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Situational Interview Questions and Answers
On a daily basis, every worker encounters a variety of situations that must be handled professionally in order to remain efficient and benefit the company.
Since most workers are responsible for handling multiple situations daily which vary, interviewers typically ask situational questions to gage how well job candidates will respond to various scenarios.
The following are suggestions for responding to situational interview questions:
A complete answer to situational interview questions must explain:
- Specific steps taken to resolve problems (Why was this the selected course of action?)
- Project objectives
- What was eventually accomplished?
- What was learned from experience?
It’s not always necessary to provide specific examples, but it’s recommended. If you cannot provide past examples, develop a theoretical example and describe what you would specifically do to solve the problem.
Potential employers are curious to see how job candidates utilize analytical thinking to assess and address complex problems.
Sample Situational Interview Questions with Answers for management positions
Review these examples to familiarize yourself with effective answers to these types of questions.
1. Question: Team members you’ve been assigned to lead during a new project object to your vision and ideas for implementing it. What would you specifically do to resolve the problem?
Answer: I usually ask for feedback about my ideas and take into account everyone’s opinions prior to beginning a new project. When possible, I organize meetings with group members to discuss my plans and explain how the company will benefit after the project is successfully completed. Likewise, I make it clear to team members that policy changes can be made if they are dissatisfied after beginning a new project.
2. Question: You’re responsible for an important project near completion but receive another important one that must be completed immediately. How do you multi-task and prioritize?
Answer: Before beginning the new project, I determine what must be completed and estimate how long it will take and what resources are needed to successfully complete it. If I’m confident it cannot be completed by the deadline, I would request that a superior be assigned the project, while recommending another co-worker to take responsibility of a project the superior is working on.
3. Question: When a subordinate is performing below average, what specific steps do you take to correct the problem?
Answer: I begin by determining what factors have contributed to the poor performance. After that is determined, I conclude whether the cause is work related or personal. When the problem is related to the individual’s private life, I determine whether it’s possible or appropriate for me to recommend solutions.
Additionally, when dealing with a subordinate’s personal problems, I attempt to estimate how much productivity has been lost due to problem. I then proceed to address the importance of remaining productive while handling the problem and encouraging the individual to do what is necessary to resolve the issue.
4. Question: Near the end of the year, you’re responsible for ensuring a large amount of work be finished before the new year. A subordinate decides to use sick hours to take an entire week off of work. What do you specifically do to address the problem?
Answer: I review if, and how much, vacation time the worker used during the year. If the individual has used few vacation hours, I do not report the situation to my superiors, while encouraging the individual to remain at work during the week. If the individual has lied about being sick in the past to take time off work, I would refer the situation to the human resources department.
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