How to Answer Hypothetical (Situational) Job Interview Questions!

Examples of hypothetical interview questions include:
• How would you deal with an irate customer?
• How would you resolve conflict with a co-worker?
• What would you do if your manager asked you to do something you disagreed with?
• How would you persuade someone in your team to see your point of view?

When answering hypothetical interview questions, it is important that you put yourself in the shoes of the employer. What do they want to hear from your answer, and how would the ideal employee act in that given situation?

Let’s take a look at some example answers to the more common hypothetical interview questions.

Q1. How would you deal with an irate customer? 01:39
TIP – Remember, customers are the bedrock of all businesses. Therefore, they need to be treated with respect and you should always remain calm whilst dealing with an irate customer.

Q2. How would you resolve conflict with a co-worker? 02:34
TIP – When dealing with any form of conflict it is essential you say that you will always try to resolve the conflict yourself first.

Q3. How would you respond to a difficult problem at work? 03:26
TIP – Whenever dealing with workplace problems it is important to keep a level head, to focus on what it is you want to achieve, and to gather as much information as possible so you can make the right decision.

Q4. How would you respond to failure? 04:21
TIP – Naturally, people dislike failure. However, failure is an opportunity for you to improve, for you to develop, and for you to help the organization continually move forward. It is important to be positive about the failure and to not dwell on it in a negative manner.

Q5. What would you do if your manager asked you to do something you disagreed with? 05:22
TIP – This hypothetical interview question is assessing how you would react when you disagree with someone who is in a position of authority. It is important to say that you would disagree with them, but that you would do it respectfully and professionally.

Q6. How would you prioritize multiple tasks in this role? 06:12
TIP – This hypothetical interview question is assessing how you manage a large workload! The best way to answer it is to show you are able to assess tasks quickly and carry out your duties based on the needs of the team or the company you are a part of.

Q7. What if we asked you to work with a very difficult client? 07:09
TIP – This hypothetical interview question assesses your willingness to work with difficult clients, and your approach whilst doing so. Remember to say you will always put the organization’s goals first, you will not take anything the clients says or does personally, and you will do all you can to provide an excellent service.