What are situational interview questions?

Situational interview questions are designed to assess how candidates might handle specific challenges or scenarios in the workplace. These questions typically begin with "What would you do if..." or "How would you handle..." and focus on your problem-solving abilities and decision-making processes. 

These types of questions give interviewers insight into how you approach challenges, how you think through problems, and how you might act in situations similar to those you'll face in the job. 

Jodette Cleary, Chief People Officer at hipages, explains that "the purpose of situational questions is to ascertain the thought processes and approach to problem-solving by an individual." She adds that these questions showcase whether you rely on your "inner compass" or prefer collaborating with others—both effective approaches, depending on the company culture. 

Examples of situational interview questions by industry 

Situational interview questions vary depending on the industry and role. Here are some industry-specific examples: 

Healthcare 

• "How would you handle a situation where a patient refuses treatment?" 

• "What would you do if you noticed a colleague making a serious medical error?" 

• "How would you prioritise multiple emergency cases arriving at the same time?" 

Retail and customer service 

• "A customer is unhappy with a product and is demanding a refund outside the policy—how do you handle it?" 

• "How would you manage a long queue of customers while ensuring excellent service?" 

• "What steps would you take if a coworker was consistently late for their shift, affecting your workload?" 

Sales and marketing 

• "You’ve just lost a major client—how would you approach winning them back?" 

• "How would you handle a situation where you had to pitch a product to an uninterested potential client?" 

• "What would you do if you realised you had set unrealistic sales targets for yourself?" 

Information technology (IT) 

• "A client is frustrated because their software isn’t working—how would you troubleshoot the issue?" 

• "What would you do if a major security vulnerability was discovered in a system you helped develop?" 

• "How would you handle a situation where a project deadline is at risk due to an unexpected technical problem?" 

Finance and accounting 

• "How would you deal with a client who insists on an investment strategy you believe is too risky?" 

• "What would you do if you noticed a discrepancy in financial reports that could indicate fraud?" 

• "How would you prioritise multiple urgent financial audits?" 

Education and training 

• "A student is struggling to keep up with coursework and is becoming disengaged—how would you help?" 

• "How would you handle a parent who disagrees with your teaching methods?" 

• "What would you do if you had to manage a classroom disruption caused by a conflict between students?" 

Engineering and construction 

• "A project is behind schedule due to supplier delays—how would you manage the situation?" 

• "How would you handle a safety violation you witnessed on-site?" 

• "What steps would you take if a team member was not following project specifications?" 

Hospitality and tourism 

• "How would you manage an overbooked hotel situation with an angry guest demanding a room?" 

• "What would you do if a customer complained about slow service during peak hours?" 

• "How would you handle a food safety concern raised by a customer in a restaurant?" 

Each of these questions allows you to showcase problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills relevant to your industry. When preparing, try to frame your responses using the STAR method to ensure a structured and impactful answer. 

Using the STAR method for perfect answers 

The STAR method is an effective technique for answering situational interview questions. It stands for: 

• Situation/Task: Describe the context or problem you faced. 

• Action: Explain the actions you took or would take to address the issue. 

• Result: Share the outcome of your actions, emphasising positive results. 

Manisha Maligaspe, Recruitment Lead for Oceania Transaction Advisory Services at EY, shares that "situational questions tend to centre on a ‘What would you do if…’ premise. These questions offer an opportunity for interviewees to demonstrate their analytic and problem-solving skills." By following the STAR method, you can provide clear, structured answers that demonstrate your skills and experience in handling challenges 

For more tips on interview techniques, check out our article on How to use the STAR interview technique. 

Common situational questions and sample responses 

1. What steps would you take to make an important decision on the job? 

Example answer: 

• Situation/Task: In a previous sales role, I had to decide whether to prioritise an urgent client request or finalise a team presentation for an important meeting. 

• Action: I assessed the importance of both tasks, communicated with the client to set expectations, and delegated the presentation preparation to a colleague while I managed the client request. 

• Result: Both the client issue was resolved satisfactorily, and the team presentation was completed on time, leading to a successful pitch. 

Maligaspe adds, "You want to use the role you’re applying for and the job description as a basis for answering this question. It shows that you’ve done your homework and understand the expectations of the job." 

You can learn more about the Top 10 most-asked interview questions (and how to answer them)  

2. You realise that an early mistake in a project is going to put you behind schedule. What do you do? 

Example answer: 

• Situation/Task: I was managing a software project and realised early on that a coding error could delay the release. 

• Action: I quickly informed the team, reassessed the project timeline, and proposed reallocating resources to fix the error without affecting the overall deadline. 

• Result: The error was fixed promptly, and we delivered the project on time. 

3. You disagree with the way your supervisor wants to handle a problem. What would you do? 

Example answer: 

• Situation/Task: In a healthcare setting, I disagreed with my supervisor's decision to allocate limited resources in a way that could impact patient care. 

• Action: I respectfully scheduled a one-on-one to discuss my concerns, presented alternative solutions, and suggested a balanced approach to maximise patient outcomes. 

• Result: The supervisor appreciated my input, and we reached a compromise that ensured optimal care while staying within budget. 

Cleary notes, "Situational questions give you a chance to show how you make decisions and communicate in difficult situations. Being able to show that you can manage conflict professionally is key." 

Tips for preparing for situational interviews 

• Understand the role: Make sure you’re familiar with the job description and company culture to tailor your answers. 

• Practice with STAR: Use real-life examples and structure them using the STAR method. 

• Prepare for common situational questions: Anticipate typical questions like handling deadlines, conflict resolution, and decision-making. 

• Handling conflict: Demonstrate your ability to navigate difficult situations with professionalism. 

• Meeting deadlines: Showcase your time management skills and ability to prioritise effectively. 

Common mistakes in answering situational questions 

• Lack of specificity: Avoid vague answers. Always provide a detailed example of a real situation. 

• Failing to show impact: Ensure that you clearly articulate the result of your actions. 

• Overly hypothetical answers: Situational questions are designed to assess practical skills, so focus on real-life experiences rather than hypothetical scenarios. 

Tips on staying calm and focused 

Situational interview questions can be stressful, especially when you're asked to think on the spot. Here are some tips for staying calm: 

• Take a deep breath: If you're unsure, take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering. 

• Practice out loud: Practising your answers aloud can help you become more comfortable with the process. 

• Stay positive: Even if you don’t have the perfect answer, focus on showing how you’d handle similar situations in the future. 

Cleary advises, "If you're feeling stressed, try to stay calm and focus on the question at hand. Taking a deep breath and pausing before answering can help you stay grounded." 

Download situational questions to ask here

F.A.Q. (Frequently asked questions) 

What are situational interview questions?  

Situational interview questions ask you to describe how you would handle specific challenges or scenarios at work. 

How should I answer situational interview questions?  

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers in a clear, concise, and impactful way. 

What are some common situational interview questions?  

Examples include: "Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult customer," or "How would you resolve a conflict with a coworker?" 

How can I prepare for situational interview questions?  

Review common situational questions, practice using the STAR method, and ensure your examples align with the role you're applying for. 

What’s the difference between situational and behavioural interview questions?  

Situational questions focus on hypothetical scenarios, while behavioural questions ask about past experiences. 

Can I use the same example for multiple questions?  

Yes, you can reuse examples, as long as they’re relevant to the question and demonstrate your skills effectively. 

How long should my answers be?  

Aim for 1-2 minutes per answer, providing enough detail without rambling. 

What if I can't think of a situation on the spot?  

Don’t be afraid to ask for a moment to think. It’s better to take a brief pause than to rush into a poorly thought-out answer. 

Do I need to use the STAR method for every answer?  

While it’s not mandatory, the STAR method helps structure your answers and makes them more impactful. 

How can I practise for situational interview questions?  

Practise with a friend or mentor, focusing on answering using the STAR method and tailoring your examples to the job you're applying for. 

While situational questions can be tricky to prepare for because they tend to be hypothetical, practising common situational questions will ensure you go into your interview feeling confident.