Mastering behavioural interview questions: a comprehensive guide for job seekers

If you're looking for a new job, it's important to understand that behavioural job interview questions have become increasingly prominent during the interview process. Hiring managers often ask job seekers behavioural interview questions to delve deep into their experiences and uncover valuable insights about them. If you're able to provide a strong answer, you stand a better chance of impressing the hiring manager. Here's what we'll cover:

• What are behavioural interview questions?
• Examples of behavioral questions based on situations
• Strategies for answering behavioural interview questions
• 10 common behavioural interview questions and answers
• Common mistakes when answering behavioural interview questions
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What are behavioural interview questions?

Interviewers use behavioural job interview questions to learn more about a job seeker's thought process. Many interviewers believe that past behaviour is a good indicator of future performance. These questions allow them to work out your suitability for the role and make informed hiring decisions.

Behavioural questions offer insights into how you would handle a stressful situation, solve problems, and stay focused in a busy work environment. They help the hiring manager see if you have the emotional intelligence to deal with a difficult client or excel in a leadership role. While traditional interview questions focus on hypothetical scenarios and general skills, behavioural questions ask for specific examples. 

Examples of behavioral questions based on situations

Behavioural questions probe into your key competencies such as conflict resolution, decision-making, leadership, time management, communication skills, and problem-solving. Let's explore the most common questions hiring managers ask, along with example responses, so that you can practise your responses.

Questions on managing conflict

Question: Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a team member. How did you handle it?

Example answer: "In my last job, I disagreed with my research team regarding priorities in a long-term project. I discussed this with them and actively listened to each team member's concerns. We managed to come to a compromise so that we could meet our project goals and deadlines."

Questions on handling failures and mistakes

Question: Describe a time when you needed to make a difficult decision. How did you handle it? 

Example answer: "In my previous company, some unforeseen challenges arose that threatened to push our timeline back during a critical project phase. Recognising the urgency of the situation, I spoke to the management team, weighed potential risks, and decided to change our approach. While it was a tough decision to make, we managed to overcome obstacles and ensure project success."

Question: Give me an example of when you were unsure how to perform a project. How did you handle it?

Example answer: "Early in my working life, I led a marketing campaign and wasn't sure about the target audience or competition. To address this, I did some research to understand our target market, competitors, and industry trends. I also spoke to my colleagues and manager to get a range of insights. I was then able to develop a strategic plan to meet our objectives."

Question: Have you failed at an important task before? What did you learn from it?

Example answer: "At my first job, I was responsible for coordinating an event. Despite weeks of planning and preparation, the event faced unforeseen logistical challenges. This resulted in a delay, and we didn't meet our clients' expectations. However, I recognised there was an opportunity to grow from this. After the event, I worked out the cause of the issue and how to avoid it in the future."

Questions on time management

Question: Give us an example of when you had to juggle multiple projects at different stages. How did you manage your time?

Example answer: "I was responsible for overseeing multiple projects simultaneously. To effectively manage my time, I prioritised tasks based on urgency and impact. I used project management tools to track progress and deadlines. I also regularly talked to everyone involved to manage expectations. With this approach, we completed the project on time."

Questions on leadership

Question: Share with me your leadership style and how it helped you lead a team in your previous role.

Example answer: "As a leader, I believe in creating a collaborative environment for the entire team. When I was a team manager at my previous company, I encouraged open communication, delegated responsibilities based on each team member's skill set, and provided mentorship and support. By promoting a culture of trust and accountability, I could inspire the team to achieve shared goals and deliver great results."

Questions on problem-solving skills

Question: Describe your process when you handle difficult situations.

Example answer: "When I encounter a problem, I take the time to understand the issue and brainstorm potential solutions. After choosing a solution, I monitor its progress closely and make changes based on direct feedback and circumstances. Proactivity in a challenging situation has been effective in addressing many work issues."

Strategies for answering behavioural interview questions

Providing a good answer to a behavioural job interview question requires careful preparation. Here are some strategies that can help you structure your responses clearly:

Understand the job description

Before the interview, thoroughly review the job description to identify the key skill set the interviewer is seeking. Tailor your response to highlight skills and accomplishments relevant to the role.

Research the company

Gain an understanding of the mission, values, and culture of the company. Use this knowledge in your response to show that you're genuinely interested and understand the company's objectives.

Reflect on past experiences

Reflect on the successes, challenges, and lessons you've learned in your past roles. Share examples that showcase your skills and contributions. Explain how you handle interactions with others on the job.

Use the STAR method

Structure your responses using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method:

• Situation: Provide context by sharing an example of the specific project or scenario.
• Task: Describe the focus of the task.
• Action: Explain how you addressed the situation, highlighting your skills and decision-making process.
• Result: Describe and summarise the outcomes or results of your actions, including any measurable achievements or lessons learned.

Practise your responses

Constantly practise your answers to common interview questions. You can also ask a friend to do a mock interview and give you feedback so that you can refine your response.

Prepare questions to ask

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team dynamics, company culture, and future opportunities. This shows your interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Review and revise

Review your responses and refine them based on feedback and self-assessment. Aim to be authentic, confident, and professional during the interview process.

10 common behavioural interview questions and answers

Here are 10 common behavioural job interview questions with sample answers:

1. Can you describe a challenging situation at work and how you handled it?

Example answer: "In my previous job, unexpected delays threatened the company's deadline. I quickly organised a team meeting, assigned tasks based on each member's strengths, and checked in daily. We were able to hit the deadline without compromising quality."

2. How do you handle stress and pressure?

Example answer: "During high-pressure situations, I break tasks into small parts and take regular breaks to maintain focus. For example, during a critical product launch in my previous company, I created a detailed plan, set clear goals, and regularly communicated with everyone to keep them on track."

3. Give an example of a goal you reached and how you achieved it

Example answer: "I wanted to improve my team's efficiency by 20%. Through analysing our processes, automation, and regular team reviews, we managed a 25% increase in efficiency."

4. Describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled implementing it

Example answer: "I initially faced resistance once when I introduced complex software. I organised regular training sessions to explain how the software worked. After a few sessions, the team realised how the new system would benefit our work process."

5. Describe how you work under pressure

Example answer: "I usually try to maintain clarity and calm by creating detailed plans and setting goals. Keeping communication channels open also helps to solve problems quickly."

6. Describe a time when you had to go above and beyond your regular duties

Example answer: "When a team member fell ill before a deadline, I took over their responsibilities. I worked extra hours and coordinated efforts to meet targets without compromising quality."

7. Have you ever dealt with a difficult team member? How did you handle it?

Example answer: "Yes, there was a team member who frequently missed deadlines. After speaking privately and adjusting their workload, we improved their performance and enhanced team dynamics."

8. Provide an example of a time when you disagreed with your supervisor

Example answer: "In a previous junior role, my supervisor and I disagreed on a marketing strategy. I did some research and suggested a trial run that led to a strategy change, helping to increase leads." 

9. Give an example of how you set goals and achieve them

Example answer: "I once set a goal to increase sales by 10%. Through constant feedback, training, and new systems, we achieved a 15% increase in sales."

10. Describe a time you failed. How did you handle it?

Example answer: "In my first job. I missed an important client deadline, which taught me better time management and accountability. Taking responsibility, resetting expectations, and focusing on my work helped me prevent future failures."

Common mistakes when answering behavioural interview questions

Try to give a positive impression by avoiding the following common mistakes job seekers make when answering behavioural questions:

• Being vague: Providing generic answers without concrete examples doesn't help the interviewer see your strengths. Provide examples using the STAR method to showcase your skills in a specific scenario and provide figures whenever possible.
• Focusing solely on success: It may seem like you're hiding your faults if you only highlight your achievements. Acknowledge challenges or mistakes and show your ability to learn and grow.
• Negativity and blaming: Complaining about previous projects or employers may leave a negative impression on the interviewer. Maintain a positive tone, focusing on your actions and solutions.
• Rambling and going off-track: You may lose focus on the question if you ramble. Prepare concise answers that are relevant to the question.
• Lacking authenticity: You may not seem genuine if you sound scripted. Practise using your own words, ensuring your answers reflect your genuine experiences.
• Missing the link to the job: You may fail to connect your responses to the specific ability an interviewer is looking for. Tailor your responses to show that you have the skills stated in the job specification.

Conclusion

Mastering behavioural job interview questions requires preparation, authenticity, and a strategic approach. When you understand the most common questions, you can prepare and showcase your skills and experiences effectively. This allows you to approach interviews with confidence, increasing your chances of success. 

FAQs

Here's a list of questions that job seekers commonly ask about behavioural interview questions:

1. What is the best way to prepare for behavioural interview questions?
   ⁠Preparing for behavioural interview questions involves several key steps — understanding the job, reflecting on experience, practising your responses, seeking feedback from others, and doing plenty of research on the company.
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2. How can I use the STAR technique to answer behavioural interview questions
   ⁠The STAR technique is a structured approach for answering behavioral interview questions:
   ⁠Situation: Describe the specific situation, providing background information.
   ⁠Task: Give an example of the task and what you were trying to accomplish.
   ⁠Action: Outline your actions, focusing on the steps you took to achieve your objective. 
   ⁠Result: Summarise the results and the impact of your actions in measurable terms. 
   ⁠With the STAR method, you can structure your responses clearly and concisely, providing the interviewer with detailed examples of your skills and experiences.
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3. Can you provide examples of behavioural interview questions specific to leadership roles?
   ⁠Describe a time you had to motivate your team to achieve a goal. How did you approach the task, and what was the outcome?
   ⁠Describe a time you had to resolve a conflict within your team. How did you handle the situation?
   ⁠Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision that impacted your team.
   ⁠Describe a situation where you had to lead a team through a period of change. Explain how you communicated the changes and the steps you took to ensure a smooth transition.
   ⁠Describe a time when you had to delegate tasks effectively. Explain how you determined which tasks to delegate and to whom.
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4. How do I handle behavioural questions that focus on negative experiences or failures?
   ⁠Handling behavioural questions that focus on negative experiences or failures requires a delicate balance of honesty, accountability, and reflection. Acknowledge the situation, take ownership of your action, and then focus on the key takeaways. Explain how the mistake helped you to grow personally and professionally. Highlight how you bounced back from the setback and learned how to prevent similar issues in the future.