Top Influence Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Influence interview by going through these most asked Influence interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

Search Influence Questions:


  • Question: Tell me about a time you had to motivate your subordinates.
  • Question Overview: This question examines a candidate's leadership and motivational skills essential for any managerial role. It explores how they inspire and drive their team towards achieving collective goals and assesses their ability to foster a positive and productive work environment.

    Sample Answer: At TechWave, I led a team responsible for developing a new software feature under a tight deadline. Midway through the project, I noticed that my team was becoming fatigued and losing motivation due to the intense workload and looming deadline. To address this, I decided to boost their morale by acknowledging their hard work and contributions. I organized a team meeting to celebrate our progress so far, highlighting individual achievements and how each member's efforts were crucial to the project's success. This recognition helped to re-energize the team and reaffirm their sense of purpose. I also implemented regular short breaks and informal check-ins to provide a supportive environment where team members could voice their concerns and share ideas. Additionally, I arranged for a mid-project team-building activity to provide a much-needed break and strengthen team cohesion. By showing appreciation, fostering open communication, and providing opportunities for relaxation and team bonding, I was able to reignite the team's enthusiasm. This led to a noticeable improvement in their performance and overall team dynamics. We successfully completed the project on time, with the final product exceeding our quality standards and receiving positive feedback from stakeholders.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Examples of effective leadership and motivation Demonstrated impact on team performance Techniques used to foster team enthusiasm

  • Question: Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to allow candidates to articulate their unique qualifications and the specific value they bring to the position. It assesses self-awareness, confidence, and the ability to effectively communicate one’s strengths and potential contributions to the team.

    Sample Answer: I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my unique combination of skills, experience, and proven track record in driving successful projects. With close to five years of experience in the industry, I have honed my abilities in data analysis, project management, and strategic decision-making. One of my key qualifications is my proficiency in leveraging data to make informed decisions. For example, at my previous job with DataWave Solutions, I successfully identified and resolved a major issue in our data processing pipeline by conducting thorough data analysis and implementing effective solutions. This not only improved our operational efficiency but also enhanced client satisfaction. Additionally, my leadership and teamwork skills have been demonstrated in various roles. At InnovateTech, I led a cross-functional team to implement a new CRM system, coordinating efforts and ensuring clear communication. This project was completed ahead of schedule and resulted in a 20% increase in sales efficiency. My ability to guide and motivate teams while maintaining a focus on project goals is a significant asset. I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team because of my dedication to continuous improvement and my proactive approach to problem-solving. My experience, combined with my enthusiasm for the role, positions me well to make a positive impact and help drive the success of your organization.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Clear articulation of unique qualifications Examples of relevant skills and achievements Confidence in one’s ability to contribute to the team

  • Question: Tell me about a time when you faced resistance to your proposed idea.
  • Question Overview: This question aims to gauge a candidate's resilience and negotiation skills when facing opposition. It tests their ability to stand by their ideas and persuade others effectively, even in challenging situations.

    Sample Answer: At TechSolutions, I proposed implementing a new project management tool to improve our team's efficiency. However, I faced significant resistance from several team members who were comfortable with the existing system and skeptical about the benefits of the change. To address their concerns, I organized a meeting where I presented detailed comparisons between the current system and the proposed tool. I highlighted the new tool's features, such as better task tracking, enhanced collaboration capabilities, and real-time updates, using data from similar companies that had successfully made the switch. I also provided a demo to show how it could streamline our workflows and save time. Despite this, some team members were still hesitant, citing the learning curve and potential disruptions. I listened to their concerns and suggested a phased implementation approach, where we would gradually transition to the new tool over a few weeks. I also arranged for training sessions and offered to be available for one-on-one support during the transition period. Ultimately, my persistence paid off. The team agreed to give the new tool a try, and after the transition, we noticed a significant improvement in our project management efficiency and overall productivity. The initial resistance turned into appreciation as team members experienced the benefits firsthand.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Demonstrated resilience against opposition Ability to negotiate and persuade effectively Success in turning resistance into agreement

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had to use data to change someone's mind.
  • Question Overview: This question evaluates a candidate's ability to effectively use data to influence and persuade others, a key skill in roles requiring stakeholder management or strategic decision-making. It tests their ability to present data compellingly to support their arguments and drive changes.

    Sample Answer: At EcoEnergy Solutions, senior management preferred investing heavily in traditional marketing channels for a new product launch. However, I believed a digital-first approach would yield better results. To persuade the team, I conducted a thorough analysis of our past marketing campaigns, comparing the performance of traditional channels like print and TV ads with digital platforms such as social media, email marketing, and PPC campaigns. Using tools like Google Analytics and our CRM system, I gathered and analyzed the data. I prepared a detailed presentation that highlighted key metrics: customer acquisition costs, conversion rates, and overall ROI for each channel. The data clearly showed that digital channels consistently outperformed traditional methods in cost-effectiveness and engagement. I used visual aids like graphs and charts to make the data more accessible and shared case studies from other companies in our industry that had successfully shifted to a digital-first strategy. The data made a compelling case, and the senior management team agreed to allocate a larger portion of the budget to digital marketing. The subsequent campaign was highly successful, exceeding our sales targets and validating the decision to embrace a data-driven approach.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Demonstrated use of data to influence decisions Skill in presenting complex data simply Success in altering viewpoints with data