7 Insightful Situational Interview Questions & Answers +Examples

When interviewing for a specific role, expect that the candidate knows enough about the role that they can come up with thorough and interesting answers to questions about hypothetical scenarios that may occur on the job. This is a good sign because it means that they are prepared for the role and are eager to go on board.

Situational interviews ask questions based on real-life scenarios to a candidate. This lets you gauge how well their response rate is and how they react under pressure. Asking situational questions also helps you gain insight into the candidate’s critical thinking skills and versatility.

Situational interview questions will help you understand a candidate’s thought process and will give you an overview of what their work ethics were like in their previous job. Unlike behavioural interview questions,situational interview questions deal with more than just a candidate’s behaviour. They also help elucidate their character.

It’s important to note that these questions should not be answerable by yes or no. To get more in-depth information about the candidate, try to ask specific situational interview questions that would require them to think critically and act fast.

1.How would you handle working with a coworker you’re not on very good terms with? Will you be able to set aside your differences?

What this reveals: How much of a team player a candidate is

A candidate that knows how to separate work from their personal life is somebody to look out for. Personal issues have no place in the office, especially with daily deadlines and goals in place. Look for someone who knows how to be professional even when faced in

2.If you discover that some of your colleagues are violating company regulations, what action would you take?

What this reveals: Integrity and loyalty

Company regulations are set in place to protect not only the company and its interests but also its employees. A candidate who knows how to value that in every situation even when no one is looking should not be ignored. Listen to the procedures the candidate will implement in such a situation and assess how effective it is.

3.You failed to finish a task on time and because of this, the entire project will be delayed. How will you handle this situation?

What this reveals: Accountability

Mistakes are inevitable in the workplace. A good employee isn’t just somebody who will admit to their mistakes; they should also formulate alternative plans to make up for them. This situational interview question will help you assess that.

4.You are asked to take on multiple projects at once with pending deadlines. How would you manage that? What this reveals: Time management and communication skills

It’s easy to get caught up with an unattainable workload, especially if handled inefficiently. Being clear with one’s superior is one key takeaway to ensure proper dissemination of workload. Also, take note of the candidate’s sense of responsibility and their time management skills in this situation and how they choose to prioritise.

5.You are about to have a presentation in front of your colleagues. How would you handle their criticisms?

What this reveals: How a candidate handles criticism

The quality of an idea will always be subjective. A good candidate is somebody who can set aside their ego and can be open to new routes proposed by other members of the team.

6.Was there a time when you spearheaded a project? What steps did you take and how did you manage the project?

What this reveals: Leadership capabilities

Even if the candidate is applying for an entry-level position, if they have any leadership potential, it shows a great sense of self and work ethic. Listen to the way they spearhead a project and how they plan to manage the team.

7.Describe a situation where you saw a problem and thought of ways to fix it.

What this reveals: Problem-solving skills

Problems and challenges arise all the time in the workplace so a candidate needs to have problem-solving skills. Somebody who knows how to streamline information and adequately provide solutions will be a good fit for any team.

Regardless of the role, you are looking for somebody who has decent to superb problem-solving skills. These questions will also be helpful especially if you’re after a certain quality, such as a work ethic, that can be revealed by asking these situational interview questions.