The Most Common Behavioral Interview Questions You Need To Be Ready For

Hiring mangers use behavioral interview questions to determine if you have the skills and expertise needed for the job. Since past behavior is the best indicator of future actions, answers to behavioral questions give a good sense of how you’ll handle different aspects of the position. As the candidate, you want to be prepared to answer the questions in a way that highlights the different traits and skillsets the interviewer is looking for. The best way to respond to behavioral questions is by using short interview “stories” that are concise, focused, and crafted to show you in your best light. That requires preparation and practice. So take the time to create your own stories well in advance of the interview. That doesn’t mean you need to memorize your answers; just be prepared with a mental outline of your best success stories.

Behavioral Interview Questions

Hiring managers love behavioral interview questions. Also known as STAR questions, they use them for a specific reason: to hone in on whether you possess the specific qualities they need. For example, if the job opening requires someone with strong leadership skills, you might be asked to describe a time you took the lead on a difficult project. Your response? A success story that demonstrates to the interviewer that you possess the leadership skills he or she is looking for. Here are some other examples and what to consider when crafting your answer/story:

• Tell me about a recent project that you took to the next level by making it faster, better, or more efficient. The interviewer is interested in finding a candidate who understands the big-picture effect of their work. You should be ready and able to explain how your efforts made a difference to your employer.
• Can you share with me a time a project you were involved in failed? Everyone deals with failure at some point. The interviewer is looking for how you handled the situation and whether you used it as a springboard for improvement and positive change. They are also looking to see if you take responsibility for your part, or if you blame outside circumstances.
• Tell me about a time you worked with a difficult team member. This is your opportunity to showcase how well you collaborate with others. Give a brief overview of the conflict, talk about the key actions you took, and end with a response that highlights a positive outcome.
• What was the best idea/solution you came up with at your last job? Problem-solving questions help the interviewer get a better understanding of how you work. The best way to answer this question — and wow the interviewer — is by finding an example from your past job that best applies to the job description of the position you’re interviewing for.

There are plenty of examples out there for you to use as you prepare for your interview. As always, practice makes perfect; so give yourself plenty of time to create outlines and form well-thought-out responses.