Scenario Based Interview Questions

Describe to me your method of convincing others to see things your way.

A commitment to one's job goes hand in hand with promoting the welfare of the organization and what's best for it. Included in this is one's own personal vision. In developing my own vision, I found it useful to use supervisors and other co-workers as sounding boards. In this way, I profit from their thoughts and experience while allowing them to evaluate and appreciate my perspective. Once co-workers know where you are coming from, the task of promoting ideas becomes much easier. Naturally, I don't expect acceptance for all of my ideas, but thanks to the context provided by this kind of honest exchange with coworkers, it is much more likely my ideas will be better understood and evaluated on their merit.

Describe a time that you did not fit in. How did you ensure that you found a way to fit in and make yourself comfortable?

Being the new employee, you rarely "fit in" immediately. I always try to make sure, if it's not part of the onboarding process itself, to ask my supervisor and or coworkers out to lunch within those first days. That way, I make a personal connection with someone there right away.

Tell me about a time that you naturally took on a leadership role without being asked. Did you enjoy being a leader? Were you happy with the outcome?

During college, I was assigned to a group project. I was the only person in the group who knew a lot about the topic, so everyone else in the group just sat back and expected me to do the work. Instead of doing the whole project alone, I divided up those topics I felt were most important and assigned them to the team to study and research. I reviewed the project once all assignments were complete. The project was an easy success, and the team worked great together.

What would you do if you were made aware of a co-worker being dishonest or stealing from the company?

I have never found myself in this situation, but I feel I'd address it with the person in question and then involve the appropriate supervisory parties as necessary if the behavior continued. As a teacher, there isn't much opportunity to take or be greedy, so I can't see this happening, honestly, but if it did, that's how I would handle it.

Tell me about a time when you received criticism from your manager. How did you react to that criticism? How did you make improvements based on that criticism?

I was asked to create some presentations for one event. After my supervisor reviewed my presentation, some of the slides required additional copy. He had different design concepts in mind. He had great experience in presenting data, and since I did not, I listened to his ideas and incorporated them. I thought they looked very professional and in subsequent presentations, I have included those concepts.

If you had a co-worker call in sick and you were asked to take over their project requiring overtime from you, how would you react? Where do you draw the line when it comes to being a team player?

I will always choose to be a team player. If I had a co-worker call in sick, I would take over where I was capable. The only time I would draw the line would be if I felt I was being taken advantage of for my kindness. For instance, if they were purposefully being inefficient and expecting me to pick up the slack. For the sake of the company, I am always willing to go above and beyond expectations.

Tell me about a time you handled an incredibly difficult client. How did you come to a resolution with this person?

In my current position I am faced with challenging clients on a daily basis. I seem to always come to a good resolution by using my gift of gab. I ask questions and actively listen. A recent example would be when a very unhappy customer called in, wanting to speak with the manager. Our manager was away, and I was the only employee around. By listening and accepting responsibility for the company's actions, I was able to calm her down. We came to a solution that was great for everyone, and I was sure to follow up with her actively.

Discuss one important decision you made in your last role and the impact that decision had.

In my last role, I was tasked with finding potential new vendors when it came to supplies and a couple of other small services such as secure recycling and coffee products. I did a great deal of research and took cost savings, service, and reputation into account. Once I decided on the changes to implement, I tracked our company's savings for three months, then presented those savings to the owner. Overall, my decisions saved us $25,000.

Describe to me a time when you made an error at work, and the impact your mistake made. How did you correct the mistake, and what did you learn from it?

There was an instance when I did not meet a monthly sale's goal. I addressed the issue by speaking with my manager. I explained that I tried my best, but I fell short. I am a positive person who can take responsibility for mistakes. My monthly sales goal impacted the department as a whole, but I devised strategies with my manager to get back on track for the next month. I learned that ownership of one's mistakes is important, and doing all you can to become better will render positive results."

Tell me about a time that you were asked to collaborate on a project with a colleague whom you did not necessarily see eye-to-eye with. How did you ensure that you got along well and met your deadline?

• Getting along with different personalities is especially vital in the workplace. Explain that you can be flexible and hear someone out even if you don't agree with them. Showcase your ability to learn from others when you may not wholeheartedly agree with their perspective or approach.

Discuss a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty. What did you do? How was it above your normal job requirements?

• STAR framework! Think back to your previous projects in your current or past position. Did you exceed expectations on a project by doing additional research to provide more of a polished product? Maybe you helped a coworker out with some of their work? When a new co-worker started, did you volunteer your time without being asked to train them and show them the ropes? Tell a quick story related to how you shine in the workplace!

Tell me about a time that you almost missed a deadline. How did you ensure your project was completed on time?

• So you dropped the ball. It happens to the best of us. Think about how you made your situation "right." Whether you asked for extra assistance, or put more hours in, explain how you did your best and took responsibility for your actions. The interviewer is not looking to hear that you never make mistakes. They want to know how you correct your course once you realize your deadline is in danger of being missed. Last week I was asked to complete a task that one of my colleagues left incomplete before they left on vacation. Although it wasn't my deadline, I felt responsible for it since it was our company's reputation on the line. I took the work home and completed it over the weekend. In the end, the client was very pleased with my work and my dedication landed me a small promotion!

What would you do if a client asked you about a product or service and you were unsure of the answer?

• The interviewer wants to know if you are an independent thinker with the ability to find answers for yourself, when necessary. Explain that you would take the time to try and figure out the solution, but you are not afraid to ask questions if you need to. If I had a client ask me about something that I didn't know enough about, I would find the answer for them before giving a potentially false answer. I am okay with admitting when I don't know something, and I love to learn new things. Of course, I would find the answer quickly by asking the appropriate person or finding it within the company's internal resources.

Tell me about a time your former manager or a coworker upset you. What did they do to upset you? How did you handle it?

• This question gives you the opportunity to provide an example of how you deal with stressful situations. An employer wants someone who can handle challenging scenarios both calmly and professionally. Keep your answer positively-focused and be sure not to bad mouth anyone or give too many details that may deter from the central question, which is 'how did you handle it?'

Tell me about a time that you had to resolve a conflict between two employees. How did you ensure that a resolution was made without hurt feelings?

• This question is meant to see how you handle conflict in the workplace. If you don't have an example of a time when you had a resolve a dispute between two employees, then give an example how you would hypothetically resolve the situation. The interviewer would like to see that you are thoughtful in challenging conditions and able to be the voice of reason when needed. I typically don't have to intervene in employee disputes, but in any setting that I sense tension or some disagreement, I will confidently step in as the intermediary, and encourage respectful conversation.