Capability Interview Question Bank This is an extract from the complete HR Interview Question Bank, which can be accessed by contacting Client Services within HR. The questions provided in this document are examples only and can be adapted to meet your recruiting need. Key Behavioural Capabilities Question What to look for Think Strategically Systems mindset Describe a time when you took a long term view to solving a problem, even though the solution was not the best in the short term. Give an example of when you integrated seemingly unrelated information in order to analyse a situation or anticipate a problem. Describe a time when you had to consider the broader impact of your actions on the organisation as a whole. Converting strategy to operations Please tell us about your experience in translating an organisation s strategy into meaningful work priorities in your work area. Provide an example of when you have had to change team processes and priorities so that they aligned with organisation s strategic vision and mission Describe a time when you have to consider how your role fitted into the overall direction of the organisation when completing a project. Strategic awareness How do you keep up to date on sector trends in your field? Please tell us about your experience in developing operational plans for your unit or team that reflect the strategic direction of an organisation? Can you describe a time when you ve been involved in planning long-term for your unit? How have you applied or used the vision and values of the organisation in your current role? Sees big picture and understands how own role contributes to the strategy Helps others to understand the vision and values, and how they apply to their role Translates strategic thinking into a plan for the work area Aligns operational processes to support the strategic direction of the University Takes an active interest in the tertiary sector, keeping up to date on new developments & initiatives Considers internal and external context of work environment Page 1 of 8
Engage People to Build Positive Relationships Collaboration Please tell us about a time when you helped foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation while working with others. Describe a situation when it was critical that you establish an effective working relationship with either an individual or group, outside of your own department, to complete an assignment or deliver a service. Sometimes we have problems dealing with people. Please tell us about a time that you had the greatest difficulty working with a co-worker or supervisor. Communication Tell of a time when your active listening skills really paid off for you? Please provide an example of a time when you effectively described a complex or technical topic to someone who was unfamiliar with the topic? How do you approach communicating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds? Please tell us about a time when you had to adapt your communication style to suit your audience? Negotiation, persuasion and influencing Please provide an example of a time when you were required to persuade other people (over which you had no direct control) to help you achieve a goal? Can you tell us about a time when you ve had to negotiate with more than one party to reach a positive outcome for all involved? Describe a situation where you needed to use persuasion to convince someone to see things your way. What steps did you take? What were the results? Relationship building Tell us about a strategy you have used to successfully develop productive working relationships or a network of contacts Provide an example of when you have had to build or maintain the profile of a unit/division Provide an example of when you had to deal with external stakeholders Provide an example of when you have represented your organisation externally Provide an example of when you had to work with someone who was difficult to get along with Teamwork Tell us about a major team accomplishment Working with others Taking ownership for task Recognition that one person can t do everything Bringing people together Addressing conflict Demonstrates emotional intelligence Effective listening Communicates clearly and concisely Presents complex ideas and concepts effectively Shows understanding of cultural differences Adjusts communication style to suit audience Anticipates people s reactions Highlights benefits Negotiates win-win solutions Compromises when appropriate Influence rather than power Perseverance Asks questions Identifies key stakeholders Puts effort in to maintain networks Demonstrates credibility with stakeholders Demonstrates an acceptance of others Presents well in different settings Supports team activities Works with others Shares views Page 2 of 8
Tell us about a time when you have made a positive contribution to a group outside of your normal work team Provide an example about a collaborative effort you have led between an organisation and the community Please provide an example of how you have effectively managed conflict in a team Tell us about the last time something significant did not go according to plan in your team Provide an example of how you develop a team and provide recognition within a team environment How do you hold team members accountable for living the organisational values? Acknowledges the contribution of others Creates a sense of team spirit Demonstrates respect to team members Listens to others Resolves conflict Live values Sets team values, goals & standards Page 3 of 8
Strive for Performance Excellence Achievement Tell us about a time when you delivered more than was expected and the impact that had What was your most significant accomplishment in your previous role? Tell us about the most challenging situation you ve faced, and what actions you took to be overcome the challenges Tell us about a time when you had to focus on results for your organisation What are the standards / measure of success in your job? What have you done to meet these standards? Judgement Describe the most productive team you ve been part of. How did you contribute to the team? What were the results? Tell us about a time when you successfully juggled several projects at the same time. Recall a time when your manager or supervisor was unavailable when a problem arose, how did you proceed? Service Tell us about a time when you went the extra mile to achieve something for a customer or client? Please provide an example of a time when you have successfully managed a range of customer s competing needs simultaneously? Tell us about a time when you effectively dealt with a customer complaint or difficult customer? Managing self Tell us about the your most significant career achievement Please describe a time when you successfully dealt with conflicting demand/priorities on your time Tell us about a time when you ve had to set goals and targets for yourself and / or a workgroup. Tell us about a time when you have had to adjust quickly to a change in organisational/department/team priorities? We all find making decisions difficult at time. Tell us about a work situation where you found it hard to decide what should have been done. Managing team Please tell us about a time when you had to manage conflicting demands or priorities as the manager of a team Describe how you manage resources (budget, people, and systems) to ensure a team delivers results Tell us about a time when you empowered someone else to lead a project even though you were accountable for the outcome Monitors own performance Continually stretches self Thinks goals through Evidence of continuous growth / improvement Always concerned to improve own performance Thinks independently Weighs pros and cons Understands importance of customer service Collaborates to ensure seamless service Responds effectively to customer and client needs Sets and meets goals and targets Takes responsibility Anticipates problems Prioritises and actions tasks based on urgency and importance Manages time and Systematic, methodical and logical Adapts to change Involves others in decisions Employs a variety of management styles Empowers others Recognises achievement and rewards appropriately Page 4 of 8
Describe a recent time when your tem or a team member performed above expectations Tell us about a time when you ve managed a staff member who was not performing to expectations. Tell us about a time when you had to lead a team of people from different work areas (cross-functional) as part of a project Generates motivation and commitment to organisational goals Deals with conflict or performance issues in a positive way Page 5 of 8
Show Courage, Resilience, and Adaptability Diversity What has been the most difficult challenge you ve faced in working cooperatively with another person who did not share your values, beliefs or ideas? Tell us about a time when you ve had to adapt to a wide variety of people Provide an example when you had to adapt your style in order to work effectively with those who were different from you. Change Tell us about an innovation or continuous improvement strategy that you have successfully initiated Please provide an example of when you have successfully implemented an organisational change even if you did not agree with the change How do you maintain flexible and resilient during times of change? Tell us about a time you were able to implement a significant organisational change despite wide spread resistance Describe a time when you anticipated a change coming and you adjusted your behaviour to ease the transition Developing self When was the last occasion you asked for feedback from a supervisor? Describe a time when you volunteered to expand your knowledge at work, as opposed to being directed to do so Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to extricate yourself from a difficult situation Describe your strategies for maintain a healthy and resilient mindset in the face of a demanding and constantly changing work environment Tell us about a time when you took steps to improve your personal capability Tell us about a time when you most regretted not keeping you own skills current Developing others Please provide an example of time when you helped a fellow co-worker or subordinate to develop? Tell us about a time when you identified and implemented a development plan for a team? Tell us about a time when you had a staff member who wasn t performing to expectations or meeting their objectives. What did you do? Describe how you manage the people in your team? Please provide an example of how you value diversity and inclusion in your team and the associated risks and benefits that this had Listens Open to other persons perspective Accountable for own beliefs, ideas and attitudes Self-awareness Participates in change Identifies need for improvements Communicates regularly Highlights the benefits and risks Uses appropriate change methodology Support change when decision is made Models selfimprovement Proactively manages career Self-awareness Is flexible and resilient Seeks and incorporates performance feedback Proactively attends learning events Encourages others to develop Discusses development regularly Provides resources, time & opportunities for others to develop Provides meaningful & timely feedback Fosters an open, trusting environment Page 6 of 8
Leverage Emerging Technologies How do you use new and emerging technologies in your day to day work? Please provide an example of when and how you introduced a new technology into your work area Tell us about a time when you had to manage a difficult situation where someone in your team was misusing digital and/or online technology What is your experience in working with people that are geographically dispersed? What technology did you use to facilitate communication and connection? Tell us about a time when you did not keep appropriate records. What did you learn from that experience? Please provide an example about a time when you developed a business case for the implementation of a new technology How do you stay up to date on technological advancements in your field? Please provide an example of how you have incorporate technology to facilitate learning in a team or organisation Explain a time when you have used emerging technology to assist in achieving work results Uses technology that is fit for purpose Acts in a safe, respectful, and responsible way when interacting online Uses appropriate technology to connect over long distances Business results drives the technology, and technology does not drive the business Critically assess business cases proposing technology change Seeks advice from appropriate experts Page 7 of 8
Shape the Future Analysis Please describe an example of when you had to analyse or interpret financial or numerical information Tell us about a time when you conducted formal research into a topic or issue Describe a problem you had to solve that involved considering alternative solutions What strategies, tools, and resources do you use to analyse complex problems? Tell us about a time when you had to collect, analyse, and use a wide range of data and information to make an evidencebased decision Continuous improvement and innovation Please tell us about a time when you adapted your regular workload in order to be more efficient Describe a time when you have been confronted with a problem that you had not come up against before and you successfully found a solution Please give us an example of a time when you implemented an improvement suggested by a customer, client, or colleague Describe a time when you needed to adapt your approach to get the results you wanted Describe an example of when you created a safe team culture for the creation and implementation of new ideas Provide an example of a time when you determined that an existing process was better replaced by a new process Problem solving Risk One of our major objectives for this position is [describe]. How would you go about addressing this? Often in a work environment problems arise where initially no solution is apparent. Describe for us an occasion where you had to think outside of the square to solve a problem Tell us about a time when you were able to anticipate a problem and proactively pout solutions into place Describe a problem you had to solve that involved considering alternative solutions Tell us about a time when gaining different perspectives on an issue enabled you to find the right solution, and not just the most obvious one Please tell us about a time when you had to make a decision that involved risk to the business Tell us about a time where you have proactively considered and managed risk associated with a piece of work What tools and methodologies do you use to analyse risk in your work? Looks at problems from different perspectives, Breaks down problems logically Identifies trends within information Checks quality, validity & relevance of information sought Researches issues thoroughly Challenges the way things are done Looks for new ways of doing things Responds to the complexity of the situation Allows others to bring forward ides Uses a range of techniques to develop innovative solutions Involves others in finding solutions Looks for alternate approaches Identifies underlying causes Generates new insights and a range of workable solutions Weighs up risks, pros and cons and considers impacts of alternatives Identifies, considers, and mitigates risk Makes decisions that need to be made, including the hard decisions that involve risk Page 8 of 8