How to Answer Situational Questions In An Interview
By Marta Gongos For job seekers, one of the most daunting parts of the interview process is often answering situational interview questions.
These questions force you to think on your feet to come up with a good answer that proves your suitability for the role. However, with some preparation and practice, you can ace these tough interview questions and make a good impression.
That’s why we’re here! Today we’re walking you through the best methods for answering situational interview questions. We’ll also share some common situational job interview questions and answers to give you a headstart.
Ready to land your dream job? Let’s go!
Why Are Situational Questions Asked?
Before we spill the beans, we need to first talk about why situational job interview questions and answers are such a big deal in recruitment.
Situational questions are scenario-based interview questions that ask you to imagine a hypothetical situation and describe how you would handle it. They help recruiters go beyond a surface-level understanding of a candidate’s qualifications.
Your answers will allow the hiring manager to gauge your problem-solving and communication skills, assess your leadership style, and get a better feel for your overall suitability for the role and potential fit with the team—you really want to give a great answer!
Tips for Answering Situational Interview Questions
Answering situational interview questions requires some strategic thinking. Here are some tips to help you nail any situational interview question:
- Analyze the job description ahead of time to identify the key skills and qualities the employer is likely looking for.
- Familiarize yourself with common situational interview questions based on the role you’re applying for and the industry you’re in.
- Practice answering situational questions using the STAR method alone or with a partner to give you some constructive criticism.
- Relate scenario questions to your previous experience by providing concrete examples of how you’ve addressed similar situations in previous roles.
- Stay focused on the job duties by tailoring your answers to demonstrate how your skills align with the job requirements.
Hint: If you need more information to fully understand the question, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. You can also ask for a minute to think through your response. There’s nothing wrong with needing time to think!
The STAR Method in Detail
In the previous section, we mentioned following the STAR interview method because it helps you provide detailed and compelling responses. It helps you do this by breaking them into four key components: Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
Here’s how it works:
Situation (S): Set the stage by describing the context or background of the challenging situation. Provide the interviewer with the necessary background information to create a clear understanding of the hypothetical situations.
Task (T): Outline the specific task or challenge you were (or will be) facing in the given scenario. Define your role and responsibilities to clarify the purpose and expectations as it relates to your role in the scenario.
Action (A): Describe the actions you will take to address challenging situations to showcase your problem-solving abilities. Be specific about your contributions, sharing examples that highlight your relevant skills, behaviours, and decision-making practices.
Result (R): Conclude your response by explaining the potential outcomes of your actions. Emphasize the impact of your contributions and provide quantifiable results whenever possible to support the work you’ve done.
Common Situational Questions and Answers for Interviews
Ready to practice some hypothetical questions? Here are some potential situational job interview questions and answers:
Q: Describe a Situation When You Navigated a Challenging Interpersonal Situation
Answer: Once, I had a conflict with a team member who disagreed with my approach to a project (situation). Instead of avoiding the issue, I approached him calmly and respectfully (task). We discussed our perspectives and found a compromise that satisfied both of us (action). We were able to work closely after that (result).
Q: Describe a Situation Where You Had to Meet a Tight Deadline
Answer: When I was working on a campaign as a marketing manager (situation), I had to deliver a report within a short time frame (task). I prioritized the most important tasks, delegated some work to my colleagues, and communicated regularly with the client (action). I completed the report on time and received positive feedback from the client (result).
Q: Provide an Example of When You Demonstrated Leadership Skills in a Team Setting
Answer: As the team leader for a long-term project (situation), I was responsible for coordinating the team’s activities and ensuring the project’s success (task). I set clear goals and expectations, provided guidance and support, and motivated the team members. I also encouraged feedback and collaboration among the sales team (action). We achieved our sales target and exceeded the client’s expectations (result).
Interview Your Way to a Job Offer
Answering situational interview questions can be nerve-wracking, even for the most experienced job seeker. Preparing ahead of time gives you a better chance of successfully turning your job interview into a job offer.
Ad Culture is in the business of helping talented individuals find the company of their dreams. If you’re looking for work in marketing, communications, or advertising, we can help.
Stop stressing about situational job interview questions and answers—contact us today!
