Prepare for the Situational Interview

Ah yes, the situational interview. It’s something most of us face at some point or another. The interview is going great, the questions are normal and then: “Tell me about a time when you really had to think outside the box?” Or something along those lines. It can be challenging to tackle this sort of question but, as much as we hate them, situational questions offer employers great insight into who you are as an employee. With that being said, these questions are also a fantastic opportunity for you to demonstrate your value. Here’s how you can prepare for and conquer the often dreaded situational interview:

1. Brainstorm Example Questions:
There are common themes to situational interview questions. Often, these questions are aimed at skills like critical thinking, problem solving, or the ability to work as a member of a team. Which of these skills align with your desired job? Once you determine this, you can predict the sort of situational questions an interviewer will ask you. This will help you to think of scenarios that demonstrate the proper skills. Remember, don’t make up a false scenario. You may think you’re slick, but these interviewers have likely seen it all before! It’s better to be honest, and to take some time before an interview to properly prepare for situational questions.

2. Utilize the S.T.A.R. Method:
S.T.A.R. is an acronym which can be incredibly useful when dealing with situational interviews. It means Situation, Task, Action, Result. By utilizing this strategy, you can break down your response and properly address each step of your answer. Situation is the background information as it relates to your chosen scenario. This includes the time in which it occurred, and the position you were in at the time. This doesn’t have to be super specific; just give your interviewer a brief overview of the circumstances around the situation. From there, explain the task. This is the actual problem you were facing at the time. What was the issue, and how did it come about? Next up is action. What did you do to solve the problem? Were there certain steps you took, or smaller issues you addressed? We’ve established that honesty is paramount, but don’t downplay the issue, either. Your aim is to demonstrate how you overcame adversity! Finally, discuss the results. What changes did your success bring? How did you measure your success? Remember, be your own hype-person! Don’t gloat, but be proud of your solution. 

3. Stay Calm and Carry On
It can be easy to get flustered when facing an unexpected question. This is especially true when you know the interviewer is looking for you to demonstrate a specific skillset. The most important thing you can do is to take a moment to think about your answer, and to convey an articulate response that demonstrates your value as an employee. Don’t be afraid to ask a clarifying question or two either! Knowing exactly what the interviewer is looking for will go a long way in helping you perfectly tailor your answer.

Situational interviews can be a challenge. Following these three steps can help you in preparing for and nailing those tricky questions.