How to Answer Situational Interview Questions

Situational interview questions are meant to test you.

In situational interview questions, applicants are asked how they would respond or act in specific situations. The goal of the interviewer is to evaluate your problem-solving skills. They want to put you on the spot to find out how you would handle something with little time to plan. The interviewer also wants to make sure that you can handle the duties of the position, and not create unnecessary conflict. Situational questions are used when screening applicants for all different types of jobs.

Instructions

1. Get familiar with the details of the job for which you're applying. Try to find out exactly what duties will be expected in the position, and what the company values. Knowing what they're looking for will help steer you in the right direction when answering questions. Be honest, but align your answers with the qualities they're looking for in an employee.

2. Look at a sample list of situational interview questions, and practice coming up with good answers for them. Have someone else critique your responses. Another person may also be able to point out your positive qualities that you can incorporate into your answers.

3. Think about prior experiences from other jobs or leadership roles you can talk about. Jog your memory about problems that have arisen, and exactly how you handled them. Consider writing down these experiences to have them fresh in your mind for the interview. If you're asked how you would handle an angry customer, your answer will seem more credible if you can honestly say that you've dealt with the situation effectively in the past.

4. Avoid bringing up anything that is controversial, or points out your weaknesses. Your answers should show that you are able to resolve problems, and minimize conflict in an ethical manner. Don't mention past experiences in which you didn't handle things well.

5. Give detailed answers, but don't ramble or go off on tangents. Interviewers are usually looking for more than a one-sentence response to situational questions. They are trying to get an understanding of your thought processes and personality, so don't be afraid to give in-depth answers.

6. Be specific, and provide concrete actions or examples, whenever possible. Tell the interviewer the exact steps you would take in the hypothetical situation. Give yourself a moment to gather your thoughts into organized actions if necessary, but avoid excessively long pauses.

References

• Quintessential Careers: Situational Interview Practice Questions