Residência Tecnológica

English for Specific Purposes - Prof. Ricardo Rios Barreto Filho

1. Below are scrambled responses for three behavioral interview questions. Each
response includes four elements: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Your goal is to
identify and label each element correctly. Write S for Situation, T for Task, A for Action, and
R for Result next to each paragraph.

Question 1: How do you accomplish tasks when under a tight deadline? Give me an
example.

1. I successfully implemented the required adjustments, and the prototype passed the
testing phase without delays. This proactive response to the deadline allowed us to
meet regulatory standards and stay on track, demonstrating our team’s adaptability
and commitment. (R)
2. I immediately gathered a small team, prioritized the most critical design adjustments,
and worked in close collaboration with both the testing and quality assurance
departments to ensure compliance. I also adjusted my schedule to allow for focused
work sessions, keeping open communication with the project manager. (A)
3. Last year, we were working on a new vehicle model, and due to unexpected changes
in regulatory standards, we had to make design adjustments with only two weeks to
go before the prototype testing phase. (S)
4. My task was to redesign specific components in the exhaust system to meet the new
emission standards without delaying the testing schedule. (T)

Question 2: Describe a long-term project you managed. How did you make sure
everything was running smoothly?

1. The project completed on schedule, and we achieved a 10% improvement in fuel

efficiency, exceeding initial goals. The SUV’s enhanced design was well-received in
the market, and our efforts led to a more competitive product that strengthened the
company’s reputation for sustainable engineering. (R)
2. To maintain progress, I developed a detailed project timeline with phased testing
sessions and regular team check-ins to ensure every aspect of the design process
aligned with our efficiency goals. I also facilitated bi-weekly updates with R&D, testing,
and manufacturing teams to proactively address any bottlenecks. (A)
3. I was responsible for overseeing the design modifications, coordinating
cross-departmental input, and ensuring the improvements met efficiency targets
while maintaining the vehicle’s aesthetic. (T)
4. I managed a year-long project aimed at improving the fuel efficiency of a new SUV
model by optimizing its aerodynamics. (S)

Question 3: Sometimes, it’s almost impossible to get everything done on your to-do
list. What do you do when your list of responsibilities becomes overwhelming?

1. During a particularly busy period, I was working on a new electric vehicle’s battery
system while also overseeing component sourcing, conducting simulations, and
preparing data for regulatory tests. (S)
Residência Tecnológica
English for Specific Purposes - Prof. Ricardo Rios Barreto Filho
2. My approach allowed me to complete the essential regulatory tasks on time while
maintaining a steady workflow on other responsibilities. My proactive management
kept the project on track, and we met all regulatory requirements, which was critical
for the vehicle's launch schedule. (R)
3. I organized my tasks by priority and urgency, focusing first on those impacting
regulatory deadlines. For non-urgent tasks, I communicated with my team and
delegated responsibilities where possible. Additionally, I set specific times for each
task and made a habit of checking in with team leads to ensure alignment. (A)
4. I needed to handle each responsibility effectively without compromising on quality or
timelines. (T)

2. Each response below follows the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format but
contains errors in past tense usage. Your task is to identify and correct each tense mistake,
rewriting each sentence correctly.

Question 4: Can you describe an instance where your supervisor or manager

just gave you too much work with not enough time? What did you do?
assigned
● Situation: While working on an engine design upgrade, my manager assigns me
additional tasks for another model’s brake system improvements, both with
overlapping deadlines.
● Task: I needed to balance my workload for both projects without impacting quality or
project timelines. proposed
● Action: I approached my manager, outlining my current tasks and how the additional
have affect
workload could affect quality. I propose reallocating some work to a colleague who had
relevant expertise in brake system design, which my manager approves. approved
● Result: With this division of labor, I managed to complete both projects on time, and
each was delivered to a high standard. This collaboration approach helps ensure
quality in both designs and reinforced team efficiency. helped

Question 5: How do you handle a disagreement with your colleagues? Give me an

example of when you successfully persuaded someone to see things your way at
work. had

● Situation: During the development of a new drivetrain system, a colleague and I are
having different ideas on materials to use in a critical component. They advocated for
an aluminum alloy, while I believed a reinforced polymer could improve durability and
reduce weight.
● Task: I needed to persuade my colleague to consider the benefits of the polymer
while respecting their expertise and concerns.
● Action: I gathered data from previous projects, comparing both materials in terms of
presented
weight, durability, and performance. I present this evidence in a meeting and suggested
a small-scale test to verify our assumptions in a real-world scenario.
● Result: My colleague agrees to the trial, and the test results confirmed that the agreed

polymer would deliver better performance. As a result, the polymer was implemented
 in the drivetrain, enhancing its durability and contributing to the vehicle’s efficiency.
Residência Tecnológica
English for Specific Purposes - Prof. Ricardo Rios Barreto Filho 3. Use the
words in the list to fill in the blanks in the STAR responses below.

visual aids feedback

responsibilities proposal schedule
engaging successful
clarified understanding effective
additional outline
Question 6: Have you ever had to work under someone who wasn’t very good
at communicating? What happened?

● Situation: While working on an engine design upgrade, my manager gave me

_____________
additional tasks for another model’s brake system improvements, both with
overlapping deadlines.
● Task: I needed to make sure I clearly understood all _____________
responsibilities even though
the instructions were minimal.
● Action: I set up regular check-ins with my manager and _____________
clarified key points
with him to ensure I was on the right track. I also reached out to team members with
experience working with him to gain further _____________
understanding of his expectations.
● Result: By proactively seeking _____________,
feedback I was able to complete my work
accurately, and our team met the deadline without any delays.

Question 7: Can you tell me about a time you gave a presentation that was particularly
successful? Why do you think it went well?

● Situation: I was assigned to present our team’s research results on materials

durability for a drivetrain project to the senior management.
● Task: My objective was to make the data clear and _____________
engaging so management
could understand the benefits of our chosen materials.
● Action: I prepared by creating _____________,
visual aids organizing my data, and practicing
my presentation. I anticipated potential questions they might have and prepared
thorough responses.
● Result: The presentation was very _____________;
successful management was interested and
asked detailed questions. They approved our materials choice, which eventually led
to improved product quality.

Question 8: What do you do when your team member refuses to, or just
can’t complete their part of the work? Give me an example.

● Situation: During a project to optimize fuel efficiency, a teammate struggled to

complete their analysis on time, delaying our project’s next phase.
● Task: To keep the project on _____________,
schedule I needed to either support them
directly or find a way to redistribute their tasks.
● Action: I offered to help by reviewing their data, and we identified areas where they
were stuck. I then _____________
outlined a plan to reassign some tasks to a colleague with
relevant experience.
Residência Tecnológica
English for Specific Purposes - Prof. Ricardo Rios Barreto Filho
● Result: With this collaborative approach, we completed the analysis early and were
able to finish the report as scheduled.

4. Below are responses to behavioral questions. However, they need to follow the STAR
technique correctly. Your task is to identify the errors in each response and rewrite the
answers using the STAR method properly. Consider the questions below:

1. Are all elements of the STAR technique present?

2. Is the response structured logically?
3. Are there any vague or unclear phrases?

After identifying the errors, rewrite the answers correctly using the STAR technique.

Question 9: Tell me about your first job in the industry. What did you do to learn the
ropes?

Response:
I started my first job as a junior engineer. I was very eager to learn and wanted to prove
myself. My team was working on engine performance improvements, and I was given tasks.
I worked really hard and asked many questions. Everyone liked my effort, and I learned a
lot about the industry.

Question 10: Can you give me an example of when you had to adapt to a new and
sudden change in the workplace? What happened?

Response:
One time, there was a sudden change in our project focus due to market demands. It was
unexpected, and we all had to adjust quickly. I just started to read the new requirements and
asked my colleagues for help. We managed to finish on time, which was great for the team. I
was happy to adapt to the changes.

Question 11: Describe a situation where you had to work under pressure. How did you
handle it?

Response:
I was in a project meeting, and suddenly, a new deadline was set. I felt stressed but tried to
stay calm. I told my manager that I would do my best to meet the deadline, and I put in a lot
of extra hours. In the end, the project was completed, and I felt proud.