Experience

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

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)

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

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.

See over 100 example answer to all of the most common interview questions…

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Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

Can you share an example of a project you completed that went above and beyond what was expected of you?
Describe a time when you exceeded your manager’s expectations. What did you do and what was the outcome?
Have you ever faced a challenge at work that required you to go above and beyond what was expected of you? How did you handle it?
Can you tell me about a time when you took initiative to improve a process or task at work, resulting in a positive outcome?

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.

With this question the interviewer is looking to see if you ‘can do the job’ (No. 1) and if you ‘will do the job’ (No. 2). Put simply in order to exceed expectations you need to be able to meet expectations, indicating that you can in fact do the job as advertised.

The interviewer is seeing if you are the type of person when given a task who will put the bare minimum effort in to complete the requirements or if you will go ‘above and beyond’ and really strive to deliver excellence in everything you do.

How Best To Answer ‘Tell me about a time you exceeded expectations’

As this is a ‘Tell me about a time‘ question you are going to need to provide an example. 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? – You should open your answer by telling the interviewer why you feel it is important to exceed expectations.

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. A good example to use is a first project with a new client, you can talk about how you felt the first impression was important in maintaining a fruitful relationship and you wanted to really impress.

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.). As you are exceeding expectations try to touch upon what was originally expected and then compare that with what you did.

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 exceeded expectations – Example answers

Exceeding Expectations – Project Manager Example Answer 1

I feel it is important to exceed expectations whenever possible in our line of work as I believe it is one of the more fundamental ways that people and organisations grow, if everyone just conformed to expectations then eventually we would stagnate. Personally I like to exceed expectations so that my colleagues and managers become aware of my capabilities and learn that they can rely on me for extra or higher priority items.

A time I exceeded expectations was when I was working on a complex and time-sensitive project for a client. The project involved coordinating with multiple teams and stakeholders, and required a high level of attention to detail and quick problem-solving skills.

I took ownership of the project and went above and beyond my normal responsibilities to ensure its successful completion. I proactively identified potential challenges and developed contingency plans, communicated regularly with the client to keep them updated on progress and addressed any concerns they had in a timely manner, and worked closely with my colleagues to ensure that all tasks were completed on time and to a high standard.

As a result of my efforts, the project was completed ahead of schedule and received high praise from the client. They were impressed with the level of service and attention to detail that I provided and were thrilled with the results of the project. This recognition from the client not only exceeded their expectations but also helped to strengthen our relationship and build trust.

This experience taught me the importance of taking ownership of projects and the benefits of going above and beyond in order to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results. It also demonstrated the value of proactively addressing potential challenges, effectively communicating with clients, and collaborating with others to achieve a common goal.

Exceeding Expectations – Teacher Example Answer 2

I always strive for excellence in everything I do, so when I see an opportunity to exceed a student, colleague or manager’s expectations I jump at the chance to impress. I believe this is important in our line of work as exceeding expectations means delivering better outcomes for our students which is the reason I became a teacher in the first place.

A time I exceeded expectations as a teacher was when I was tasked with creating a curriculum for a new elective course. The course was designed to be hands-on and interactive, and was aimed at engaging students who had previously struggled with traditional classroom learning.

I took the challenge to heart and went above and beyond what was expected of me. I spent countless hours researching best practices for hands-on learning, developing engaging and interactive lesson plans, and creating a variety of hands-on activities that would bring the material to life for students. I also reached out to experts in the field and collaborated with other teachers to bring in guest speakers and arrange field trips.

The result was a highly successful course that exceeded the expectations of both the students and the school administration. The students were engaged and excited about learning, and the feedback from both students and parents was overwhelmingly positive. Many students who had struggled in traditional classrooms excelled in this new format, and the course became a model for hands-on learning across the school district.

This experience taught me the importance of taking a creative and innovative approach to teaching, and the benefits of going above and beyond to engage students and create a positive learning experience. It also demonstrated the value of collaboration, research, and continuous learning in order to exceed expectations and achieve success.

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Interview Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? – Answer Examples
Interview Question: How do you feel about deadlines? – Answer Tips

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

Other interview questions that are similar

What were some of the challenges you faced in a previous role?
Why are you making this change to your career trajectory?
Have you ever been fired from a previous position?
What would your previous employer say about your performance?

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 loosely touching all three things. The interviewer wants to make sure that you didn’t leave your last role because you were unable to do the job (No. 1 above), they also want to ensure you were not fired, or let go, because you would not do the job (No. 2 above) and finally if you left due to conflicts with your colleagues/management the interviewer wants to know if this issue is likely to re-occur if you were to be hired within their organisation (No. 3 above).

How Best To Answer ‘Why Did You Leave Your Last Job’

While not strictly a ‘trick question’ this question is fraught with danger in that it is very easy to say something that will immediately disqualify yourself (e.g ‘I was fired’).

The key to answering this question is to have a straightforward answer that requires minimal, if any, follow-up and allows the interviewer to move onto other questions where you can highlight your skills/experience.

Some scenarios that are easily explained are:

• You moved to be nearer to family and your previous employer was unable to accommodate
• You were only hired on a short term contract for a specific project (which you successfully helped to deliver!)
• Your previous company is no longer running (through no fault of yours of course!)

If you are feeling confident and you have built a good rapport with the interviewers then a great approach to this question is to talk about how your previous firm were unable to meet your aspirations and were unable to offer you the career development that you are looking for. Be careful when taking this approach as you run the risk of unintentionally besmirching your previous employer – which is never a good impression to leave your interviewer with.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Interview 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

Why Did You Leave Your Last Job – Example answers

Example Answer 1

I left my last job for several reasons. One of the main reasons was the desire to pursue new opportunities and challenges that were not available in my previous role. I felt that I had reached a point of stagnation in my career growth and wanted to take on more responsibility and work on more complex projects. Another factor was the company culture, which no longer aligned with my personal values and goals**. Despite these challenges, I am grateful for the experiences and skills I gained in my previous role, and I am eager to apply them in a new environment where I can continue to grow and make a positive impact.

**Expect a follow up question about what your personal values are and how they did not align with the company

Example Answer 2

The company culture in my previous role was not supportive of diversity and inclusiveness, and did not prioritize employee well-being. There was a lack of open communication and feedback, and management was not transparent in their decision-making processes. Additionally, there was a high level of stress and burnout among employees, and little effort was made to address these issues. As someone who values a positive work environment and a culture that prioritizes employee satisfaction, I found it increasingly difficult to be motivated and engaged in my role. I believe that a positive company culture is essential for employee satisfaction and success, and I was not able to achieve this in my previous role. This led me to seek out a new opportunity where I could be part of a more supportive and inclusive work environment.

Example Answer 3

As a contractor, I recently completed a project for my previous employer and we both agreed that it was time for me to move on. The project was a success and met all the objectives that were outlined in the initial scope of work. I worked closely with the team and was able to provide valuable input that contributed to the overall success of the project.

Since the project was completed, there was no immediate need for my services and it made sense for me to seek new opportunities. I enjoyed working with the team and I am grateful for the experience and knowledge that I gained during the project.

I am excited to take on new challenges and apply my skills and experience to new projects. I am confident that I will be able to make a positive impact in my new role, just as I did in my previous position.

Other Interview Question and Answers

79 Civil Service Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
94 Project Manager Interview Questions (And Example Answers)
Interview Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? – Answer Examples
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Interview Question: Tell me about a time when you have made a mistake in a project – Answer Tips