30 Gallup Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

Tell me about a time when you provided honest feedback to a coworker.

There is an art to giving honest feedback, and the interviewer would like to know that you are capable of this tedious task. Great feedback means that you are specific, you make the feedback actionable, and you have a clear timeline for change. Discuss any formal training you have received on giving feedback, or a book you have read on the topic. Perhaps you use a particular methodology that works every time!

Rachelle's Answer

"When providing feedback, I like to use the 3x3 method, which I was trained on in my first management position. With this method, I offer up three strengths and three potential areas for development. I had a team member who was often late to work, or would call in sick. I let her know that she was well-liked by her coworkers. I told her that our clients complimented her customer service skills. I said I appreciated her willingness to help new hires. Then, I proceeded to let her know that her team felt disappointed, hurt, and lost trust in her whenever she would call in sick, leave early, or show up late to her shift. Together we worked on a 30-day perfect attendance plan. In the end, she did much better and, although her attendance was not perfect, it significantly improved."

Rachelle's Answer

"I had a coworker who made me feel uncomfortable by rushing my work, looking over my shoulder, and criticizing the speed at which I worked. I approached him privately and reminded him that this was my first office job out of university and that I was still learning the role. I told him that his micromanaging made me feel uncomfortable and only worsened the issue. He apologized and committed to helping me by showing me his methods for time management. Because I was honest and forward with him, we were able to find a much more harmonious way of working together."

Anonymous Answer

"I had a co-worker who was learning new software that I was very proficient in. He asked me if I would check over his work before presenting it to management. I would check the completed work with him, highlighting some issues with the job, and teaching him how to improve his workflow and repair small problems. My co-worker appreciated me being honest and helpful in this regard, which improved our working relationship."

Rachelle's Answer

This is a nice example of providing feedback but also developing a trusting co-worker relationship.

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Anonymous Answer

"I sat with a peer after a performance discussion and asked if I could provide him feedback, he welcomed it. I gave him my comments and my reasoning for it. He understood where I was coming from. The next time we were in a discussion for a similar situation, he asked me afterward if he had been better."

Rachelle's Answer

Most people will appreciate the honest feedback, but you mentioned a key component here, which is first asking permission to provide the feedback. You show strong professional courtesy. Nicely done!

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2.

How often do you give yourself challenges outside of your comfort zone?

Your response to this question will show the interviewer how eager you are to grow in your career, and how invested you are in your current job. When we sit content with our tasks, day in and day out, life can begin to feel mundane, and we often become unhappy with our work. Employees who often face challenges in the workplace tend to be happier and stay in their jobs longer. Think about the last time you performed a task that was outside of your comfort zone. Perhaps you helped a coworker reach a deadline, but it required you to learn a new skill. Maybe you volunteered to lead a project when you typically do not take on a team lead position. Whatever your example is, be sure to show enthusiasm for growth within your company.

Rachelle's Answer

"I always welcome new challenges; whether I give them to myself or my boss presents me with them. The last time I gave myself a challenge outside of my comfort zone was when I committed to doubling my cold calls for an entire month. I wanted to see how the increase in activity could boost my sales numbers. So, rather than making 50 cold calls per week, I made 100 calls, for a total of 400 for the month. My sales numbers nearly doubled, which I found to be very exciting and rewarding. Although this increase meant that I worked late a few days, and came into the office early on others, the reward was well worth the sacrifice in the end."

Rachelle's Answer

"Facing challenges head-on is the fastest way to grow in the workplace so, although it can be uncomfortable at times, I believe that it's always a rewarding move. Recently, I volunteered to take on a client who most of my coworkers find very difficult to appease. I decided to do this because I knew it would allow me to learn more about overcoming objections and creating meaningful rapport through solution-based approaches. So far, I was right! I have learned a lot about myself in the process."

Anonymous Answer

"Quite often. Each day brings new challenges, and I am there to be a resource."

Rachelle's Answer

Examples are your friend in an interview :) Can you think of a recent situation where you pushed and challenged yourself to learn or experience something new?

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Anonymous Answer

"I always welcome new challenges, whether I give them to myself or my boss presents me with them. The last time I gave myself a challenge outside my comfort zone was to get my Solidworks software accreditation previous summer when I had no college work to complete. I wanted to challenge myself to increase my knowledge of software, which in turn would increase my productivity in my work. I exceeded my expectations and completed the exams in 6 weeks, although this meant working late a few days and coming into the office early on others, the reward was well worth the sacrifice in the end."

Rachelle's Answer

This is a perfect example of giving yourself a challenge that pushed you personally and professionally. Another very specific answer - well done!

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3.

Walk me through your morning routine.

Much can be said about your work style, leadership approach, and level of accountability by learning your daily habits and routine! In your response, the interviewer would like to see structure, some creativity, eagerness to learn and grow, and a certain level of self-awareness. Take a couple of minutes to walk the interviewer through your morning routine, showing a substantial degree of maturity and structure. The last thing you would want to say is that you do not have a structure to your day!

Rachelle's Answer

"I begin mapping out my day the night before, ensuring that I have my suit pressed and ready for the workday. I also like to make sure my house is clean before going to bed. This way, I feel fresh and never overwhelmed when I wake up. I love listening to podcasts on life, business, and finance, so I will listen to a podcast while I shower and get ready. During my commute, I take in a book on Audible or listen to music that will put me in a great mood for the day. Once I arrive at the office, I take about 30 minutes to plan my tasks and set a couple of intentions for my day. These intentions could be to do 50 cold calls that day, or completing a new module if I am training on a new skill, for instance. As you can see, I am a very structured individual, and I value having a plan for each day."

Rachelle's Answer

"I like to get up at the same time every day, and it's always before the sun is up. I feel that if I rise after the sun, I am already behind the 8-ball. I will review what needs accomplishing for the day, have a quick workout, and then begin getting ready for work. I like to listen to energetic music or listen to a podcast or documentary while I get ready. I take transit to work, so I am sure to arrive early to avoid any hiccups when it comes to my arrival."

Anonymous Answer

"Once I get in, I review my task list to see if priorities have changed. On my way to the office, if I pass by work areas, I say hello to everyone. In my office, I say hello to my team and ask if there is anything they need and anything I need to bring up at the daily meeting. I check for urgent voicemails, and I head up for the daily meeting. I come back and brief the team concerning the day."

Rachelle's Answer

You sound highly organized and composed. A very good response that is easy to follow.

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Anonymous Answer

"6:00 am I wake, have some coffee, check the news and emails, get kids off to school, workout, and off to work. Lead generating calls from 9-11."

Rachelle's Answer

It sounds as though you are well organized and start your day being very busy!

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4.

Do you consider yourself an overachiever? Why or why not?

It's important first to define what you believe to be overachieving. By definition, overachievers 'perform better or achieve more success than expected.' There are a variety of indicators that you are an overachiever. These include:

-You judge your worthiness on how well to perform a task or complete a goal
-You are hyper-focused on avoiding failure
-You often overcommit and stay late to achieve more at work
-You struggle with taking feedback or criticism because it feels like a failure
-You are always focusing on what's next
-Your friends and family often refer to you as a perfectionist

It may seem now that it isn't a great thing to be considered an overachiever. If you do resonate with being an overachiever, this is entirely okay! It's essential, however, that you express to the interviewer that you are still a team player who can accept feedback and avoid burnout.

Rachelle's Answer

"I like to take my goals and targets and achieve more than expected. With that said, I do not struggle with feelings of perfectionism. I like to gain feedback from my managers so that I can improve. It's important to me that I achieve and not fail; however, I still understand that failure is a part of life. When I do not achieve a goal, I can easily pick myself back up and try again."

Rachelle's Answer

"I was most certainly a perfectionist when attending university. I was the first in my family to attend post-secondary schooling, and thus, I put a great deal of pressure on myself to achieve perfect grades. This overachieving led to burnout quickly! Although I am proud of my GPA, I did spend a lot of time finding a good balance between achieving my goals and making myself happy. Today, I will do my best at work without displaying the typical negative traits of an overachiever, such as fear of failure trouble accepting feedback."

Anonymous Answer

"I do like to execute things better than they may have been done before. I look for areas where I might be able to improve processes or programs to be more efficient and serve people better. This may mean that I will put in all the hours necessary to get things done for a successful and seamless rollout. When I am in the midst of a project, I am thinking of three steps ahead."

Rachelle's Answer

You give some great examples of ways that you give your best without sounding like a perfectionist who gets in their own way.

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Anonymous Answer

"I set my own goals and targets and always attempt to achieve more than expected. I always push myself and try to exceed my last goal/task. Winning is important to me, but I also understand this may not always happen, and I am happy to stop, re-evaluate, and try again and/or ask for constructive criticism."

Rachelle's Answer

Exceptional! It will be very obvious to the interviewer that you are driven, enthusiastic, and ready to learn/grow.

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5.

How do you react when you do not have the materials or equipment needed to perform your work?

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Gallup Interview Questions

Tell me about a time when you provided honest feedback to a coworker.

Gallup Interview Questions

Tell me about a time when you provided honest feedback to a coworker.

How often do you give yourself challenges outside of your comfort zone?

Walk me through your morning routine.

Do you consider yourself an overachiever? Why or why not?

How do you react when you do not have the materials or equipment needed to perform your work?

How do you know if you're doing a good job?

Do you consider yourself a quick thinker? Tell me about a time when your quick thinking saved the day.

Do you understand what is expected of you in your current role?

How do you keep track of your day-to-day tasks and activities?

Do you have a best friend at work? Is it important for you to have close friendships within the workplace?

Give an example of a time when you showed integrity on the job, and in your personal life.

What motivates you the most in your current role?

Name for me one task in your current job that you wish you could perform more often.

On a scale of 1-5, how happy are you as a person?

Do you consider yourself someone direct and forthright with others?

Would this job give you the opportunity to do what you do best, every day?

When you think about joining a new company, are you nervous about meeting new people or is this an exciting thought for you?

How do you gain buy-in from your coworkers when it comes to delivering quality work?

Do the values of our company align with what you view as important?

What steps have you taken this year to encourage your professional development?

How can we encourage your professional development?

Do you think a chain of command is essential in the workplace?

When a leadership opportunity presents itself, are you excited to jump in, or do you feel nervous? Tell me about a time you acted as a leader without first being asked.

What does integrity mean to you?

Would you prefer to earn a set salary or be offered an uncapped pay based on performance?

Have you ever put your professional work ahead of your personal life?

What is the kindest thing a boss has ever said to you? How did the compliment make you feel, and did you agree with the praise?

Tell me about a time when you felt uncomfortable or unprepared in your job.

Tell me about a time when you felt successful.

What does being competitive mean to you? How competitive are you?