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CV, Interview and Job Application Tips

Mike Jacobsen

Interview Question: tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss – Answer Examples

by

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. Can you describe an instance where you had a differing opinion with your supervisor? How did you handle it?
  2. How have you managed a situation where you and your manager had conflicting viewpoints?
  3. Can you share an example of when you challenged your boss’s decision? What was the outcome?
  4. Describe a time when you had to disagree with your superior professionally. How did you navigate the situation?
  5. Have you ever had to stand up for your beliefs or ideas against your boss’s perspective? What happened?
  6. What is your approach when you feel that your manager’s decision is not the best one? Can you give an example?
  7. Can you recall a time when you needed to communicate a dissenting opinion to your supervisor? How did you ensure a positive outcome?
  8. How do you handle situations where you believe your boss is making a mistake? Share an experience you’ve had.
  9. Have you ever disagreed with a directive from your manager? How did you express your concerns and resolve the issue?
  10. Describe a situation where you had to push back against your boss’s idea or plan. What was your approach, and what was the result?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

So when looking at the interview question “Tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss”, we can relate it back to these points:

  1. Can you do the job? – This question aims to assess your problem-solving and communication skills, which are essential in any professional setting. By asking about a time when you disagreed with your boss, the interviewer wants to understand how you approach challenging situations, negotiate, and find solutions while maintaining a professional relationship.
  2. Will you do the job? – This question can also give insight into your drive and motivation. It allows the interviewer to gauge how you handle disagreements and whether you are willing to voice your opinions and stand up for your ideas, even when it means challenging authority. (People with low motivation or drive in their role will not bother voicing their disagreement)
  3. Will you fit in? – Your response to this question can reveal information about your personality and how you might fit into the workplace culture. The way you handle disagreements with a superior can demonstrate your ability to collaborate, show respect, and find common ground. Additionally, it shows how adaptable and flexible you are in situations where your ideas or opinions may not align with those of others, which is crucial for a healthy and productive work environment.

How Best To Answer ‘tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss’

Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.

Answers using this method follow the below structure:

B – Belief: Begin by stating your thoughts and feelings about the importance of open communication, expressing concerns, or providing alternative perspectives in a professional setting, even when it involves disagreeing with a supervisor.

S – Situation: Describe a specific scenario where you disagreed with your boss. Keep the description brief, easy to understand, and focus on the context rather than too many details. The aim is to set the stage for your actions and role in the situation.

T – Task: Explain your role in the situation, emphasizing your responsibilities and the goals you wanted to achieve. This could be related to the team’s success, the company’s interests, or maintaining a good working relationship with your supervisor.

A – Activity (or action): Describe the steps you took to address the disagreement. This may include gathering information, seeking alternative solutions, or communicating your concerns to your boss. Explain the reasons behind each action and how it contributed to resolving the disagreement.

R – Result: Conclude by sharing the outcome of the situation, focusing on the positive effects of your actions. Use specific figures or statistics if possible, like improved productivity, reduced costs, or increased team morale. Emphasize the lessons learned and how the experience contributed to your professional growth.

Keep in mind that the B-STAR technique is a guideline, not a strict rule. Feel free to adapt the structure to best showcase your experience and effectively communicate your point in response to the question.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

Tell Me About A Time You Disagreed With Your Boss – Example answer

Project Coordinator Example

I strongly believe that open communication and sharing differing opinions with supervisors are crucial for making informed decisions and fostering a collaborative work environment. In my previous role as a project coordinator, our team was tasked with developing a marketing campaign. My boss suggested an approach that I felt wouldn’t resonate with our target audience and could negatively impact our results.

As the person responsible for overseeing the project, I had to ensure its success. My objective was to address my concerns with my boss and propose a more effective strategy without undermining their authority. I took the initiative to research alternative marketing approaches and gathered data to support my perspective. After preparing a concise presentation, I requested a one-on-one meeting with my boss and shared my findings. I emphasized that my goal was to improve the campaign’s effectiveness and achieve the best possible outcome for our team.

After discussing my concerns and the proposed alternative, my boss appreciated my proactive approach and agreed to implement the new strategy. The marketing campaign ultimately exceeded our initial targets, leading to a 30% increase in leads and a 20% boost in sales. This experience not only reinforced the importance of open communication but also allowed me to develop a stronger working relationship with my supervisor.

Generic Disagreement Answer

I believe that staying true to a company’s values and mission is crucial for long-term success, even if it means disagreeing with the owner. In my previous role, the owner proposed a new direction for the business that I felt would prioritize short-term gains over our company’s values and long-term impact.

In this situation, my task was to express my concerns and recommend an alternative strategy that would better align with our company’s values and mission. I took the initiative to gather data and evidence to support my perspective before approaching the owner. We engaged in an open and respectful dialogue, ultimately finding a resolution that blended elements of both our suggestions and better reflected the company’s values and goals.

The outcome of this experience reinforced the importance of standing up for what I believe in and the value of effective, respectful communication, even in the face of disagreements. It also highlighted the benefits of finding solutions that balance short-term and long-term objectives while maintaining the integrity of the company’s mission and values.

Teacher Example

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: Tell me about a time you received negative feedback – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself – Answer Tips
Should You Write A Cover Letter When Applying For Jobs?

Interview Question: Tell me about a time you took a risk – Answer Examples

by

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision. What was the outcome?
  2. Can you share an example of when you went against the norm or challenged conventional thinking to solve a problem?
  3. Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision with limited information. How did you handle it?
  4. Describe a situation where you took a creative or unconventional approach to solving a problem. What was the result?
  5. Share an experience where you had to navigate uncertainty or ambiguity in a professional setting. How did you deal with it?
  6. Tell me about a time when you faced a significant obstacle at work. How did you overcome it?
  7. Describe a project where you had to weigh the pros and cons of different options. How did you make your decision?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

The question “tell me about a time you took a risk” is a versatile and insightful one, as it can relate to one or more of the three fundamental aspects interviewers seek to understand about a candidate. By asking this question, interviewers gain a deeper perspective on your skills, motivation, and adaptability to the workplace culture.

  1. Can you do the job? When discussing a risk you’ve taken, you have the opportunity to showcase your skills and experience in handling challenging situations. You can demonstrate your ability to assess risks, make informed decisions, and navigate uncertain circumstances. It also allows you to highlight any technical or soft skills you employed in the process, further convincing the interviewer that you possess the necessary expertise for the job.
  2. Will you do the job? This question also touches on your motivation and drive. By sharing a story about a risk you’ve taken, you reveal your willingness to push boundaries, take ownership, and strive for success. Employers want to hire candidates who are proactive and not afraid to step out of their comfort zones. Your response can showcase your determination, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to achieving goals even in the face of adversity.
  3. Will you fit in? Lastly, discussing a risk-taking experience can help the interviewer understand your personality and how it aligns with the company culture. It shows your adaptability, openness to change, and ability to collaborate with others during challenging times. Your response can also reveal how you handle stress, deal with failure, and learn from your experiences. These qualities are essential for a harmonious and productive work environment.

How Best To Answer ‘Tell me about a time you took a risk’

Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.

Answers using this method follow the below structure:

B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter?

S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe.

T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter.

A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question.

R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.).

Remember though that the B-STAR technique is descriptive not prescriptive. You do not need to follow this flow strictly, go with what is best for your answers and that will allow you to put your point across and show your experience the best.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

Tell me about a time you took a risk – Example answer

Project Manager Example

I don’t believe in taking unnecessary risks, however when the pros and cons have been properly identified I am happy to make a calculated risk should I believe it will be beneficial overall. A time I took a risk at work was when I suggested a new approach to a project that I was working on. The project was facing several challenges and I felt that the team was not making progress using the traditional methods. I proposed a new approach that was outside of the box and that required the team to think differently about the problem. Although my proposal was met with initial skepticism, I was able to clearly articulate the potential benefits and I was able to rally support from key stakeholders. We implemented my proposal and it was successful, leading to a significant improvement in the pace of the project and a better outcome for the team and the organization. This experience taught me the value of taking calculated risks and thinking creatively to find solutions to challenging problems. It also demonstrated the importance of being able to communicate effectively and to build support for innovative ideas.

Insurance Adjustor Example

A risk I took as an insurance adjustor was when I recommended a settlement offer to a client that was significantly lower than what they had initially requested. The client was expecting a large payout for their claim, but based on my investigation, I determined that the damages were not as extensive as they had reported. I knew that this would be a difficult conversation, as the client had high expectations for their payout, but I felt that it was the right thing to do to provide an accurate and fair assessment of the damages.

I presented my findings and recommended a lower settlement offer, explaining the reasoning behind my decision. The client was initially upset but after some discussion and review of the evidence, they ultimately agreed with my assessment and accepted the settlement offer. This was a risk because there was a possibility that the client would reject my recommendation and take legal action, which could have resulted in a negative outcome for both the client and the insurance company. However, by taking this risk, I was able to build trust with the client and maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism in my role as an insurance adjustor.

Team Leader Example

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)

Interview Question: Tell me about a time you went above and beyond – Answer Examples

by

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. Can you describe a situation where you demonstrated exceptional effort to meet a client’s needs?
  2. Give me an example of a time when you took the initiative to go beyond your job responsibilities.
  3. Have you ever taken a risk to accomplish a task? Can you tell me about it?
  4. Could you tell me about a time when you had to work outside of your comfort zone to achieve a goal?
  5. Describe a situation where you had to overcome a significant obstacle to complete a project.
  6. Can you share an instance where you had to make a tough decision to accomplish a task?
  7. Give me an example of a time when you exceeded expectations to help a colleague or team member.
  8. Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a new situation to complete a task successfully.
  9. Have you ever gone the extra mile to achieve a personal goal? Can you describe it?
  10. Could you provide an example of a time when you received positive feedback for going above and beyond?


What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

This question is looking to see if you are someone who will go ‘above and beyond’. It is seeing if you are someone who is not content with the status quo and will seek to make things better. This is speaking to your motivation (no. 2 above).

The interviewer is looking to see if you have in the past put in the extra effort in the workplace. This could be something like going the extra mile to land a new customer, or if you are technical it could be creating a tool or piece of software that helps your, and your colleagues, processes.

How Best To Answer ‘Tell me about a time you went above and beyond’

Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.

For this question it will look something like this:

B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? – The interviewer is looking for people who go above and beyond, make sure you talk a little bit about how you are not content with doing an ‘ok’ job, say how you always look at ways you can produce exceptional work and are not afraid to put the work in to achieve quality.

S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe.

T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter.

A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question.

R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.).

Remember though that the B-STAR technique is descriptive not prescriptive. You do not need to follow this flow strictly, go with what is best for your answers and that will allow you to put your point across and show your experience the best.

What You Should Not Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

Tell me about a time you went above and beyond – Example answer

Developer Example

I recall a project where my team and I were tasked with launching a new website for our company. As the lead developer, I went above and beyond by not only completing my own tasks but also helping my team members with theirs. I held extra training sessions and provided one-on-one support to ensure everyone was comfortable with the new technology we were using. The result was a successful launch that received positive feedback from both our colleagues and customers.

In my previous retail job, there was a busy holiday season where our store was short-staffed. Despite having my own tasks to attend to, I voluntarily assisted my colleagues by covering their breaks, restocking shelves, and helping customers with their purchases. This allowed my coworkers to take much-needed breaks and improved the overall shopping experience for customers. As a result, our store was able to meet its sales targets and received positive feedback from management.

In a previous construction job, I was part of a team responsible for building a multi-story building. During the project, we encountered unexpected soil conditions that required additional support for the foundation. Instead of waiting for instructions from the project manager, I took initiative and discussed potential solutions with the team. Together, we came up with a plan to reinforce the foundation, ensuring the stability and safety of the building. This extra effort resulted in a successful project completion and earned recognition from the client and project manager.

Customer Service Example

In my previous role as a customer service representative at a bank, I encountered a situation where a customer had an issue with a fraudulent transaction on their account. The customer was understandably upset and had been on hold for a long time, speaking to multiple representatives without finding a resolution.

My first action was to apologize to the customer for the inconvenience and frustration they had experienced. I then requested all the necessary information to investigate the transaction. After reviewing their account history and the transaction details, I determined that the transaction was indeed fraudulent.

Next, I informed the customer that we would need to cancel their existing card and issue them a new one. The customer was worried about the length of time it would take to receive the new card and access their funds. To address their concerns, I assured them that I would work with the team to expedite the process and make sure their new card was delivered to them as soon as possible.

In the end, the customer felt heard and valued. They expressed gratitude for the extra time and attention that I gave them. They also felt confident that their issue had been resolved and appreciated the proactive steps I took to ensure they could access their funds as soon as possible. My supervisor commended me for my efforts, and the customer left a positive feedback, which was a great feeling.

Teacher Example

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: What books have you read lately? – Answer Tips
Interview Question: Why do you want this job – Answer Tips
Interview Question: Tell Me About A Time Someone Challenged Your Decision – Answer Tips

Interview Question: What books have you read lately? – Answer Tips

by

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. What are some of your favorite books, and why do you enjoy them?
  2. Can you recommend any books that you think I should read?
  3. What kind of books do you enjoy reading, and why?
  4. What was the last book you read that you really enjoyed, and what made it stand out?
  5. How often do you read, and what kind of books do you like to read the most?
  6. Have you read any books recently that have influenced your thinking or worldview in a significant way?
  7. Are there any authors whose work you particularly admire or find inspiring?
  8. What are you currently reading, and how are you enjoying it so far?
  9. Have you ever read a book that completely changed your perspective on something?
  10. How do you decide what books to read, and what factors do you consider when choosing your next read?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

Interviewers may ask about the books you’ve read recently for several reasons, all of which relate back to one of the 3 points above:

  1. Assess your interests: This question can provide insight into your personal interests, passions, and how you spend your free time. Your reading choices can reveal whether you are engaged in continuous learning, staying current with industry trends, or exploring new ideas.
  2. Gauge your intellectual curiosity: Your recent reading material can indicate your level of intellectual curiosity and your willingness to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.
  3. Understand your communication and critical thinking skills: Discussing a book you’ve read allows interviewers to evaluate your ability to articulate thoughts, analyze content, and think critically about complex ideas.
  4. Find common ground: Sometimes, interviewers ask this question to build rapport and find common ground. If you both have read the same book or share similar reading interests, it can create a connection and make the conversation more engaging.
  5. Evaluate cultural fit: Your reading preferences can give the interviewer a sense of whether your values, interests, and approach align with the company’s culture.

When answering this question, be honest about the books you’ve read and share a brief summary or key takeaway from one or more of them. If possible, choose books that are relevant to the job, industry, or the company’s values to demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.

How Best To Answer ‘What books have you read lately?’

The B-STAR (Belief – Situation, Task, Action, Result) format is a useful framework for answering behavioral interview questions that require specific examples of past experiences. However, for the question “What books have you read lately?”, the STAR format may not be the most suitable approach.

This is because the question is not asking for a specific example of a past experience, but rather for your current reading habits and interests. Therefore, a more appropriate approach to answering this question would be to focus on providing a clear and concise response that showcases your reading habits and interests.

To answer the question “What books have you read lately?”, candidates should focus on providing a clear and concise response that showcases their reading habits and interests. Here are some tips for structuring an effective answer:

  1. Start with the genre: Begin by mentioning the genre or category of books you have been reading lately. This helps to provide context for your answer and can help the interviewer better understand your interests.
  2. Be specific: Try to mention the titles of specific books you have read recently and provide a brief summary of what you liked about them. This demonstrates that you have engaged with the material and can articulate your thoughts and opinions on it.
  3. Connect to the job: If possible, try to connect your reading habits and interests to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, you could mention books you have read about branding or advertising.
  4. Keep it concise: While it’s important to provide a detailed answer, you don’t want to go on for too long. Keep your answer concise and to the point.

By following these tips, you can provide a structured and thoughtful response that demonstrates your reading habits and interests, as well as your ability to communicate effectively.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not say you have do not read.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

What books have you read lately? – Example answer

Leadership Example

Recently, I’ve read a few books that have been influential in shaping my perspective on leadership and staying up-to-date with the software industry. One book that stands out is ‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’ by Patrick Lencioni. This book provides valuable insights into building effective teams by overcoming common obstacles like lack of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. I’ve applied some of the strategies outlined in the book to improve team dynamics in my previous roles, and I’ve seen a positive impact on productivity and collaboration.

Another book that I found fascinating is ‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries. It offers a fresh perspective on product development and management, focusing on rapid prototyping and validation of ideas through customer feedback. I believe this approach can be very beneficial for a software company like yours, as it can help deliver valuable products faster and with less risk.

In addition to these books, I enjoy reading technology blogs and industry news to stay current with the latest trends and developments in software. This continuous learning habit helps me stay ahead of the curve and make more informed decisions as a manager

Project Manager Example

In the past few months, I’ve been focused on reading books that can help me become a better project manager, particularly in the finance industry. One book that I found particularly helpful was ‘Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager’ by Kory Kogon, Suzette Blakemore, and James Wood. This book provided practical tips and strategies for managing projects effectively, even when you don’t have formal authority or a dedicated team.

Another book that I recently read and enjoyed was ‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries. Although it’s not specifically about project management, the book provides valuable insights into how to launch and grow a successful business by using a lean and iterative approach. I believe that many of the principles and strategies discussed in this book can be applied to project management in the finance industry.

Overall, I’m always looking for ways to improve my project management skills and knowledge, and I believe that reading books on the topic is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices. I’m excited about the opportunity to apply these skills and knowledge in a Project Manager position at ExampleBank, and I’m confident that my reading habits and interests will be an asset to the team.

Teacher Example

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: Why do you want this job – Answer Tips
Interview Question: Tell me about a time when you have identified an opportunity for improvement within your processes? – Answer Tips
Interview Question: How do you handle disagreements within your team? – Answer Tips

Interview Question: Why do you want this job – Answer Tips

by

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. What interests you about this role?
  2. What motivates you to apply for this position?
  3. What do you hope to gain from working here?
  4. How does this job align with your career goals?
  5. What attracted you to this company?
  6. What do you think you can contribute to our team?
  7. What specific skills or experiences do you have that make you a good fit for this job?
  8. What challenges do you see in this role, and how do you plan to address them?
  9. How do you see this job fitting into your long-term career plans?
  10. What sets this job apart from other opportunities you have considered?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

The question “why do you want this job?” is commonly asked by interviewers as it helps them assess various aspects of a candidate simultaneously. When you explain why you want the job, you have the opportunity to emphasize your skills and experience that make you a suitable candidate. By discussing how your abilities align with the position’s requirements, you demonstrate that you have the capability to perform the tasks involved in the job. This helps the interviewer understand your potential for success in the role.

Your response to this question can also showcase your motivation and passion for the role. Expressing enthusiasm for the job, its challenges, and the company’s mission or values indicates that you are genuinely interested in the position and willing to put in the effort to achieve success. This demonstrates to the interviewer that you have the drive and motivation necessary to excel in the position.

Finally, the way you articulate your reasons for wanting the job can reveal aspects of your personality and how they align with the company culture. By highlighting your personal values, goals, and work style, you provide the interviewer with a glimpse into how you might fit in with the team and contribute to a positive work environment. A well-thought-out answer can also convey that you are a likable and approachable candidate, which is important for fostering good working relationships.

How Best To Answer ‘Why Do You Want This Job’

The best approach to answering the question “why do you want this job?” involves a combination of research, self-reflection, and effective communication. While the B-STAR method is particularly useful for behavioral interview questions that ask for specific examples from your past experiences, you can still apply some of its principles to craft a compelling answer to this question.

The best approach to answering the question “why do you want this job?” involves thorough preparation, self-reflection, and effective communication. To craft a compelling and authentic response, consider the following steps:

  1. Research the company and the role: Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, culture, and the specific job requirements. This will allow you to tailor your answer to show that you are well-informed and genuinely interested in the role. Discuss how the company’s mission or values resonate with your own beliefs, or mention specific projects or initiatives that excite you.
  2. Reflect on your motivation and strengths: Engage in self-reflection to identify your strengths, motivations, and personal goals. Consider how these align with the job description and the company culture. This will help you demonstrate that you are not only capable of performing the job but also motivated to succeed and likely to fit in with the team.
  3. Structure your response: Begin by expressing your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Then, highlight your skills, experience, and personal traits that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Be specific and provide examples where possible to make your response more persuasive.
  4. Connect your goals with the role: Describe how the job aligns with your professional aspirations and how it will help you grow in your career. This will show the interviewer that you have thought about the long-term implications of the role and that you are committed to making a meaningful contribution to the company.
  5. Be concise and articulate: Practice your answer to ensure that you can deliver it confidently and clearly during the interview. Aim to strike a balance between providing sufficient information and being concise. Remember to maintain a positive and enthusiastic tone throughout your response.

By following these steps, you can create a well-thought-out and genuine answer to the question “why do you want this job?” This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are not only capable of doing the job but also motivated and likely to fit well within the company culture.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Why Do You Want This Job – Example answers

Developer Example

I am truly excited about the Developer role at this rapidly growing FinTech company. Your commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions aligns with my passion for creating efficient and user-friendly applications that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Having researched your company, I found that your focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology in financial services resonates with my interests and experience. I am confident that my skills and background in software development make me a strong fit for this position.

What particularly attracts me to this role is the opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment that fosters professional growth. I believe that working at your company will not only allow me to broaden my knowledge of the FinTech industry but also provide me with the chance to contribute to projects that shape the future of financial services.

Overall, I am enthusiastic about this Developer role because it perfectly aligns with my career goals and passion for FinTech. I am confident that my skills, experience, and personal traits make me an ideal candidate for this position, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success.

Civil Service Example

I’m really excited about joining the Civil Service as a Business Analyst. I’ve come to appreciate its important role in supporting government functions and driving improvements across various sectors, which aligns with my desire to contribute to meaningful projects.

My experience as a Business Analyst has helped me develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which I believe would be valuable in this role. I enjoy collaborating with diverse teams and developing solutions to improve processes and achieve goals.

What draws me to this role is the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects that directly influence citizens’ well-being. I’m eager to apply my skills in a context where I can make a tangible difference and help shape policies that benefit everyone.

I see working for the Civil Service as a chance to grow professionally, learning from experts in various fields. I’m enthusiastic about this Business Analyst role and confident that my skills, experience, and personal traits make me a great candidate for this position.

Newly Qualified Teacher Example

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: Tell me about a time you failed – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Tell me about a time where you were responsible for bringing people together to work on a project or piece of work? – Answer Tips
34 Change Manager Interview Questions (And Sample Answers)

Interview Question: Tell me about a time you failed – Answer Examples

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Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. Describe a situation where you faced a significant obstacle or setback. How did you overcome it?
  2. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work. How did you handle it and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Can you give an example of a goal you didn’t meet and how you handled it?
  4. Share an instance where you faced conflict with a colleague or team member. How did you resolve it?
  5. Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you handle it?
  6. Tell me about a challenging project you worked on and the steps you took to achieve success.
  7. Can you provide an example of when you had to make a difficult decision at work? What factors did you consider, and what was the outcome?
  8. Share a situation where you had to take on a leadership role unexpectedly. How did you manage the responsibility?
  9. Describe a time when you had to persuade someone to see things from your perspective. How did you approach the situation?
  10. Tell me about a time when you had to juggle multiple priorities. How did you manage your time and ensure that all tasks were completed?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

“Tell me about a time you failed” is a question that touches on all three of these fundamental aspects that interviewers seek to understand about a candidate. By asking you to share an instance of failure, they can evaluate your skills, motivation, and cultural fit within the organization.

When you describe a failure or challenge, the interviewer can assess your ability to perform the job by understanding the skills and experience you drew upon to address the situation. Your explanation of how you approached the problem and attempted to solve it demonstrates your competency and adaptability.

Furthermore, discussing a failure allows the interviewer to gauge your motivation and drive. If you share how you learned from the experience, it shows that you’re dedicated to personal growth and self-improvement. This illustrates your willingness to take on challenges and see them through, which speaks to your work ethic and determination.

Finally, your response to this question can also reveal aspects of your personality and how well you might fit into the company culture. By sharing how you dealt with failure, you offer insights into your communication style, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle setbacks. An interviewer can determine whether your approach aligns with the company’s values and whether you would be a good fit with the existing team.

How Best To Answer ‘Tell Me About A Time You Failed’

Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.

Answers using this method follow the below structure:

B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter?

S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe.

T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter.

A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question.

R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.).

Remember though that the B-STAR technique is descriptive not prescriptive. You do not need to follow this flow strictly, go with what is best for your answers and that will allow you to put your point across and show your experience the best.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

Tell Me About A Time You Failed – Example answer

Project Manager Example

I firmly believe that failure is an opportunity to learn and grow, and it’s essential to confront challenges head-on and adapt our strategies. Let me share a time when I faced a failure as a project manager.

I was leading a software development project for a client, and despite thorough planning and risk management, the project went over budget and missed the deadline. The main issue was improper resource allocation and ineffective communication with the development team, which led to unexpected roadblocks and delays in the project timeline.

In that situation, my role was to lead the project, manage resources, and ensure timely delivery. When I realized the project was off track, I took responsibility for the failure and immediately took steps to address the issues. I met with the client to apologize and transparently discuss the reasons for the project’s shortcomings. I also worked with the development team to identify areas for improvement and implement new processes to prevent similar mistakes in future projects.

This failure was a valuable learning experience for me. It taught me the importance of having a contingency plan in place, proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, and effectively communicating with all stakeholders. As a result, I’ve become a better project manager, approaching each project with a greater level of caution and preparation.

Fundraising Manager Example

I once faced a failure as a fundraising manager, where I was responsible for securing funding for a non-profit organization. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t secure the necessary funds to meet our target.

I took full responsibility for the failure and immediately took steps to address the issue. I evaluated our fundraising strategies and identified areas for improvement, such as targeting new donor demographics and strengthening relationships with existing donors. I also reached out to stakeholders and donors to understand why we were unable to secure the necessary funds and used that feedback to develop a new plan.

This experience was a valuable lesson for me. It taught me the importance of continuously assessing and adapting fundraising strategies, as well as the value of strong relationships with stakeholders and donors. Because of this, I’ve become a better fundraising manager, approaching each campaign with a greater level of preparation and a more comprehensive understanding of our target audience.

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: Why have you had so many jobs? – Answer Examples
Should You Write A Cover Letter When Applying For Jobs?
Interview Question: How did you hear about this position? – Answer Tips

Interview Question: Why have you had so many jobs? – Answer Examples

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Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. Can you explain the reasons for changing jobs so often?
  2. How do you ensure a smooth transition between positions?
  3. What motivates you to seek new opportunities?
  4. How do you handle adapting to new work environments and teams?
  5. What has been your most significant accomplishment in your previous roles?
  6. How do you determine whether a job is the right fit for you?
  7. Are you looking for long-term stability in your next role? Why or why not?
  8. What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from changing jobs frequently?
  9. How do you build trust and rapport with new coworkers and supervisors?
  10. Can you describe the most challenging job transition you’ve experienced, and how you overcame it?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

When an interviewer asks, “Why have you had so many jobs?”, they are seeking to understand one or more of the three fundamental aspects mentioned above. This question can relate to all three areas in different ways:

  1. Can you do the job? – By asking about your job history, the interviewer wants to know if your frequent job changes have provided you with the necessary skills and experience to excel in the position you’re applying for. They might be concerned that you haven’t spent enough time in any single role to develop the depth of expertise required.
  2. Will you do the job? – The interviewer may be trying to gauge your motivation and commitment. Frequent job changes could signal a lack of dedication or focus, making the interviewer question whether you will stay in the role long enough to make a meaningful impact.
  3. Will you fit in? – The question can also help the interviewer assess how well you would fit into the company’s culture. If your job changes resulted from conflicts or difficulties adapting to new environments, this could raise concerns about your ability to work effectively with the team and integrate into the workplace.

By addressing these three aspects in your response, you can demonstrate your suitability for the role, your motivation to perform, and your ability to adapt to new environments and teams.

How Best To Answer ‘Why have you had so many jobs?’

The B-STAR method (Belief – Situation, Task, Action, Result) system is primarily used to answer behavioral interview questions that ask you to describe a specific situation or experience from your past. While the STAR system might not directly apply to the question “Why have you had so many jobs?”, you can still adapt some elements of the STAR method to provide a more structured and clear response. Here’s how you can incorporate parts of the STAR system:

  1. Acknowledge the concern: Start by recognizing that the interviewer might be worried about your frequent job changes, and assure them that you understand their concern.
  2. Provide context: Give a brief explanation for each job change, focusing on valid reasons such as seeking new challenges, pursuing career growth, company restructuring, or personal circumstances. Be honest, but avoid dwelling on any negative aspects or placing blame on former employers.
  3. Highlight the positives: Emphasize the benefits of having diverse experiences, such as acquiring a wide range of skills, adapting quickly to new environments, and learning from different industries or roles. Mention specific accomplishments or skills gained in each role that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
  4. Demonstrate commitment: Explain how your past experiences have led you to this opportunity and why you believe this role aligns with your long-term career goals. Convey your enthusiasm for the position and your willingness to contribute to the company’s success.
  5. Show cultural fit: Briefly touch on how your personality and values align with the company culture. Mention any research you’ve done on the organization and why you believe you would be a great fit for the team.
  6. Reassure the interviewer: End your response by reassuring the interviewer of your commitment to the role and your intention to stay with the company for a longer period. Share any specific plans you have for professional growth within the organization.

Remember to stay concise and focus on presenting a positive narrative that addresses the interviewer’s concerns while showcasing your unique strengths and fit for the role.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Why Have You Had So Many Jobs? – Example answers

Job Hopper Example

“I understand the concern about having multiple jobs, and I appreciate the opportunity to provide some context. My job changes have been driven by several factors. One reason is my desire to gain diverse experiences and learn new skills. For example, at TechCorp, I had the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in the software development industry, while at HealthSolutions, I transitioned to the healthcare sector, where I applied my skills to create innovative solutions for patient management systems.

Another reason is my drive for continuous improvement and professional growth. When I felt I had reached a point of stagnation at GreenBank, I pursued a role at BlueConsulting, where I took on more challenging projects and responsibilities, such as leading a team of analysts to streamline operations and reduce costs.

Lastly, some job changes were due to circumstances outside of my control, such as when AlphaMedia underwent a major restructuring and my position was eliminated, or when I had to relocate due to family reasons, which led me to leave BetaIndustries.

Despite these factors, I have consistently focused on making meaningful contributions and achieving success in each role. For instance, at TechCorp, I played a key role in developing a software module that improved efficiency by 20%, and at HealthSolutions, my team and I implemented a new patient management system that increased patient satisfaction scores by 15%.

I am now looking for an opportunity that aligns with my long-term career goals, where I can leverage my diverse experience and skills to make a lasting impact. I am confident that this role and your organization, XYZ Company, offer the kind of stability and growth opportunities I am seeking, and I am committed to contributing positively to the team and the company’s success.”

Contractor Example

“As a contractor, having multiple jobs is a natural aspect of my career path. I have actively pursued various projects that offer opportunities to collaborate with diverse companies and industries, enabling me to apply my skills in a range of settings. This approach has allowed me to continually gain new experiences and expand my skill set.

For example, I worked on a project with TechGlobal, where I led a team to optimize their e-commerce platform, increasing sales by 25%. In another assignment with GreenEnergy, I helped design a new process for monitoring energy consumption, which resulted in a 10% reduction in energy usage for their clients.

Being a contractor often entails taking on short-term or project-based assignments and transitioning to new opportunities upon project completion. This flexible work arrangement not only enables me to explore various challenges and make a positive impact across different organizations but also helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance.

As I pursue new projects, my primary focus is on opportunities that offer both challenges and avenues for professional growth and development. I am confident that my diverse experience and adaptability make me a valuable asset to any team, and I look forward to contributing positively to the success of each project I undertake.”

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself – Answer Tips
Interview Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? – Answer Examples
35 Project Coordinator Interview Questions (And Example Answers)

Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself – Answer Tips

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Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. Can you walk me through your resume?
  2. What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
  3. How would you describe your work style?
  4. How did you become interested in this industry/role?
  5. What do you consider your most significant professional accomplishment?
  6. What aspects of your previous jobs did you enjoy the most?
  7. Can you share an example of how you’ve overcome a challenge in your career?
  8. How do your experiences align with the requirements of this position?
  9. What are your professional goals, and how do you see this role helping you achieve them?
  10. How have you grown or developed in your career, and what have you learned from those experiences?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

This open-ended question in particular (Tell me about yourself) allows you to provide a brief overview of your background, experiences, and accomplishments that are relevant to the position. By sharing details of your education, past job experiences, and specific skills, you address the first aspect of the interviewer’s concerns – your ability to perform the job.

In addition, discussing your passion for the industry, your motivation for applying to the role, and your career goals can help demonstrate your commitment and drive to succeed in the position. This touches on the second aspect, revealing your willingness to do the job.

Lastly, when describing your personality traits, work style, or values, you have the opportunity to emphasize how they align with the company culture and the team you would be working with. This addresses the third aspect, showcasing your potential to fit in well within the organization.

So in all, this question actually hits all 3!

How Best To Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’

While the B-STAR method (Belief – Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a useful technique for answering behavioral interview questions, it may not be the best fit for the “tell me about yourself” question. This question typically calls for a more general overview of your background, skills, and experiences. However, you can still take inspiration from the B-STAR method to structure your response effectively. Here’s a suggested approach:

  1. Brief Introduction: Start by providing a concise summary of who you are professionally. Mention your current role, years of experience, and any areas of expertise.
  2. Education and Skills: Highlight your relevant educational background and the key skills that make you a strong candidate for the role. Focus on those that directly relate to the job requirements.
  3. Work Experience: Briefly describe your professional journey, focusing on roles and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. You can use the STAR method to explain one or two significant achievements in a concise manner. Be specific about the situations you faced, the tasks you were responsible for, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.
  4. Motivation and Fit: Explain your interest in the role and the company, as well as how your values align with the organization’s culture. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and potential for cultural fit.
  5. Conclusion: Wrap up by briefly mentioning your career goals and how this opportunity aligns with them. This shows that you’re motivated to succeed in the position and have a clear vision for your future.

By following this approach, you can provide a well-structured and comprehensive response to the “tell me about yourself” question that addresses your background, skills, experiences, motivation, and fit for the role.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not downplay your achievements/experience.

Do not overhype your achievements/expereince

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Tell me about yourself – Example answers

When crafting an answer to “Tell me about yourself,” it’s important to keep your response concise, relevant, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. An effective answer typically includes a brief overview of your professional background, your key skills or expertise, and a few personal attributes that make you a good fit for the role. Here’s a couple examples:

Digital Marketing Example

“I’m a digital marketing professional with over six years of experience in developing and implementing online marketing strategies for various industries, including e-commerce, healthcare, and technology. I have a proven track record in increasing website traffic, optimizing conversion rates, and managing social media campaigns. I graduated from XYZ University with a degree in Marketing and earned a certification in Google Analytics.

In my most recent role at ABC Company, I led a team of five and helped increase organic search traffic by 30% within six months, which contributed to a significant increase in overall revenue. I’m passionate about staying up-to-date with industry trends and enjoy experimenting with new marketing tactics to drive results. I believe my analytical skills, creativity, and strong communication abilities make me a great fit for this digital marketing manager position at your company.

Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter and attending marketing conferences to expand my professional network and learn from industry experts.”

Quantity Surveyor Example

“I’m a quantity surveyor with over 13 years of experience in the industry, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with four different employers since graduating from university at 21. My expertise spans various types of projects, and I’m particularly proud of my certification to work on nuclear sites.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide range of projects, from residential developments to large-scale infrastructure projects. This has allowed me to develop a strong skill set in cost estimation, contract management, and risk analysis. My experiences have also taught me the importance of collaboration and effective communication with various stakeholders, such as architects, contractors, and clients.

I’m excited about this opportunity because your company has a strong reputation for delivering complex, large-scale projects. I believe my experience and skills align well with the role, and I’m eager to contribute to your team. Moreover, I’ve always admired your company’s commitment to safety and innovation, which aligns with my own values as a professional. In the long term, I aim to further develop my expertise in the field and take on leadership roles in challenging projects like the ones your company handles.”

Remember to adapt the example to your own background and experiences, and make sure it aligns with the job requirements and company culture.

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: How did you hear about this position? – Answer Tips
10 Questions To Ask At The End Of An Interview (And 6 That You Shouldn’t!)
Interview Question: What energises you? – Answer Tips

Interview Question: How did you hear about this position? – Answer Tips

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Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

  1. What attracted you to apply for this role?
  2. Can you tell me what you know about our company?
  3. How does this position align with your career goals?
  4. Why do you think you would be a good fit for our company culture?
  5. What aspects of this job are most appealing to you?
  6. How does this role fit into your long-term career plans?
  7. What do you think makes our company stand out from our competitors?
  8. What are your expectations for this position?
  9. Can you tell me about a time when you used a product or service provided by our company?
  10. Have you spoken with any current or former employees of our company? If so, what did you learn from them about working here?

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

When interviewers ask “How did you hear about this position?”, they want to understand the candidate’s (your) resourcefulness, connection to the company, level of interest, job search strategy, and whether they are conducting a targeted job search. The response provides insights into the candidate’s motivation and potential fit within the organization (i.e. Number 2 & Number 3 above)

How Best To Answer “How did you hear about this position”?

The B-STAR method (Belief, Situation, Task, Action, Result) is usually what we recommend when structuring your answers, however that method is typically more applicable to behavioral interview questions, which ask candidates to share examples of past experiences to demonstrate their skills and competencies. However, you can still apply some elements of the STAR method to structure your response for the question, “How did you hear about this position?”

Here is some advice for answering this question:

  1. Be honest: Share the true source where you found the job posting, whether it was a job board, company website, referral from a friend or colleague, social media, or another channel.
  2. Show enthusiasm: Express your excitement for the opportunity and how you became interested in the role or company upon discovering the position.
  3. Highlight your research: Briefly mention any additional research you did on the company and position after learning about the opening. This demonstrates your genuine interest and initiative.
  4. Make a connection: If possible, tie your response to something relevant, such as your passion for the industry, the company’s values, or the specific responsibilities of the role.

While not a direct application of the STAR method, incorporating these elements will help you provide a clear, concise, and engaging response to the question.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

How did you hear about this position? – Example answers

LinkedIn Example

I first learned about this position through LinkedIn, where I follow your company’s page to stay updated on the latest news and job opportunities. I’ve always been impressed with your company’s reputation for innovation and its commitment to fostering a positive work culture. When I saw the job posting for this managerial role, I was immediately excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your team. I decided to research the position further by visiting your company’s website and reading more about the role and your ongoing projects. This only reinforced my belief that this would be an excellent fit for my career goals and aligns with my passion for the software industry

Personal Connection Example

I heard about this position through a former colleague of mine, John Smith, who currently holds a senior role at your company. We worked together at XYZ Corporation and maintained a strong professional relationship after he joined your firm. Over time, John has shared many positive experiences about your company’s work culture, innovation, and growth opportunities. He thought that my skills and experience would be a great fit for this managerial role and encouraged me to apply.

Based on John’s recommendation and my own research about your company, I became increasingly interested in this position. I believe that your company’s values and focus on cutting-edge software solutions align with my passion for the industry and my desire to lead a team in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment.

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: Why did you leave your last job? – Answer Examples
34 Change Manager Interview Questions (And Sample Answers)
Interview Question: What do you like to do in your spare time? – Answer tips

Interview Help: Have you ever needed to change someone’s mind? – Answer Tips

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Question forms part of:

Civil Service Question Bank

Other interview questions that are similar:

  • Tell me about a time when you have had to persuade someone to take a course of action
  • Have you ever needed to convince a stakeholder on the benefits of the project?
  • How do you get others to do what you want?
  • When have you needed to influence a decision maker to supporting your idea?
  • Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question:

In business not everyone is going to be on the same page all the time. Often times competing objectives will come into play, be it office politics or because different areas have different targets.

The interviewer in this question is looking to see how you handle a situation whereby a stakeholder (colleague, supplier, manager etc.) is looking to do one course of action but you want to do another. The interviewer wants to know how you will handle these situations and if you have been in similar experiences before.

The best approach to answering this question:

Even if the interviewer doesn’t ask for a specific example make sure you include one. Talking about actual experiences is always better than talking about what you would do theoretically.

Choose an example where you were unequivocally in the right unless you are prepared for a barrage of follow-up questions about ‘what if you were wrong?’. If you had data to back up your call mention it.

Show that you were empathetic to the other person’s position, mention how you took steps to understand where it was they were coming from – how else would you know your way was best if you didn’t look at theirs!?

Talk about how you presented your idea: it is best to come at these things in a non-combative way. You don’t want to mention how you blindsided someone on a call with senior leadership forcing them to either agree or get into a debate. No, the best way of talking people round is one-on-one. Talk about how you approached the person at a time that was best for them, maybe over coffee, and you showed them your idea and answered any concerns they had.

Finally you want to end with a positive result. ‘We landed the big client, the CEO bought all us a Porsche each to celebrate and I was hailed as a hero from then on’. So maybe not that far but explain to the interviewer how your idea and your successful persuasion of others to get on board resulted in a benefit to your organisation.

How NOT to answer this question:

“I was at a job interview once and this guy was asking me stupid questions. I had to convince him to give me a job”

Yeah obviously don’t say this! But seriously here is a real example of what seems like a good answer but is in fact not.

“We had two options for a supplier; supplier A who we had used before and supplier B who we had not used but who were cheaper. As my target was to reduce costs for our department I said we should go with supplier B. Other people wanted to stick with supplier A as we knew what quality we would receive from them. I knew this was not the correct approach and I knew that other people in my department would argue and make us stick with supplier A. So I approached the director by myself ahead of the meeting where we would decide and showed them the cost-savings we would get from supplier B and how we could use those savings in other areas of the department.

In the end the director went with supplier B at my suggestion and the delivery went off without a hitch and the company saved money”

On first glance this looks like a decent answer. The director was persuaded to the cause and the outcome was that there were decent cost-savings for the business.

So why am I saying not to answer the question like this:

1 – ‘I knew this was the correct approach’. The answer does not state how they knew this was the correct approach.

2 – The other colleagues in the department appear to have a valid concern that the new supplier’s quality is untested. What if they are correct and supplier B is not up to scratch? The answer does nothing to show that the interviewee examined any other viewpoint

3 – The interviewee went behind the rest of the department and straight to the director. This shows that the interviewee is a poor team player.

‘Have You Ever Needed To Change Someone’s Mind?’ – Example Answer:

Yes, I have definitely encountered situations where I needed to change someone’s mind. One instance that stands out in my memory was during a group project in college. We were assigned to work on a marketing campaign for a hypothetical product, and my teammate had a strong belief in a particular strategy that I disagreed with.

To change their mind, I decided to approach the situation with a calm and respectful attitude. First, I took the time to listen attentively to their perspective, ensuring that I understood their reasoning and concerns. This helped me identify the underlying motivations behind their stance.

Next, I gathered relevant information and conducted thorough research to support my alternative viewpoint. I presented my findings to my teammate, using clear and concise arguments backed by evidence and examples from successful marketing campaigns. I made sure to address their concerns directly and explain how my proposed strategy could address those concerns effectively.

Furthermore, I encouraged an open and constructive discussion, allowing my teammate to express their thoughts and feelings freely. I acknowledged the value of their perspective and highlighted the potential benefits of embracing a different approach. I also shared my own enthusiasm and belief in the proposed strategy, emphasizing how it aligned with our project goals and objectives.

Throughout the conversation, I remained patient, empathetic, and receptive to their feedback. I tried to find common ground and areas of agreement, highlighting the shared interests and desired outcomes of our project. By maintaining a positive and collaborative atmosphere, I aimed to create a sense of teamwork and mutual understanding.

Ultimately, my efforts paid off, as my teammate started to reconsider their initial position. They began to see the merits of the alternative strategy and recognized its potential to deliver better results for our marketing campaign. We ended up adopting the new approach, and it turned out to be a successful decision, exceeding our initial expectations.

This experience taught me the importance of effective communication, active listening, and the power of presenting a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence. It also highlighted the significance of empathy and respect when engaging in discussions to change someone’s mind.

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