Behavioural Interview Questions

The new style of Behavioural Interview is becoming very popular. This interview focuses on asking “real-life” situation questions.

Before moving forward, make sure to review the different types of job inteviews to be understand and prepare for all types of interviews.

It is very important to take the time and practice how you would answer each interview question. You do not want to seem too rehearsed, however you do want to be prepared.

During the Behavioural Interview you will be asked specific questions like; “Describe a time where you did not agree with a team member’s actions. What did you do?”

The interviewer is expecting you to give a specific example so avoid saying things like; “I think I would handle...”. And, be prepared to give two examples, as the interviewer may ask for another example if your first answer was not clear enough.

Remember to:

1. Start with a clear, concise description of the situation.
2. Detail what action steps you took.
3. End with what was the final result of your actions. Depending on the question, the result may not be perfect. That’s okay. Just state what you learned and how you would handle the same situation differently in the future.

Here is alist of sample Behavioural Interview questions:

Working with others

1. Tell me about a time when you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker.
2. Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way. .
3. Give me a specific example of how you dealt with an irate customer or co-worker.
4. How do you handle conflict?. Give a specific example.
5. Describe at time where you were not in agreement with a task your manager asked you to complete. What did you do?
6. Tell me about a time when a team project was not moving forward because of disagreement in the team.

Working on projects

1. Describe a time where you had too many deadlines to meet. How did you manage this?
2. Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
3. Tell me about a time when you wrote a report that was well received.
4. Tell me about a time when you had to write an important report/document.
5. Describe a time where you got bogged down by too many details in a project.
6. Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
7. What is the most important project that you completed? What were the key obstacles that you had to overcome to complete it?
8. Give me an example of a time when were creative in solving a problem.
9. Describe a time that you were able to surmount a major obstacle.
10. Give me an example of a time when you anticipated a potential problem and developed preventative measures.
11. Give me an example of a time when you had to make an important decision with limited information.
12. Describe a situation where you showed initiative.
13. Describe a situation where you were unable to complete a project on time.
14. Give me an example of a time when you won (or lost) an important contract.

Managing others

1. Give me an example when you hired the wrong person.
2. Tell me about a time where you had to fire an employee.
3. Give me an example when you had to make an unpopular decision
4. Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
5. Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
6. Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
7. Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.

Managing Self

1. Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able (unable) to meet or achieve it.
2. Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).
3. Tell me about a time when you were disappointed in your own behaviour.
4. Describe a time when you made a bad decision.
5. Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
6. Describe a time when you turned down a promotion, good project or good job.
7. Tell me about a time when you received criticism from a manager or co-worker.

Remember that the objective behind a Behavioural Interview is to evaluate your:

Interpersonal skills,
Communication skills,
Working Habits,
Maturity,
Goals and Motivations,
Skills and competencies

Take the time to go through and practice these Behavioural Interview questions several times. Ask a friend to evaluate your responses and give you feedback on : what you said, and how you said it.

Remember that the objective of a Behavioural Interview is to see how you would react in real-life situations. Make sure to find examples that show your strenghts!
View common interview questions.
View common interview questions- HR.
View questions to ask the interviewer.
View interview tips.

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