How to Prepare For Behavioural Interview Questions

Behavioural interview questions are a common qualifying method companies use when interviewing candidates. These are questions that test how a respondent would or has behaved in a particular circumstance or situation. As such. behavioural questions usually begin with a statement like: ‘Tell me about a time when…’ or ‘Can you describe a situation where…’.

When prepping for your interview, make sure to familiarize yourself with common behavioural questions to ensure you are comfortable answering and describing your experience to employers.

We have compiled a list of common behavioural questions you may receive during a formal face to face interview:

“Describe a time or situation when…”

  • Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way

  • Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills?

  • Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.

“Give me a (specific) example of…”

  • Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem?

  • Give me a specific example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it?

  • Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree?

  • Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split-second decision?

  • Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.

  • Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.

  • Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.

“Tell me about a time when…”

  • Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone’s opinion?

  • Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person you did not get along with?

  • Tell me about a difficult decision you’ve made in the last year.

  • Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker?

  • Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.

  • Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.

  • Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone’s opinion?

When answering these questions, make sure you maintain a positive attitude and disposition. These are opportunities to help show your grit, resilience, attitude and behaviour process. Even if asked what may seem a negative question at first, (ex. “Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.”), this is really a time to showcase what learnings you took from that failure. Read through the lines of these questions and you will be sure to ace any behavioural questions that come your way.

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