Question: Tell me about a time when you were asked to do something you had never done before. How did you react? What did you learn?

What to listen for → Excitement about tackling new challenges and willingness to leave their comfort zone, knowing they’ll learn something valuable from experience.

Question: Describe a situation in which you embraced a new system, process, technology, or idea at work that was a significant departure from the old way of doing things.

What to listen for → Eagerness to explore new ways of working and improve based on what they learn; if they discovered a better way; whether they embraced the change.

Question: Recall a time when you were assigned a task outside of your job description. How did you handle the situation? What was the outcome?

What to listen for → Understanding that their job may evolve and willingness to try something new and take the necessary steps to ensure that they were successful.

Question: Tell me about the biggest change you have had to deal with? How did you adapt to that change

What to listen for → Acceptance that change is inevitable. They focused on how they could adapt successfully, evaluate a new situation, and find the support they needed.

Question: Tell me about a time when you had to adjust to a colleague’s working style in order to complete a work or achieve your outcomes.

What to listen for → Willingness to be flexible when it’s required. Ability to reflect on what they learned from the experience, both good and bad.

Question: What are the three things that are most important to you in a job?

What to listen for → Alignment between what’s most important to them and what the role and company have to offer.

Question: Tell me about a time in the last week when you’ve been satisfied, energized, and productive at work. What were you doing?

What to listen for → An indication that the work environment and day-to-day responsibilities are right for them.

Question: What’s the most interesting thing about you that’s not on your resume?

What to listen for → Signs that a candidate brings something new and unexpected to your culture, even if it’s unrelated to their specific role.

Question: What would make you choose our company over others?

What to listen for → Thoughtful, honest answers that tell you what they’re really thinking—not what they think you want to hear.

Question: What’s the biggest misconception your coworkers have about you and why do they think that?

What to listen for → Self- reflection and transparency. The best answers will demonstrate that the candidate is open with the people around them.

Question: Give an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with. How did you handle interactions with that person?

What to listen for → A willingness to try to see things from the other person’s perspective by identifying the cause of the tension and finding ways to improve the relationship.

Question: Tell me about a time when you were communicating with someone and they did not understand you. What did you do?

What to listen for → Patience. Great collaborators take the time to make sure they’re being understood and can adjust their style to align with others.

Question: Tell me about one of your favorite experiences working with a team and the contributions you made.

What to listen for → Energy and motivation via teamwork. A healthy mix of “I” and “we” statements to communicate both individual and team contributions.

Question: Describe the best partner or supervisor you’ve worked with. What part of their management style appealed to you?

What to listen for → An understanding of their own working style and what kind of personalities they work best with.

Question: Can you share an experience where a project dramatically shifted direction at the last minute? What did you do?

What to listen for → Focus on keeping the team aligned and comfort with tapping coworkers for additional help when a project demands it.

Question: Tell me about the last time something significant didn’t go according to plan at work. What was your role? What was the outcome?

What to listen for → Thoughtful reflection and a strong sense of ownership. True leaders don’t try to shift the blame to others, but consider what they could have done differently.

Question: Describe a situation where you needed to persuade someone to see things your way. What steps did you take? What were the results?

What to listen for → Strong leaders establish credibility and use compelling evidence to reinforce their viewpoint, rather than acting like they know best.

Question: Tell me about a time when you led by example. What did you do and how did others react?

What to listen for → Understanding of how their behavior impacts those around them. That they hold themselves to a high standard, and are an inspiration to their team.

Question: Tell me about the toughest decision you had to make in the last six months.

What to listen for → Careful consideration of outcomes. Great leaders seek advice when they need it—but they don’t shy away from making the final decision.

Question: Have you ever had to “sell” an idea to your coworkers or group? How did you do it? What were the results?

What to listen for → Assertiveness without being pushy; the ability to create a dialogue and listen to concerns, with the ultimate goal of making everyone happy with the plan.

Question: Recall a time when your manager was unavailable when a problem arose. How did you handle the situation? Who did you consult with?

What to listen for → The ability to rise to the occasion without stepping on toes. Great candidates respect all stakeholders and explore options before making a decision.

Question: Describe a time when you volunteered to expand your knowledge at work, as opposed to being directed to do so.

What to listen for → Eagerness to learn and a willingness to ask for the resources. Invest in continuous learning and actively seek out new opportunities.

Question: What would motivate you to make a move from your current role?

What to listen for → Signs that the candidate is more invested in growth opportunities than they are in an immediate payoff; that they are interested in being challenged.

Question: When was the last time you asked for direct feedback from a superior? Why?

What to listen for → That they regularly request feedback. An indication that the candidate sought constant self- improvement in their current/ previous role.

Question: What’s the biggest career goal you’ve achieved?

What to listen for → Motivation and drive. The candidate isn’t boastful, but they take pride in their achievements and use each one to help them be more successful.

Question: Tell me about a time when you had to juggle several projects at the same time. How did you organize your time? What was the result?

What to listen for → A clear and proactive process for organizing their time, like blocking off their calendar, creating a to-do list, and confirming deadlines.

Question: Tell me about a project that you planned. How did you organize and schedule the tasks?

What to listen for → A methodical approach to planning and strong self-discipline when meeting deadlines and driving a project through to completion.

Question: Describe a time when you felt stressed or overwhelmed. How did you handle it?

What to listen for → Signs that planning and prioritization help the candidate to stay calm and focused, but that they also know how to lighten the load by delegating tasks.

Question: Give an example of a time when you delegated an important task successfully.

What to listen for → An understanding of how to delegate and drive success. Candidates who are great at prioritizing make sure they’re clear about deadlines and expectations.

Question: How do you determine what amount of time is reasonable for a task?

What to listen for → Signs that they think carefully about how they’re spending their time and that they seek a healthy middle ground between rushing and perfectionism.