Free Sample Behavioral Interview Questions

We've pulled together a list of common behavioral-

interview questions.

One of the keys to success in interviewing is practice, so we encourage you to take the time to work out
answers to these questions using one of the suggested methods, such as the STAR approach. Be sure
not to memorize answers; the key to interviewing success is simply being prepared for the questions and
having a mental outline to follow in responding to each question. For more tips, read our article,
Behavioral Interviewing Strategies.

Looking for some sample excellent answers to behavioral interview questions? Then go to our Job
Interview Questions Database, where we have traditional, behavioral, and mixed interview questions for
both experienced job-seekers and college students and recent grads.

Here is one list of sample behavioral-based interview questions:

 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.
 Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a
problem.
 Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
 Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's
opinion.
 Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not
agree.
 Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
 Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job
done.
 Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your
tasks.
 Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.
 What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
 Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that
individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
 Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
 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.
 Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-
worker.
 Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
 Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
 Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
 Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
 Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
 Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.
 Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend.
 Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).

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Problem solving is a frequently required workplace competency whether the employer is

exploring management competencies, sales competencies, customer service competencies
or adminsitrative competencies.

Describe a difficult problem you had to sort out in your last job (Problem-solving)

This behavior based interviewing question is designed to explore your

ability to identify, analyze and solve problems.

Show how you are able to gather and organize the necessary
information and identify the best solution.

Here is a sample behavioral interview answer that you can use as a

guide to develop your own good answer.

"We were getting a lot of complaints about late deliveries. (Situation)

I met with the staff involved in the customer delivery department and
discovered that the problem seemed to be with the stock coming
through on time.

I investigated and found that requests for new inventory were not been processed fast
enough. The backlog was in the orders department as they were not following up
adequately with the suppliers. A system for regular follow up was quickly implemented.
(Action)

This sorted out the stock problems and the delivery staff were able to meet their deadlines."
(Result)

Describe a new idea or suggestion that you made to your supervisor recently
(initiative)

The ability to use your initiative is often explored during competency based interviewing.
The interviewer wants to know if you are proactive and able to generate workable ideas.
Show how you are a self-starter who will take action beyond what is asked of you.

" I work in orders and the company was launching a new

product. The sales team had in-depth training on it but we
had none. (Situation)
I suggested that the orders department should also receive the training so that we would
understand what was being ordered and be able to answer any questions if necessary. It
was agreed we would all undergo a short version of the training. (Action)

This meant that we could deal professionally with the orders and it also motivated us,
feeling part of the launch excitement." (Result)

Tell me about a time that you had to use your judgment and make a decision in
your previous job (judgment/decision-making)

Judgment is another essential behavioral competency in the workplace. The interviewer is

exploring your ability to make logical decisions and take action. Show how you consider all
the relevant facts, weigh up the alternatives and commit to the most appropriate action.

"I was responsible for ordering office supplies for the company. (Situation)

The company always ordered a month's supply at a time to keep inventory costs low. I had
to decide whether to keep doing this or buy six month's supply and get a discount for
ordering such a big volume and escape possible future price increases. I did some research
and worked out we could reduce our costs by buying for six months, especially since the
amount we used remained practically unchanged month on month. (Action)

I was right, the prices went up quite a bit during those six months." (Result)

Remember that these are sample answers that can be used to help you formulate your
own examples from your previous jobs or other contexts when answering behavioral
interview questions like these.

Behavioral interview tips and techniques.

Q: Describe a time when you were challenged?

A: Yes. It was about three months ago when I had to handled a new, difficult student.

Q: What were the situations?

A: I blew up at a student for refusing to read a short conversation. It was very simple stuff,
and I knew he was more than able to do it. Everyone else in the class had at least given it a
try, but he stubbornly refused.

At first I was frustrated but once calmed down I just ignored him. I knew the fact that the
students were here because mommy and daddy were sending them. So if one of them
didn't want to do it, I just moved on to the next student.

Q: What challenge did you feel?

A: First, I'd been only 5 months in the country. And although I'd been more than 4 years in
teaching profession I had to admit that I wasn't good with kids.

Q: How did you cope with the pressure?

A: I turned the pressure into personal challenge. Despite the weakness, I determined to
learn everything from other teachers, books and seminars. My goal was to satisfy parents
and students as my ultimate clients.
Q: Good point. How did you solve the problem?
A: I taught a lesson, tried to get them to repeat it, and then proceeded to the lesson's
workbook. The only thing they would do is a page in the workbook for a sticker. Then we
played an agreed game.

Q: What was the outcome?

A: To my amazement, they started using English while we were playing the game.
Something they had always refused to do before.

The problem faced by the English teacher may be too simple for a real behavioral interview
answers. But you get the idea on how she showed the interviewer that she managed to
handle the difficult student -- a skill that can be transferable to handle a difficult customer.

Best answer:

1. “I pay close attention to details which does result in a higher quality of work and saves
additional time down the road, though it does take more time up front and sometimes overtime.”

2. “I am a person who likes to meet deadlines and deliver what I promise and sometimes I can
get a little frustrated with my fellow co-workers if I’m waiting on them in the last hour before
something is due.”

How do accept criticism?

This is a team player question and is asked to see how open and willing you are to being asked or
told what to do. Are you someone who can follow directions? Can you accept criticism? Or, are
you the type of person who does not like being told what to do or being criticized?

Best answer:

1. “I openly accept criticism without taking any offense and politely thank the person for their
comments.”

2. “I take direction very well. I don’t mind being told what to do and feel that no task is beneath
me. Sometimes, my boss may have time to explain what is needed in detail and other times she
may only have a minute. I prefer the detailed version, but I can make it work either way. I know
my boss is busy and I want her to be able to get on with her job as she does not need to babysit
me.”

What are some of the things that bother you?

This is a common question, but don’t dwell on it. The interviewer is looking for a job related
answer, more like “what bothers you about your job or the people you work with?” If you dig
deep and think of what really bothers you, you’ll find that it’s other people and their ideas, right?
But don’t tell the interviewer that, you can be more clever than that.

Best answer:
1. “It bothers me the most when other people I work with don’t meet their deadlines or deliver
what they promise.”

What do you consider your most significant strengths?

This is another top 10 question that you can surely expect to hear in any interview. Prepare
yourself and make sure you can rattle off three to five of your strengths as it relates to your past
or present job, work experience, and the requirements for the job for which you are interviewing.

Though it’s something to be proud of, they don’t want to hear what a wonderful mom you are or
what a good basketball player you are. Be prepared and know your strengths and don’t tell the
interviewer that you don’t have any, even if you don’t. Relate your strengths to the job for which
you are applying.

Best answer:

1. “I have a solid background in Accounts Receivables, great problem solving abilities and I get
things done with little direction.” And then elaborate a bit on your specific skills, but don’t turn
this answer into a book. Keep it short and move on.

2. “I have great communication skills and can work with many different types of people of
varying personalities and skill levels. I am motivated, disciplined, and focused and am
determined to get my job done well and on time.” –

3. “I meet deadlines. I deliver what I promise. As a result, I’ve always made my managers look
good.”

There are many sites out there giving away interview sample answers, and I must say that
everything I have seen so far has been disappointing. They are merely cheap attempts to get you
to their site in hopes you will click on some advertising links.

I want you to know that my free interview answers are real answers that I have published in The
Complete Interview Answer Guide. They have been personally written by me and are here to
help you and to give you an idea of the quality of answers you’ll find in The Complete Interview
Answer Guide.

Inside The Complete Interview Answer Guide, Don shows job seekers how to answer interview
questions. The 201+ sample answers in the guide will quickly help you craft your own
professional answers for ALL types of interview questions for any occupation.

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