19 behavioural interview
questions and how to answer
them
By Kathrin Tschiesche | November 20, 2013
This article is based on the eBook
“Interview Secrets Exposed”
It is estimated that 80% of the interview is made up of behavioural
questions. This type of interviewing is based on the philosophy that your past
actions and behaviours will be a good indicator of your future behaviours.
Therefore, how you acted towards certain circumstances in your previous job
is a reliable indicator of how you will act in your new job. In this article we’ll
take a closer look at these behaviour type questions – with preparation tips
and examples.
What are behavioural questions
These types of questions differ from standard interview questions as they
focus more on experiences, behaviours, knowledge, skills and abilities.
Rather than the standard question of “Do you have leadership skills” a
behavioural question is more likely to be “Give me an example of your
previous role when you displayed leadership abilities.” As the interviewer has
already determined which skills are necessary for the role, it is important
that you are prepared for these questions.
The best way to begin studying for these questions is to look at the job
description. The list of skills that they require are the skills they will more
than likely focus on. When the job description mentions they require a
person with good teamwork skills or negotiation skills, it is more than likely
that this will be turned into a behavioural question to see if you really do
possess these skills.
How to answer behavioural questions
The best way to answer a behavioural question is to use the STAR format.
Situation: The interviewer wants you to present a recent challenge and
situation in which you found yourself.
Task: What did you have to achieve? The interviewer will be looking to see
what you were trying to achieve from the situation.
Action: What did you do? The interviewer will be looking for information on
what you did, why you did it and what the alternatives were.
Results: What were the outcomes of your actions? What did you achieve
through your actions and did you meet your objectives? What did you learn
from this experience and have you used this learning since?
How to nail the behavioural interview
1) Take a blank piece of paper and write down between 10-20 examples
from your education, work experience, community work, charity etc. of
where you added value in a positive way.
2) Now using the STAR format write out the Situation, Task, Action, Result
Example question: “Give me an example of a time when you set a goal
and were able to meet or achieve it.”
Situation: My role as project manager was to ensure that projects are
completed on time and on budget.
Task: My last role involved combining three office spaces into one. With a
tight deadline of 90 days and dealing with multiple contractors from different
companies, I knew it was going to be a struggle to complete the job in time. I
set the goal of having everything completed within 80 days to give us 10
days at the end to make final corrections.
Action: By dividing all the different contractors into three main teams and
having three project managers controlling the three teams, I was able to
create a more efficient and effective work timetable and ensure that
downtime was kept to a minimum.
Result: As a result of this more efficient working time we completed the job
on time and reduced costs by 15%. This new way of dividing contractors into
smaller teams has now been implemented into standard work procedure and
seen a reduction in overall costs.
19 of the most asked behavioural questions
Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation and
how you overcame the situation
Provide an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead
Tell me about a situation where you have had to speak with an
unhappy customer
Give me an example of a time when you motivated others and how this
led to a positive outcome
Give an example of a goal you set and how you reached it
Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to make a
split second decision
Describe a situation where you knew your boss was wrong – how did
you handle it?
Describe a major change or adjustment to your job and your reactions
to the change
Tell me about a time when you encountered conflict in the workplace
and how you handled the conflict
Provide an example of when you had to go above and beyond your
normal duties in order to get the job done
Describe a time when you put the needs of your workmates before
your own when completing a task
Provide an example of a problem you had with a co-worker or boss and
how you resolved it
Provide an example of a time when you felt you were able to motivate
Describe a time when you did not put in 100% into your job or
performance and what you did about it
Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem with very little
guidance or direction
Tell me about a time when you went overtime on a deadline
What is the biggest contribution you made in your current role?
What are you most proud of in your working career?
Discuss a setback you have overcome in the last 12 months
