University Human Resources
Interview Preparation and Candidate Interview Guide
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Interview Preparation and Candidate Interview Guide
When preparing to interview candidates, begin by clearly identifying the competencies required for success in the role. Once these competencies are defined, you can develop or select interview questions that focus on how candidates have demonstrated them in previous experiences. Past behavior in similar situations is often the strongest predictor of future performance.
Sample Interview Questions
The sample questions provided below are designed to help you gather evidence of a candidate’s demonstration of Brown’s core competencies through their prior work experience. Select a focused set of questions aligned with the competencies most critical to your position; it is not necessary to use every sample question. To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation process, each candidate should be asked the same core set of questions.
Begin the interview with an introductory question that helps establish rapport and context, such as:
“Tell me about your past work experience and what led you to apply for this position.”
This opening encourages a conversational tone and sets the stage for a constructive exchange of information.
Example Questions by Topic
Possesses and continually updates requisite knowledge and understanding of assigned duties, responsibilities, policies, procedures and compliance requirements to perform the position. Demonstrates technical skills required for the position. Understands business needs and desired outcomes.
- Describe a task or project that you were responsible for that best demonstrates your ability to analyze information.
- Tell me about a time where you caught a discrepancy or inconsistency in the available information that might have caused significant problems if you had missed it.
- Can you give me an example of an innovative idea or concept you used to solve a problem that had a positive impact?
- Discuss a time when you had to deal with major change in your work process or job duties. How did you prepare for the change? How did you respond in this situation?
- Provide an example of a time when you had to take action and didn't have enough time to prepare as much as you would like. How did you adapt to this situation?
- Describe a time when you had to complete a project in which there was very little direction. What are some of the issues you faced? How did you make decisions about how to proceed? How did you go about completing the project?
- Tell me about a time when you were asked to complete a task that required the use of information that wasn't easily accessible. Describe the process you went through to obtain that information.
- Describe a past work success or challenge. What did you learn from the experience and how have you applied what you learned?
- Tell me about a time when you realized you lacked a skill that you needed to do a task. How did you know you needed to improve? How did you remedy the situation?
- Describe a specific example of what you have done to grow and develop in your current job.
Demonstrates quality product including accuracy and thoroughness in work required for the position. Plans and completes acceptable quantity of work within deadlines. Works with diligence and identifies opportunities to streamline or improve processes.
- Give a specific example of a work situation you could have managed better. How did you know your performance could have been better? What did you learn? What steps did you take to prevent that from reoccurring?
- Tell me about a time when you set a goal to improve your performance. Explain the goal. Did you achieve the goal? Why or why not?
- Give a specific example of a situation in which you were faced with a difficult deadline to meet. How did you respond? What was the outcome?
- Often our workloads require that numerous tasks be completed simultaneously, which can put demands on us. Give an example of when you were in this type of situation and how you resolved it.
- Tell about a time when you received feedback, either positive or negative, from management or another work colleague. How did you use this feedback?
- Tell me about the most difficult change you have had to make in your professional career. How did you manage the change?
- Tell me about a time when you initiated a procedural change on your own. How did you present these changes to your supervisor?
- Describe a situation in which you identified a problem and took action to correct it rather than wait for someone else to do so.
- Describe a time when your quick response to a problem or situation made a difference. How did you know the steps to take? What happened?
- Is there a situation when the quality of work you completed wasn't the highest quality it could have been? What were the circumstances and what did you learn?
Consistently exhibits professional demeanor with internal and external constituents and peers through verbal and written customer focused communication. This includes listening, understanding customer expectations/perspective and acknowledging and responding to concerns in a timely and helpful manner. Demonstrates commitment to exceptional service and timely problem resolution.
- Describe a time when you had to adjust your schedule or workload to ensure that you could meet a customer's needs. How did you meet these responsibilities?
- Explain a time when you were not able to respond to a customer as quickly as promised. How did you handle the situation?
- Describe a time when you worked with a difficult customer. In what ways was the customer difficult? How did you respond? What happened next?
- Tell me about a situation when you received either positive or negative feedback from a customer. Why does this particular example stick out in your mind? What did you do with that feedback?
- Describe specific methods you’ve used to build relationships and gain the trust and respect of key stakeholders.
- Tell me about a time when you had to go out of your way to assist a customer. Describe the circumstances. What was the outcome?
- Customers can be very demanding. Tell me about a time when you had to manage a customer's expectation in order to avoid an unreasonable commitment.
- Describe a time when you had to ask questions and carefully gather information in order to understand the exact nature of a customer's issue or problem. What steps did you take to resolve the issue?
- Tell me about a time when you helped to successfully mediate in a conflict. How did you feel?
- Think of a time when you promised something to a customer or coworker by a certain deadline. What kinds of things did you consider when you agreed to the deadline? How did you go about meeting that deadline?
Follows through on assignments. Takes ownership of work. Is reliable, professional and responsible. Adheres to procedures, practices and work schedule. Work is completed in a timely manner and within established deadlines effectively using resources. Demonstrates commitment to professional development.
- Tell me about a time when you couldn't meet a commitment to a business partner or coworker. How did you handle this situation? What was the outcome?
- Please describe a situation in which you received negative feedback from a supervisor, coworker or business partner. How did you respond to this feedback? What was the outcome?
- Tell me about a time when you had to change your point of view or your plans to take into account new information or changing priorities.
- Discuss a time when you had to handle a situation with a coworker that could have been (or was) sensitive or uncomfortable. How did you handle this situation?
- Give a specific example of how you have demonstrated your ability to handle multiple priorities and deliver results.
- Describe one service, activity or process for which you have been held accountable. How did you make sure you achieved results for this process or activity?
- Describe a time when you were unable to follow through on a commitment you made. What happened? How did you explain this to the other party?
- Discuss with us the last time your supervisor delegated a project to you. How did you handle it? Were you able to complete the project on time and accurately?
- Describe a time when you had to act with very little time for advance planning or preparation.
- Sometimes people delay taking action on something. Describe a time when you saw other people in the organization who were not acting and you took it upon yourself to lead the effort.
Demonstrates cooperation and teamwork. Values and seeks input and expertise of others. Contributes to the team environment by working effectively with others on the team to accomplish work. Treats colleagues with respect, honesty and fairness. Resolves issues effectively and is viewed as a positive team member and/or colleague.
- Give me an example of a time when you tried your best to work with someone, but the problems still remained. What did you learn from that situation?
- What are the characteristics of a successful team?
- Tell me about a specific situation when you assisted a coworker/supervisor with a task or project. How did you assist that person? How was your assistance received?
- Tell me about a time when you had to enlist the support of your coworkers, subordinates or supervisors to complete a task. How did you go about getting their help?
- Give an example of when you had to organize a team in order to achieve a goal. What process did you use to select the team members?
- Describe a situation in which a team you were responsible for was successful. What actions did you take to help achieve this success? What actions did you take, if any, to reinforce their performance?
- Tell me about a time when you had to help a co-worker who had made a mistake.
- Disagreements about work are pretty common. How have you handled a conflict with a colleague or manager?
- Give me an example of a time when you had to adjust quickly to changes over which you had no control. What was the impact of the change on your work?
- Describe a situation where you, at first, resisted a change at work and later accepted it. What, specifically, changed your mind?
Communicates effectively and respectfully, both verbally and in writing. Follows instructions and shares information appropriately. Engages in meaningful two-way conversations. Listens attentively and clarifies information when necessary.
- Give an example of a difficult or sensitive situation that required extensive communication.
- Tell me about the most difficult or complex idea, situation or process you have ever had to explain to someone. How did you explain it? Were you successful?
- Describe a time when you took extra effort to make sure the person with whom you were communicating with had really understood your point. How did you do this?
- Tell me about a time when you had to be very careful in communicating delicate information, and how did you go about it?
- Give me an example of a time when you had to present complex information in a simplified manner in order to explain it to someone.
- Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when you felt the individual did not value your perspective.
- Tell me about a time in which you had to use your written communication skills to get an important point across.
- Describe the most significant or creative written presentation you had to complete.
- Give me an example of a time you used written communication to share information that in hindsight you realize should have been shared verbally, or the other way around.
- Tell me about a time when a miscommunication happened. What caused it, and what did you do to correct it?
Establishes performance expectations for staff. Provides timely, effective and meaningful feedback that motivates staff members to improve their performance. Builds and supports a high performing team. Assists employees in eliminating barriers to performance and provides encouragement for skill development. Delegates responsibility appropriately. Recognizes and rewards achievement.
- How well do you think you are developing as a manager/leader? What tells you this? What areas need further development? Provide some specific examples and the steps you are taking to improve.
- Tell about a time when your department or unit was not meeting established goals. What did you do to redirect the department or zone so that the goals could be achieved?
- Everybody endures some stress in the workplace. Give a specific example of a stressful time at work. What caused the stress? What did you do to help others manage the stress?
- Tell me what you have done to ensure that your direct reports feel valued for their contributions on a consistent basis.
- Describe a time when a concern was identified with a direct report and it was addressed through a conversation. What was the result?
- Give me an example of a time that you realized that one of your direct reports was overburdened with work. What did you do to help them manage the workload? How did your action affect the situation?
- Describe how you coached two different people to accomplish the same tasks. What similarities and differences were there in your approach?
- Describe a time when you used feedback to enhance the performance of a direct report or other employee. What was your approach?
- Please describe a time when you had to provide feedback to others on their performance. How did you go about this? What kind of feedback did you provide? How do you think the feedback was received by them?
- Please describe a project you worked on recently. Explain how your responsibilities managing the project team helped your department meet its goals.
Establishes a clear vision for staff and motivates employees to achieve their best performance. Promotes a welcoming, inclusive and supportive work environment, and fosters continuous improvement. Makes outreach efforts and uses resources to create a diverse workforce. Leads and manages change. Builds and manages relationships across the department and University.
- Can you describe a time when you used financial or other data to identify key business planning issues or concerns?
- Describe the things you consider and the steps you take in assessing the viability of a new idea or initiative.
- Give a specific example of a time you were recognized for dealing effectively with a difficult situation.
- Describe a situation when you were in charge of a project and had to enlist the help of others. What were the circumstances? How did you delegate work?
- If your managers were asked to discuss your leadership skills, how would they reply? What would subordinates say?
- Tell me about a time you completed a goal or objective despite resistance from others. What specific actions did you take to overcome the resistance?
- What systems have you developed and implemented to improve operating efficiency in your department?
- We all make mistakes. Tell me about a time you made a mistake and accepted responsibility for it.
- Tell me about the ways in which you motivate others toward commitment and hard work.
- Describe a time when you were responsible for overseeing the implementation of organizational change.