quite a tech-savvy individual and had already been researching the topic of online learning for quite some time. (Action) I performed more specific research, spoke with many tech gurus, and created a presentation for our Board of Directors that included three viable options. I presented the data in a way that was easy to absorb and considered multiple critical factors to student learning. (Result) The board decided on my top recommendation, and now, four months into the launch, the revised online learning platform has proven very effective."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) In my previous role, I took the lead on a critical communication project. (Task) As the morning Shift Manager, I needed help passing along pertinent information to our 2nd and 3rd production shifts in a more effective way. (Action) I recommended hanging announcement screens throughout the building, ensuring that everyone had the same information at all times. (Result) We installed these announcement screens, and we encountered much less stress and confusion during shift changes."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) In my current store, when the merchandise for the next season arrives, our team needs to put in a lot of extra hours to get everything out onto the floor. (Task) Although I am not a manager, I see the importance of jumping in to help. (Action) During our last season change, I helped to organize the team while ensuring that the sales floor remained attended. I showed a positive mindset and enthusiasm. (Result) Because of the energy I exuded, others naturally wanted to follow me. The change-over was a success, and our team had more fun than usual."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"I recently sat down with two new sales team members who do not have much experience with our business's technical side. I realized then that if we did not submit the documents needed, we would miss out on a lot of order intake. After reviewing the documents and explaining the technical side for three hours, we were able to submit the proposal to the client and secure the project for the next quarter of order intake."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a good start! Be sure when you are answering 'Tell me about a time' based questions using the STAR framework that you are also providing enough background information and detail for your answer to have the most impact.
18. Tell me about a time when you were unable to meet a project deadline. How did you react?
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know how you respond to situations in the workplace where you might feel like you failed. Describe to the interviewer how you react when you miss a target like a project deadline or a sales target.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Perhaps you merely underestimated the depth of the project, or maybe you faced a distraction at work. Whatever the situation was, discuss the case, what you did, and the outcome. Show the interviewer that you do not have a defeatist mentality. Nobody is perfect! The interviewer knows that there will be times when deadlines pass and projects go sideways. They want to know how you react despite the initial failure.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid merely giving a general statement about your time management skills, such as, 'I always meet deadlines. I can't think of a time when this happened to me.' Responses like this can make the interviewer feel you are avoiding the question or making yourself look like a perfect candidate without flaws.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) Last month, I missed a project deadline for an important client. (Task) I missed this deadline because I underestimated the need for support staff on the project. Despite working overtime, I missed the deadline by three days. (Action) When I realized that the deadline was fast approaching, I called the client and apologized. I took full accountability for the inconvenience and provided a new timeline that I could meet. (Result) I met the second deadline that I promised the client, and they were impressed with my transparent and honest attitude throughout the process."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) In my current role, we had a serious backlog of candidates who were waiting for a response on their applications. (Task) Since I am the Admin Assistant, my boss tasked me to sort through our company's ATS system and reject candidates who did not possess the minimum education requirement for a position for which we were hiring. (Action) Because I do not have a lot of experience in recruitment or resume reading, the job took me much longer than my boss expected. I realized after a few hours that my pace was not what he was expecting, so I offered to take some work home to catch up. (Result) He declined the offer but was happy with my willingness to go over and above to meet the original deadline. In the end, we agreed on a new deadline that I was able to meet."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Recently, I needed to write up a new client's projected account volume for the following fiscal year. (Task) I was the only person on our team available and equipped to perform this with a fast turnaround. (Action) I jumped into the task right away; however, despite working after hours to complete the project, I knew it was not going to be the quality work I wanted to submit. Once I recognized this, I was honest with my boss about the revised timeline needed to complete the task. (Result) My boss was understanding and simply swapped my review by one day to give me the appropriate time to prepare. They also gave me access to an operations assistant to assist with preparation. While I was embarrassed to fall short of expectations, I learned to communicate early and often and ask for assistance when needed."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) While working as a Sales Manager for Company ABC, we fell behind on sales targets after a product launch became delayed due to further endurance testing. (Task) As the Sales Manager, it was up to me to help my team of 12 reps pivot to the change and start delivering results despite this delay. (Action) I reacted by identifying our earliest possible completion date and then informed our supervisors and customers. I also crafted a new pre-sale initiative for the reps to push. (Result) Because I remained pragmatic through the entire situation and presented solutions rather than giving up, my team exceeded the sales target by 23%."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) When working in the shoe department at Company ABC, we noticed a severe issue in inventory tracking after the busy holiday season. (Task) As the Inventory Manager, it was up to me to reorganize the inventory room, which was 4000 sq feet in total. It was a huge undertaking, and as I was so eager to please that I underestimated the amount of time it would take to redo the system. I gave a three-week time estimate, and within a week, it was clear that the deadline was unrealistic. (Action) I immediately went to upper management with a plan. I could meet the timeline, provided I received additional resources such as overtime hours and additional staff. Or, we could push the inventory project to a 6-week timeline. (Result) By communicating early, admitting my error in judgment, and asking for help, the worst thing that happened was a bit of initial disappointment. More than anything, my management team appreciated the transparency. The situation taught me to dig deeper into the scope of a project before committing to a timeline."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) Last year, our faculty needed to refresh the math curriculum for our grade 4/5 class. (Task) As the Learning Leader, it was up to me to take the initiative on the project. The project was robust, and our timeline was tight. It quickly became apparent that we did not have enough time to finish. (Action) Rather than rush the work and have a crummy outcome, I encouraged the team to work on weekends, ensuring a more effective, engaging curriculum. My stance was that, by identifying our objective and refusing to settle for less, we would keep the best interest of our department and students in mind. To me, this seemed like a better option than sacrificing our goal. Not everyone agreed with me; however, I kept my end of the bargain and worked double-time to complete my tasks. (Result) In the end, although I sacrificed my time to meet the goal, we did fail as a team. I learned that I could be persuasive, but in the end, I cannot control the actions of others. However, I was proud of myself for delivering the high-quality work that I expect from myself."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) While working for Company ABC, our IT systems went through a company-wide overhaul. (Task) As the IT Manager, I had to organize this system update across the organization. Although I had a great amount of lead time, some of the vendors failed to complete their tasks on time, and I knew that we were unable to meet the deadline for the system launch. (Action) As soon as I realized that the deadline was not doable, I utilized transparency and communicated in person to let the leadership team know we would experience a delay. I was specific about what went awry and assured them that the IT team was doing everything we could to reach the launch ASAP. (Result) In the end, I was able to resolve the issue with some of our vendors, negotiating rush services. We did not meet our deadline; however, we were only one week out, which wasn't as bad as I initially anticipated."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"Right now, I am an IT management consultant and my current project is to be a test coordinator for implementation of SAP during different phases. So after a couple of months when I needed to handle a phase all by myself to test a certain amount of test scenarios until a deadline. But even because I tried so hard and contacted different person for test data, but somehow I often got forwarded to another person which was handled those test scenarios and could provide me test data. In the end, I, unfortunately, did not make to test all the scenarios to the deadline. My reaction was that I started to reflect for myself why I did not meet the deadline, what could I do better, what did I learn from this and what is the best possible action to do further. What I actually did was to set up a document for myself where I write about all the systems which were connected, all the dependencies we have with other projects, contact details for point of contact persons. The result was that I in a structured way could handle the next phase better because I knew better how to act and who to contact in different situations and manage if different defects happen."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Nazish Ekiko Reviewed the Above Answer
The idea is there but I recommend working on being a bit more clear and concise in your responses. You don't want to lose the interviewer with too many details.
"In my current role, as an IT Management Consultant, there was a time when I needed to handle all phases by myself and test certain scenarios within a deadline. I did not meet the deadline as I was unable to find the support that I needed when it came to some aspects of the data testing. I was not happy about missing the deadline, so I decided to create a document for myself that noted the ways the systems were connected, all the dependencies our company had for other projects, and the final contact person at each stage. After this exercise, I felt very organized and structured, knowing if this situation happened again; I would be prepared."
19. Tell me about a time when you worked on a team-based project when a member was not doing their share of the work.
The Goal
Hiring companies look for candidates who work harder around under-performers rather than become defeated by them. The interviewer is looking for evidence that you are a problem-solver who can remain highly collaborative even when your team members may not display the same characteristics or level of dedication. Show the interviewer that you can remain tenacious and self-motivated, even when those around you do not take responsibility for their share of the work.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Think about a time during your career when you felt that your team member was not taking complete accountability for their tasks. Then, tell a story that outlines the roadblock and how you approached the situation to ensure your work quality was not sacrificed. Perhaps you were able to step in and reallocate the work among the other team members. Maybe you took on the extra workload yourself. Whatever your approach, be sure to outline your ability to maintain momentum, even when you feel like others are not as dedicated to the project as you are. At the end of your response, be sure to make a connection between your level of dedication and how you will make an impact in this new role.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid speaking negatively about a co-worker, leader, or employer in general. Keep your answer focused on the solution you created and the positive outcome of your actions.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) Currently, I have a team member who does the bare minimum whenever possible. (Task) As a high achiever, I will not allow this person or their mindset to take away from my success on the job. (Action) I have decided to use it as an opportunity to shine personally. I take the additional workload on myself and deliver expectations to our clients on time. (Result) Over the last four months, I have received multiple kudos from my clients because of my dedication. It is not my responsibility to change this persons' work ethic; however, I can choose my actions. My choice is to work hard and be a dedicated employee, no matter what others are choosing to do."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) I recently worked with an accounts payable team member who was suddenly not pulling their weight. (Task) As a general administrator, I knew I should address the issue but also not overstep. (Action) I asked them in private if everything was okay. It turns out they were going through some challenges at home. I offered to help with their tasks when I could. (Result) When I stepped in, it benefited the rest of the team, and we were able to get our A/P project back on track."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Last year, I had a marketing team manager who consistently submitted sloppy work. (Task) As the Marketing Manager, I always teach my team that effective marketing is all about teamwork and cooperation. (Action) To further iterate this point, I pulled this person aside in a private meeting. I explained that when one team member is not pulling their weight, it has a significant impact on a project. I continued to correct the person's work, sending it back with markups. (Result ) With each piece of feedback, this person noticeably improved. They kept their job because of their fast improvements, and I happily continued to coach them up."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) In my current role, one of my teammates is always looking for the easy way out. (Task) As a competitive person, this bothers me. I want our team to be in the lead for all categories. (Action) First, I addressed the situation with him directly and in private. Still, he was just going through the motions. That is when I decided that I could only control my actions. I now perform an extra 25% for all tasks such as cold calls, touchpoints, and prospecting activities. (Result) So far, my added output has compensated for his lower metrics. The added benefit of my hard work is that it gives me more market insight, allowing me to understand my prospects and target accounts better."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) In the store where I work, monthly mark-downs are a team effort. There is one employee who pretends to be busy with other tasks during this time. (Task) As the team lead, I know that we need all hands on deck while still attending to the needs of our customers. (Action) Initially, I tried to lead by example, but this person needed heavier coaching. Next, I pulled them aside to outline my expectations of them. I also attached consequences should they fail to perform. (Result) Now, this person is more willing to jump in and help the team. My other team members are thankful that they no longer need to compensate for her lack of contribution."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) Writing a curriculum is the most extensive team collaboration I have experienced as a teacher. I have seen that, occasionally, some members do not pull their weight. (Task) At this point in my 20-year teaching career, I anticipate this. (Action) I do all I can to get everyone excited about pitching in and collaborating for the benefit of their department. If my approach doesn't work, I proceed as usual and pick up the slack if necessary. (Result) My team appreciates that I will never let them down."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) I once had a team member who never came to meetings. (Task) As his manager, I knew that I had to have a firm conversation, reminding him of his responsibilities to the team. (Action) I approached the conversation casually, and it turned out that he did not want to be on our particular team. I spoke with the Regional Director, and we agreed to transfer this person to a different team on a 90-day probationary period. (Result) After 90 days, the Regional Director and I discussed this persons' performance. We saw no improvement and decided to terminate his employment. It was an unfortunate situation, but better to have this happen than have to continue employing someone who didn't want to be there."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"I have worked on many group projects. On occasion, a team member was not pulling their weight. The first step is to communicate with this individual to determine why he or she is not doing her share of the work. Sometimes it's that the amount of work isn't fair or is the person is too busy. After assessing the situation, I will offer to help to complete the task and to ensure that we still meet the deadline."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Your approach shows excellent teamwork and communication skills. Very good response. I replaced a couple of missing words and eliminated pronouns.
"I have worked on many group projects and, on occasion, a team member will not pull their weight. The first step is to communicate with this individual to determine why they are not doing their share of the work. Perhaps it's because the amount of work isn't fair, or this person feels they are too busy. After assessing the situation, I will offer to help to ensure the task is completed on deadline."
20. Tell me about your learning style and study patterns.
The Goal
The interviewer wants to understand your learning methods and level of discipline when absorbing new content and gaining new skills. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that your learning style is a match for the hiring company's onboarding approach, work environment, and employee training process.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Be as specific as possible when describing your learning style and study methods. Think back to your high school or post-secondary education and consider the successful learning and study approach you implemented during that time. If you are a professional dedicated to continued learning, discuss how you ensure that the content you are taking in is truly absorbed. At the end of your response, make a connection between your learning style and the hiring company's approach to training and educating its employees.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Perhaps you are a visual learner who utilizes images to recall information. Maybe you prefer to listen to classical music or binaural beats while learning new material, helping you absorb the content. Perhaps you are a kinaesthetic learner, committing data to memory when moving or using hands-on tools. There are many different learning styles, so it's essential to explore and understand how you best learn.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Rather than giving a cliche or overused response like, 'I am a hands-on learner,' dig deeper and be specific. You are a unique individual, so ensure that your answer stands out from the crowd.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"I prefer to learn at an independent pace where there is little pressure from others to absorb important information in a way specific to their learning styles."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"I am very much a visual learner. While completing my business administration diploma, I watched a lot of online tutorials, for instance. This method helped me to commit particular steps to memory. For example, this method of studying helped me a great deal when learning advanced Excel techniques. I was a diligent student."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"As a student, I was always on the move. If I could listen to an audiobook while running on the treadmill, I could nail the book review the following day. I have a high amount of energy, which lends itself well to my energetic management style."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"I am a creative individual, and I have to see my work in action before I can fully execute. Even as a student, I would make up make-shift storyboards in my dorm room. I always put extra effort into my creative school projects. This area is where I stood out academically. I guess I chose the right career path, didn't I!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"In my current position, I had to memorize over 1,000 SKU's from our product catalog. Because I connect to learning kinetically, I created flashcards for myself. I studied this way in college, as well, and found it very helpful."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"I am a social person by nature. In school, I created a study group of eight. We would meet at a local coffee shop and study together, bounce ideas off of each other, and have friendly debates on the material. Now, when learning a new job, I will go to a location like a Starbucks, where there are some buzz and energy around me."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"As a teacher, I tend to encourage a variety of learning methods. I consider myself a dynamic learner, and I know that many of my students are as well. This means that you cannot put these learners into a box and expect one method of learning to resonate with all of them. For this reason, I create learning stations in my classroom. As a child, this is how I learned the best as well. College was great for this, with a balance of desk work, labs, and practicum."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"I'm a very hands-on learner. I can pick things up very quickly if I can physically perform them. As for studying, I need to write and rewrite the information down until I have it fully memorized."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It seems that you know your learning style and study patterns very well, which is great!
21. What was the most difficult decision you have had to make?
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know how you weigh your options when facing a difficult decision. The goal of your response is to showcase your strong critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Use an example relevant to your work, such as changing majors in university, quitting a job that wasn't healthy for you, selling your business and re-entering the traditional workforce, relocating to a new city for better opportunities, or even starting a new professional venture. Be sure to highlight how you approached the decision and take the interviewer through your critical thinking and decision-making process. You should also include details of how your decision worked out for the best. At the end of your response, remember to connect your critical thinking skills and how they will benefit the hiring company, should you be the successful candidate.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions like this, where the interviewer is looking for a story example, are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
One common mistake that interviewees make is to give a highly personal response. This question is not the time to talk about the hardest personal decision you've ever had to make. Be sure to keep your answer career-focused and related to the job opportunity.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) The most difficult decision that I have had to make was changing my major from Accounting to International Business. (Task) I was a second-year student and knew that the decision would set me back as far as graduation. (Action) However, after weighing the pros and cons, I knew that this added time was well worth the overall reward, (Result) I am so happy that I chose this path because I have built a very lucrative career."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) The biggest decision I have ever made was to quit my last job and move to Denver. (Task) I have a lot of friends in Denver, which made a choice a bit easier, but leaving my hometown to explore other opportunities was certainly a major decision in my life. (Action) I decided, despite my fears, to move forward and make the location change. I actively looked for a new job opportunity and leveraged my existing network to make valuable new connections. (Result) Today, I have zero regrets, as I love this city. It's my home for good!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) In 2016, I earned acceptance into my top two universities, which I did not expect. (Task) I was a strong student and was thrilled to have options; however, I underestimated how difficult the decision would be. (Action) I weighed the pros and cons, including location, reputation, my major, past alumni, and more. I also made an Excel spreadsheet and pie chart to help me make the decision based on data and analysis. (Result) Thankfully, I made the right choice in the end and flourished at U of ABC!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Choosing my major was one of the toughest career decisions I have made. (Task) I was on the fence between B2B Marketing and Consumer Behavior. (Action) After some contemplation as well as interviewing alumni and existing students, I chose B2B Marketing as my major. (Result) Today, I am thankful that I made that choice. B2B strategies are changing fast, and I love to learn new ways to position my clients in this incredibly competitive marketplace."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Last year I chose to stop working for my parents at their print shop. (Task) I wanted a more fashion-oriented job since clothing has always been my passion. (Action) I mustered up the courage to give my notice, and I helped them to find a replacement before leaving. It was a tough conversation because I wanted to tell them about my dreams without offending them at the same time. (Result) This decision has improved our relationship, and I am thrilled that I chose to put myself and career desires first."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) The most difficult decision I have had to make was to let go of the business I started and get back into the regular workforce. (Task) The business did well, but my partner and I had differing ideas about where to take the company. (Action) He offered to buy me out, and I accepted. (Result) I love being in software sales now and don't regret the choice I made. It was one of the most challenging choices of my career but well worth the initial hardship."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) Initially, I started my education training with a focus on being a high school math teacher. One year in, I decided to switch to an Elementary focus. (Task) I knew there were more job opportunities for male teachers in elementary, and my focus was to make myself highly employable. (Action) I made the change, moved around some classes, and lost some credit, but I also gained wisdom. (Result) I am still very pleased with the decision that I made, as I have never had trouble finding work in the elementary realm."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"The most difficult decision I had to make was choosing to leave this job as an intern. At that time, I felt very overwhelmed with my sister in the hospital, two jobs, and a year of rotations ahead of me. It was a tough decision because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my career and retail pharmacy is what I was more comfortable with. The last three years have given me time to emotionally heal from a personal loss, achieve my goals in retail pharmacy, and finally decide that I want to work in a hospital setting based on my experiences in rotations."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
This is a great answer, I would leave out the details of your sister and simply say it was for family reasons.
"The most difficult decision I had to make was choosing to leave my internship. At that time, I was working two jobs along with my rotations. I was very overwhelmed, and then experienced a family emergency which was the final strain on my schedule. Over the last three years, I have focused a great deal on my personal growth and have zeroed in on my career goals within retail pharmacy. These experiences are what have led me to my goal of working in a hospital setting."
22. Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with a co-worker whose personality was the opposite of yours.
The Goal
Workplace personality differences will almost always be present, whether you work with a large team or a small one. The interviewer would like to see that you can make the best of any situation, regardless of personality differences. The goal of your response is to spotlight your collaborative qualities and show the interviewer you act professionally irrespective of the personality or behavior of others.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Answer this question by giving a story-based example of a time you remained a team player, despite a challenging personality clash with a co-worker. Outline the situation and explain why it was vital that you encouraged collaboration with your co-worker. Focus the bulk of your response on the actions you took to communicate with this individual. If your teamwork yielded an impressive accomplishment, be sure to include this information in your response. Suppose you are newer to your career and do not have a work-related example. In that case, you can use a story-based example from your post-secondary, volunteer, or extra-curricular experience.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving extreme responses that include speaking negatively of others. You will also want to avoid blanket statements such as telling the interviewer that you get along with everyone 100% of the time.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) While obtaining my business degree, I was expected to collaborate on group projects. I am very organized and had to work on a significant project with another student who was disorganized and disinterested. (Task) Since I found myself working with a classmate I did not fully relate to, I knew it was up to me to generate the best project outcome. (Action) I kept my nose to the grindstone doing the work expected of me to the best of my ability. I could not force him to work harder. Instead, I decided that my delivery would shine. (Result) My approach worked tremendously, and we received one of the top marks in the class."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) In my current role, I support the VP of Marketing. When she was on vacation this year, I spent much of my time assisting the Director of Sales. (Task) This particular individual did not give clear direction or feedback, which I found difficult. (Action) I asked for a meeting early on, and let him know that I work best when I am fully aware of the expectations and deadlines upfront. (Result) We worked pretty well together after that conversation. I am a supporter of open conversations and nipping communication issues in the bud before they become major concerns."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) In marketing, there are many different creative personalities present, often in the same department or collaborating on the same project. One example that comes to mind was a junior copywriter I had to work with on a complex project. (Task) Compared to my copywriting experience, she was inexperienced but did not ask for help or feedback on anything. (Action) When I provided feedback on her work, she became defensive. I thought perhaps it was the way I was delivering the feedback. I asked her how she prefers to be approached when her work needs improvement. (Result) She apologized for her behavior, and we came up with a great new way to approach constructive conversations."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) In my current role, the General Manager, who trained me as an Assistant Manager, was not my favorite person with which to collaborate. She was very brief in my training and seemed disengaged. (Task) I knew that it would be up to me to lead my training and ensure success. (Action) It took many extra hours to learn my new role more thoroughly and to go through the training manuals independently. (Result) I remained dedicated, despite her lack of enthusiasm, and earned a promotion to her position when she quit, shortly after. I do not believe in allowing other people's lack of enthusiasm to affect my own."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) Earlier in my career, I worked with someone who would fake their cold call sheet and then become highly upset when they missed weekly targets. (Task) This situation was a challenging one because I knew the issue was simply the amount of effort he was putting in. (Action) I was not his manager and did not feel that it was my business to coach him, but I decided to share some pointers that I deployed to make cold calling more enjoyable. (Result) By taking the time to help him out, I maintained my workload and blew my own goals out of the water. His performance also improved significantly."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) With Company ABC, I had a co-worker who was quite rude to customers, which I had a difficult time understanding. (Task) As an experienced retail associate, I understand the importance of being communicative and friendly to everyone I come across. (Action) I did not say anything until the time came where I had to deal with multiple customer complaints. At that point, I asked my co-worker if there was a way that I could help her to enjoy the day-to-day client interaction just a little bit better. (Result) We worked together on a new approach, and our customer complaints decreased by 35% in the first month."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) For the most part, I have been able to get along remarkably well with my fellow teachers. Early on in my career, I did not get along very well with the teacher to whom I was the assistant. (Task) His teaching style was very abrupt, and he moved at too fast a pace for many of our IPP students. I knew that I needed to approach the situation with care. (Action) When I approached him about the situation, telling him what I had observed, he received it surprisingly well. (Result) Together, we made a plan to make the classroom a more comfortable place for all of the students. The rest of the year was full of positive results for the students and us as teachers."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"I worked with someone who was very quiet and appeared bored or angry most of the time. I was appalled when I was assigned to work with him as a direct partner because I had convinced myself that he was terrible at his job. What I learned, though, was that he was just very analytical, and once he had the opportunity to talk with customers about what he knew, he lit up like a bonfire. That experience taught me that everyone has their communication style and that I had a lot to learn from all types!"
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
It sounds like you learned a lot from this person...to not judge a book by its cover. This is a great story to tell. Nice answer!
23. How would you build a relationship with someone who intimidates you?
The Goal
The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you can overcome feelings of intimidation, never allowing them to impact the quality of your work. Also, it's essential to give the interviewer a strong sense of your approach to relationship-building.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
We have all been in a situation where we find a co-worker, customer, classmate, or professor slightly intimidating. When you answer, clearly show the interviewer that you have the self-awareness needed to recognize when feelings of intimidation arise. One way to communicate this is by telling a brief story of a time you built a relationship with someone who intimidated you at first. You should include specific details of how you developed a relationship with this person. At the end of your response, remember to connect your relationship-building skills to how they will benefit the hiring company, should you be the successful candidate.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Since this question asks 'How would you...' it is acceptable to use a hypothetical story example, giving a general overview of how you would react in this situation. However, if you want to use a real-life example, try forming a response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid responses that seem like you have very little agency over your feelings or actions. For instance, avoid statements like, 'When I encounter customers that intimidate me, I just smile and deal with it because it's my job to put the customer first.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"I had a boss a couple of years ago who was very intimidating. I enjoy strong personalities; however, she didn't smile very often and was a bit flat with her emotions, which is sometimes hard to navigate. I don't think she meant to be, so I would remind myself before speaking to her that she was human just like the rest of us. This approach helped me to communicate with her with much less intimidation."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"Earlier in my admin career, I had a couple of clients who would be very aggressive on the phone with their requests. I would sometimes get tripped up on my words when they called. I made myself a telephone script related to those specific instances and memorized it. This script helped me to remain on track with my thoughts when those more intimidating clients would call."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"I have a great method that I teach my crew when they have to make cold calls or have a challenging conversation with an existing client. The trick is to practice, out loud, with someone else. Have that person throw possible objections out and then try to overcome them. Once you've had this conversation a few times in practice, it will be much easier in a real-life situation."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"As a marketing director, I often have to give presentations and pitches to groups of decision-makers, which can be quite intimidating. I stand tall and remind myself to be proud of my work, no matter what they may say or think. By doing this, I ooze confidence, and the situation becomes so much easier. Also, I recently read about 'mirror neurons' in the brain. These neurons mean that people respond with similar facial expressions and demeanor so, if you are friendly and approachable, others are more likely to be as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"In my sales training, we learned a great deal about practicing comic visualization in intimidating situations. I have a few clients who are very alpha, and they are quite intimidating. I have used comic visualization, such as picturing them as babies or dancing in a funny costume. It's silly, and possibly one of the oldest tricks in the book, but it works!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"When someone intimidates me, such as an upset customer who is demanding a refund that I cannot give, I will focus less on how I am feeling and more about how they are feeling. I remind myself that they are possibly having the worst day ever. By empathizing with them, the situation becomes less scary, for sure."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"When I find myself face to face with an intimidating person - like an angry parent of a student, for instance, I work hard to validate their feelings. By agreeing with them whenever possible, we are often able to relate better to each other, making the overall situation feel a bit lighter."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"Oftentimes I find that when someone intimidates you it's because you don't really know them, because you have heard second-hand stories or because you hold them on a pedestal. I try to get to know them on a personal level if possible, and if I do meet them, just relax and realize they're just another person like you and me."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Cindy Ramsey Reviewed the Above Answer
Great! Do you have an example you can share?
24. Tell me about a time you wish you had handled a workplace situation differently.
The Goal
Workplace personality differences will almost always be present, whether you work with a large team or a small one. The interviewer would like to see that you can make the best of any situation, regardless of personality differences. The goal of your response is to spotlight your collaborative qualities. Show the interviewer that you act professionally irrespective of the personality or behaviors of those around you.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
Most people cannot handle every difficult situation with the utmost grace at all times. No matter who you are, there is undoubtedly a work-related situation that makes you cringe a bit when you look back. Answer this question by giving a story-based example of a time you reacted to a scenario in a way that you typically try to avoid. Outline the situation and describe why you reacted the way you did. Focus the bulk of your response on the actions that you took to repair the situation. Also, include details about the lesson you learned.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
The example you give should not be a weighty one but have enough impact to show the interviewer that you can bounce back from a misstep in the workplace. Avoid examples that include a display of immaturity or make it look like you have a temper.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) I recently had a client come into the office and yell at one of my staff members, embarrassing her. (Task) As the Manager, it was up to me to react professionally. (Action) I focused on calming the client down when I believe that I should have stuck up for my employee first and foremost. Verbally abusive behavior is intolerable, and I wish I would have reacted differently, perhaps asking the client to apologize for their behavior and leave. (Result) A valuable staff member is worth much more than a bad client. I later apologized to my staff member for not reacting on her behalf quickly enough."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) My team recently hired a new junior administrator. (Task) As the more senior administrator on the team, I was tasked with training this new employee. (Action) Throughout the training, I did what I could to overlook the person's bad attitude, assuming that they had been well-vetted through the interview process. Shortly after his onboarding, he ended up quitting. (Result) I wish that I would have listened to my gut and told my boss about the concerns that I had. It would have saved the company a lot of time and money. What I learned from the situation, however, is that I will respectfully speak up from now on."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) A few months ago, we were very short-staffed. (Task) I hired someone because one of my top performers recommended her for the job. (Action) Despite my better judgment, I did not follow my usual interview process. I skipped a few important steps, believing that this particular hire would be a great one. (Result) This new hire was not a strong performer, and I ended up terminating her employment shortly after I hired and trained her. I now know to never stray from my hiring process, no matter the referral source."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) Last year, one of my larger clients changed the scope of their project multiple times. It was a highly frustrating process for everyone. (Task) As the Marketing Manager, it was up to me to reign in the client and the project. (Action) I spent additional time with this client until we finally agreed on a specific campaign. (Result) In the end, the project took twice as long as it should have. Immediately after, I implemented a stronger discovery process so that we could better outline our clients' needs and assess their commitment to the process before getting started."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) A couple of weeks ago, I was feeling overwhelmed with a new product that our company rolled out. (Task) I spent so much time learning the features and benefits that I allowed my cold calling to slide. (Action) Rather than cold call the typical 100 companies that week, I called about 25. The impact on my weekly numbers was apparent. The next week, I tripled up on my cold calling. (Result) What I realized from the situation was that I need to keep the call volume going, despite added responsibilities."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Recently, there was a shopper in my store who was acting suspiciously. (Task) As an associate on the floor, I take my job very seriously and always keep an eye out for suspicious activity. (Action) I told security about my concern but, because there is so much store to be covered, they were not able to be as attentive to the situation as I would have liked. (Result) This person ended up stealing a few pieces of merchandise. If I could revisit that situation, I would have personally approached the person and asked to help them find what they needed, letting them know I was paying attention. I should have been more visible in that situation."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) I noticed a star student behaving out of character a few months back. (Task) As his primary teacher, I should have had a conversation with him right away. (Action) However, I felt rushed with marking papers and preparing for finals and did not give this student the attention that I should have. (Result) I found out shortly after that this person was going through a very tough time at home. If I could have done anything differently, I would have approached him and asked him if he needed to talk and perhaps directed him to the guidance counselor at the school. I have recently vowed to be much more attentive, even during my peak stress times."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"We had a customer that had an issue with their alarm system. I had to get help from another co-worker, and I asked him directly instead of going through his manager. He got in trouble for helping me when I was trying to help the customer. If I had to do it over again, I would have gone through his manager first to get his manager's approval before asking him to help me figure out a solution."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Kristine Knutter Reviewed the Above Answer
Great response! Your example shows personal growth, which your interviewer will recognize and appreciate.
25. How would you approach making a good impression on a new client?
The Goal
The interviewer wants evidence that you understand the foundations of building positive relationships with your client base or other key stakeholders. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you know how to make a lasting impression on clients and add assurance that your approach is the right fit for the hiring company.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
First impressions are everything, and there are many ways to impact a new client significantly. You can start by being attentive in meetings, researching the company before your initial appointment, and having an enthusiastic attitude towards your clients' goals. When you answer, be sure to give a detailed overview of how you would approach making a good impression on a new client. If you have some work experience, consider telling a brief story of when you built a relationship with a new client. You should include specific details of how you developed a relationship with this person. At the end of your response, remember to connect your client relationship-building skills and how they will benefit the hiring company, should you be the successful candidate.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Since this question begins with 'How would you...' it is acceptable to use a hypothetical story example, giving a general overview of how you would react in this situation. However, if you want to use a real-life example, try forming a response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid providing an answer that is too simple such as saying, 'I would approach making a good impression on a new client by being nice to them.' Dig deeper and provide details that show you have a keen sense of what your customers need.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"My favorite way to make a lasting impression on a new client is to know their name and a little bit about them before our first meeting. When it shows that I prepared for our initial meeting, it tells the client that I care about our working relationship."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"I am on the phone quite often, so one of the ways I show new clients that I am interested in them is to repeat their words back to them to show my understanding. I also think it makes a huge difference when I am prepared with strong product knowledge and answer the phone with a smile."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"Our new clients always receive a personal call from me. I let them know that we appreciate their business. I ask a few targeted questions so that I can better understand how we can exceed their expectations. From there, I take the information to my team. We most often blow our customers' expectations out of the water."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"New clients need to feel like they can trust me instantly, and, in my opinion, the best way to do that is to get to know them and show them that I care. I am a fantastic listener and will always deliver on a project early. This level of service is rare these days, and my new clients always comment on how refreshing my approach is."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"Sales professionals often get a bad rap for being untrustworthy. Knowing this, I approach my new clients in a way that will build instant trust. I keep my appointments, I am always 5 minutes early, and I will call them with updates on their orders before they feel the need to reach out to me."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"Most retail outlets are known for having low-performing employees, and I always aim to stand out from that stereotype. I like to get to know my customers, what they need, and ask if I can make further suggestions. Most of the time, my customers love the added input and help. This approach also makes my days more fun because I am making genuine connections with people versus treating them like just another customer."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"One thing that sets me apart from other teachers is that I book a one-on-one meeting with the parents of my students at the very start of the school year. We create a learning plan that will work for all. I also ask questions that position me as the expert and have the parents fully committed to their child's learning. The rest of the year is better when communication goals become established from the start."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
""ยข My favorite way to make a lasting impression on a new client is to know their name and a little bit about them before our first meeting. When it shows that I prepared for our initial meeting, it tells the client that I care about our working relationship. In the meetings, I would be an active listener."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Cindy Ramsey Reviewed the Above Answer
Great. These are important techniques and you add enough detail to explain why you believe these techniques work.
26. Tell me about a time that you failed. How did you get back up again?
The Goal
The interviewer is looking for evidence that you can bounce back from a disappointing outcome. The goal of your response is not to focus on the failure. Instead, showcase your ability to recover from failure. Your answer should highlight your tenacity, dedication, and drive, even when things don't go as planned.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
We all fail from time to time, and there is no need to be ashamed of defeat. The magic is in the lessons we learn from these situations. Give an example of an outcome of a project or task that was not what you wanted it to be, but you were able to recover. Perhaps you were better off in the end or learned a valuable lesson. Outline the roadblock, and share how you approached the situation to ensure a good recovery. At the end of your response, discuss your level of dedication, even in the face of failure, and how you will make an impact in this new role.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with 'Tell me about a time...' are best answered using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
We have all recovered from a failure to some degree. Avoid responses like, 'I can't think of a specific time when I failed at something, but if this did happen to me, I would work hard to bounce back from the situation.' Being unable to answer a behavioral-based interview question directly will result in appearing unprepared for your interview.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"(Situation) One of the bigger perceived failures that I can think of was not graduating as soon as expected with my university degree. (Task) I had detailed plans laid out and was eager to graduate with my degree in 2018. (Action) I encountered a few personal factors that pushed my graduation date back one year. It was a bit embarrassing at the time, but I made the best of it by keeping a positive mindset. (Result) In the end, I am thankful that I could complete my degree at a comfortable pace. I finished with excellent grades as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"(Situation) My former employer put me through a last-minute advanced Excel course that I ended up failing. (Task) I was unprepared for how challenging the course was and should not have agreed to begin with an advanced-level course. (Action) I told my boss that I was not excelling in the class. We discussed this failure together and realized that I was not yet ready for the advanced-level coursework. I was more of an intermediate-level user. To fix the situation, I studied online for a few weeks and then re-took the course when I felt more prepared. (Result) This approach worked much better, and I finished with 92% the second time around."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"(Situation) Last year I had a larger staff turnover percentage than usual. Hiring the wrong person is an expensive and time-consuming mistake, so I was undoubtedly frustrated and discouraged. (Task) As a seasoned Manager, my hiring process is normally airtight, but it is not perfect. (Action) Rather than lose confidence in my abilities, I engaged the Human Resources department in simplifying our onboarding and training process. (Result) Since this change, we have not lost any employees in the last 18 months, which is a fabulous record for our company."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"(Situation) A few months ago, our group had a marketing campaign that completely flopped. (Task) It was up to me as the Marketing Director to get to the heart of the issue. (Action) I called a group meeting. Then, as a team, we broke down each component of the project until we knew where we went wrong. In retrospect, I could have done better by breaking down the clients' vision further from the beginning. (Result) We re-did the campaign, and the second time around, it was a major success."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"(Situation) Earlier in my career, I was not good at graciously receiving feedback. (Task) Had I been able to receive feedback without becoming defensive, I believe that I could have grown in my career much faster. (Action) Last year, I took a workshop on giving and receiving feedback, which helped a great deal. (Result) Now, I understand how to have these types of conversations and how to implement the constructive criticism that I receive."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"(Situation) I had a misstep in my sales career a couple of years ago. You can see the short stint at Company ABC on my resume. (Task) Before joining their organization, I should have asked more questions regarding their success level and how their current results reflect their future goals. (Action) The company was in serious financial trouble, and I was unaware. They went into receivership, and I lost my job. (Result) Now, I ask many more questions before joining a new company. My success and the company's success should go hand in hand."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"(Situation) Last year, I missed a major marking deadline. (Task) I was newer to my teaching career and, although it is a steep learning curve, that was no excuse. (Action) I have spent the past eight months working on my time-management skills through online workshops. (Result) I took that missed deadline very hard. I do not like to disappoint anyone or fall short of expectations and will never do that again."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"Situation: My manger asked me to take a course on advanced physiology, and I ended up failing. Task: I was not aware that this course was difficult, or else I would not have begun so quickly. Action: I talked to my manger and discussed the fact that I may not be at an advanced level. I asked him if it was okay if I started with an intermediate level course. Result: I successfully passed this exam with a high grade."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Good example; your response shows vulnerability and personal growth. I'm glad you ultimately passed the course with a high grade!
27. How do you handle working under very close supervision?
The Goal
The interviewer wants to know more about the workplace environment you desire. The goal of your response should be to describe your ideal work environment clearly, and ensure that this job opportunity is a two-way fit.
Keep in mind, the term 'close supervision' can be code for micromanagement in the workplace. If the interviewer asks a question similar to this in your interview, consider digging deeper to determine how the hiring company interprets the term 'close supervision.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
How to Answer
If possible, give an example of when you worked closely with a boss, professor, or someone in a position of authority. Then, finish your reply by asking what the interviewer means by the term 'close supervision.' Your responsibility is to ensure that the workplace culture aligns well with your own needs as an employee.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Pro Tip
Since this question begins with 'How do you...' it is acceptable to use a hypothetical story example, giving a general overview of how you would react in this situation. However, if you want to use a real-life example, try forming a response using the STAR method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Organizing your response using this framework will ensure that you provide the interviewer with the right amount of information and detail to form a compelling answer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
Avoid giving an answer that casts a negative light on being supervised. Very few people appreciate being micromanaged; however, avoid assuming that the term 'close supervision' means being micromanaged. Ask the interviewer as many questions as you need to gain a full scope of what type of supervision you'll be under in this role.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current role, I work closely with my boss. Our offices are next to each other, and we meet at least once per day to discuss the status of our projects. Could you share with me what close supervision means to you?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Admin Example
"I work at the front desk in my current position, which means that I am accessible to my boss and most of the team all day long. Everything that I do is within this close-knit environment, and I work just fine. Could you further explain to me what 'close supervision' means to you, and what that would look like in this role?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Manager Example
"My boss is in another city, but we work closely through daily emails or meetings via Google Meet. I am close with my team but do not hover over them when it is time to get the job done. I believe in offering employees room to work. Do you believe in close supervision here? And, if so - could you further clarify what that looks like in your day-to-day operations?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Marketing Example
"I can work well under any amount of supervision, as long as communication is clear and expectations are well-set. I am always able to speak for my work because I am confident in the quality that I deliver. What does close supervision look like here at your company?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Retail Example
"I believe in accountability in the workplace, so I certainly do not need someone checking in. With that said, I am a fantastic employee, so you will not feel the need to supervise my every move. When you speak of close supervision, are you referring to micromanaging, or are you speaking of close working relationships?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Sales Example
"Close supervision is a requirement at times, depending on the project stage and other factors. I do not mind close supervision as long as it's an effective working method. There should be some flexibility in sales, however. Can you share with me how you define close supervision within your organization?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
Teacher Example
"As a teacher, I am not accustomed to overly close supervision by the principal, for instance, but I am accustomed to working closely with the parents of my students. I like it when parents are highly involved in their kids' education; however, nobody enjoys micromanagement. Can you please explain to me what you mean when you speak of close supervision?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 14th, 2021
User-Submitted Answer
"In my current role, I work mostly on my own with little supervision. When my supervisor is tasked with riding along with us, I can still perform my job in the same capacity as if he weren't with me. Also, our jobs are inspected at random, so it is expected of us to perform the same level of work at every job, which has never been an issue for me."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Your point about random inspections is a significant inclusion, and the fact that you have never had an issue is excellent. This answer speaks volumes in regards to your quality of work and accountability on the job.