Job Applications: Answering Tricky Questions

These can also be referred to as competency-based questions and they are designed to find out how you used specific skills in previous experiences to overcome challenges or complete a task. Whether you’ve had a job before or this is your first application, finding answers to these questions can be tricky. We recommend copy and pasting these types of questions into a document so you have all the time and editing powers in the world!

 

Here’s an example of a strength-based question: Describe a time when you worked in a team.

Whenever you are asked to ‘describe’ something, you should always aim to use a specific example. You could draw on examples from: previous jobs, volunteering, work experience or even your hobbies. Can’t think of an example? Ask a friend or a trusted adult. They might remember a time you displayed great skill when working for a team.

 

Once you have that example in your head, it’s time to get it down on the page! A common method to get the best out of your example is to use the STAR method.

 

Describe a Situation, the Tasks you needed to do, the Actions you took, the Results you achieved.

Situation, Tasks, Actions, Results. S.T.A.R.

Here's a couple of example answers using the method:

 

Situation: In my part-time job in a café, we were tasked with counting and updating all of our stock.

 

Task: We had to accurately count each item of stock in a tight one hour time slot after we had shut the café for the day. I was in a team of four people, and I had the responsibility of managing the process.

 

Action: I grouped the stock into 4 different sections quickly and asked each team member to carry out the check within their group. When one person finished their task, I assigned them to help another team member. Whilst also carrying out my section, I overlooked the work of my team members.

 

Result: By working together and organizing the stock effectively prior to the task, we completed the whole task on time and when checked by our manager, we had made no mistakes.

Situation: I regularly worked in a team when playing for the school’s rugby team.

 

Task: We had to work together effectively both on and off the pitch to ensure that we got the best results for the team.

 

Action: I actively kept team members accountable to working hard in both training and in matches and stepped in to manage situations where there were arguments between other team members about tactics and personal issues. I provided a non-bias point of view in these arguments to help resolve them quickly.

 

Result: Our team won over two thirds of the matches on the pitch and had a good attitude to work off the pitch. Team spirits remained high, even when we lost some matches as team spirits remained high due to quick resolution of issues. These results were better than the previous year where our team only one third of all the matches and I believe my attitude towards highly effective teamwork helped contribute to this.

 

 

Let us know how you're finding this method below in the comments!