How to Answer Situational Interview Questions
Situational interviews focus on the future and ask assumptive questions. These job interviews help HR staff assess more honest and nuanced sense answers. Recruiters like workers who are positive and work hard. This type of interview allows them to hire the right person. Here's a guide on how to answer situational interview questions.
What Are Situational Interview Questions?
Job interviews can be uncertain at times. You may expect basic questions like why you applied or about your skills. Yet, some recruiters want to know you as a person, leading to more personal questions. The following are different situational interview questions a recruiter may ask.
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"Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for work."
Employers ask this question to understand your diligence and attitude towards work. It's a small test of your desire to go the extra mile when needed. No employer wants to hire someone who they can't tap to volunteer.
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"Provide an example of a time when you were under pressure. How did you handle it?"
Recruiters ask this question to know how you react in stressful work scenarios. They want to see how you solve problems and get things done under pressure.
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"Discuss a time when you failed and how you overcame it."
Hiring managers ask this to know how you overcome hardship and own up to mistakes. It can be hard to admit that you have a weakness. Yet, it also allows you to show your ability to bounce back from failure. The key is to share the story and what you learned from that situation.
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"How do you handle working with people you don't agree with?"
The workplace presents many challenges, including working with people you don't like. Employers ask this to know how you handle conflict when paired with a co-worker you disagree with. It also determines your willingness to set aside problems for the company's good.
4 Tips on How to Answer Situational Interview Questions
Now that you know the possible situational questions an employer might ask, this section will discuss how to answer them.
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Fit your answers to the role
When answering these questions, it's best to relate your answers to the role you're applying for. You can research to know what they expect from you. It can also help if you await "out of the box" questions to find the ideal answer. Your main goal is to touch on those projections, allowing the recruiter to visualize you in the role.
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Be detailed in your response
One of the things you need to remember is to reply to situational interview questions in detail. Hiring managers prefer answers with many nitty-gritty details attached to them. It doesn't have to be long if you provide what they want to know.
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Don't over-rehearse
It's only natural that you want to practice your answers before a big interview. Yet, practicing all your responses to a tee isn't ideal. The whole point of employers asking such questions is to know the real you. If you over-rehearse, it defeats the purpose. Be flexible. Relax, and be confident.
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Prepare stories for each ability or skill the employer needs
Employers like applicants with an intimate knowledge of the job posting. You can showcase your expertise by preparing stories for each required skill. It's best to discuss your role in the successful outcome and the skills you used to achieve it.
Answers to Tough Questions
Situational interview questions can be tough because you never know what to expect. Yet, the most crucial thing when answering these questions is to be truthful. Employers value honesty and a worker that believes in themselves. These tips can help you when faced with situational interview questions.
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