Typical Behavioral Questions You Could be Asked:
(Select ONE from each section and prepare your answer, using the STAR model)
Decision Making
Tell me about a difficult decision you had to make in the past year.
Describe a time when you had to make a quick decision.
Give me an example of a problem you faced on any job you have had and tell me how you went about solving it.
Tell me about the most difficult challenge you faced when trying to work cooperatively with someone who did not share your same ideas. What was the difference in ideas? What was the outcome? What as the long-term impact on your ability to get things done working with this person?
What steps do you follow when making a decision? Give me an example of your approach and how it has worked in the past.
Communication
Give me an example of an instance when you were particularly proud of a talk you gave or a seminar you taught.
Tell me about a time in which you had to use your written communication skills, in order to get an important point across.
Give me a specific example of a time when you had to handle an irate customer.
Describe a time when you found it necessary to tactfully but forcefully say things that others did not want to hear.
Tell me about a time when you had to handle a highly emotional employee.
Creativity
Describe the most significant or creative presentation/idea that you developed.
Give me an example of how you have been creative in completing your responsibilities.
Give an example of when you convinced a supervisor or organization to go ahead with an idea you had. What was your idea? How did you proceed?
Tell me about a time when you were responsible for hiring and orientating a new employee. How did you help them adjust?
Teamwork
Tell me about a time when you had several co-workers working on a project who normally have different work styles/ideas. How did you pull them together?
Tell me about a time when you worked with a team and a member was not doing their share of the work.
Describe your involvement with a team project.
How would you describe yourself in terms of you ability to work as a member of a team?
Sometimes it’s easy to get in ‘over your head’. Describe a situation where you had to request help or assistance on a project or assignment
Quality
Give me an example of a time when you were disappointed in your performance.
Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
Give me an example of a time when you tried to accomplish something and failed.
Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
Tell me about a time you solved a customer’s issue. What was it? What did you do?
Honest/Integrity
Tell me about a time when you experience a loss for doing what is right.
Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
Please tell me about a time you had to fire or scold a friend.
Tell me about a specific time when you had to handle a tough problem that challenged fairness or ethical issues.
Tell me about a business situation when you felt honest was inappropriate. Why? What did you do?
Diversity
By providing examples, convince me that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations and environments.
Can you describe a time when you were particularly perceptive regarding a person’s or group’s feelings and needs?
How have you reacted to conversations between co-workers that were clearly offensive to non-participants?
Describe a time when you made an intentional effort to get to know a new employee.
Tell me about a time when you worked with someone who was not familiar with the jobs or had problems with their skill level? What did you do?
Problem Solving/Negotiation
Describe a situation in which you had to arrive at a compromise or guide others to a compromise.
Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
We can sometimes identify a small problem and fix it before it becomes a major problem. Give an example of how you have done this.
Tell me about a time when you had to analyze information and make a recommendation.
Describe an instance when you had to think quickly to free yourself from a difficult situation.
Leadership/Initiative
Tell me about a time when you were able to provide a co-worker with recognition for the work they performed.
Tell me about a time when you showed initiative and took the lead in a team project.
Tell me about a specific time when you had to handle a tough morale problem.
Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
Personal Attributes
Give an example of when you achieved something through your persistence that others could not. (commitment)
Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a difference of opinion with a co-worker/supervisor/customer. How do you feel you showed respect? (respect)
Tell me about a time when you had to adjust to changes over which you had no control. (flexible)
Describe a project or goal that caused you frustration. (versatile)
Recall a time when you made what you consider a mistake or a bad decision on the job. How did you handle the situation? What happened? (accountable)