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Answering Behavioral Based Job Interview Questions1-2-1

The document provides guidance on answering behavioral job interview questions, emphasizing the importance of sharing specific past experiences to demonstrate skills and abilities. It introduces the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Results) as a structured approach to formulate responses. Additionally, it offers tips for preparation and a list of common behavioral interview questions to practice with.

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Navin Golyan
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8 views3 pages

Answering Behavioral Based Job Interview Questions1-2-1

The document provides guidance on answering behavioral job interview questions, emphasizing the importance of sharing specific past experiences to demonstrate skills and abilities. It introduces the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Results) as a structured approach to formulate responses. Additionally, it offers tips for preparation and a list of common behavioral interview questions to practice with.

Uploaded by

Navin Golyan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Answering Behavioral Based Job Interview Questions

By Alison Doyle
Updated June 26, 2018
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/behavioral-job-interview-questions-2059620

In a behavioral job interview, the company asks questions about your past work experiences in
order to find out if you have the skills needed for the job. Behavioral interview questions focus
on how you handled various work situations in the past. Your response will reveal your skills,
abilities, and personality.

The logic behind this interview tactic is that your behavior in the past reflects and predicts how
you will behave in the future. But remember the interviewer isn’t necessarily asking yes or no
questions, and it may help to review how to answer interview questions without a right (or
wrong) answer.

Respond to questions with specific examples of how you have previously handled situations in
the workplace. Answers to behavior interview questions should be in the form of a brief anecdote
that illustrates your strengths and skills as a worker. Provide background on the situation, the
specific actions you took, and the results.

Review examples of the questions you may be asked during a behavioral job interview and think
about how you would answer them. That way you'll be prepared ahead of time, rather than
having to think of a response on the spot during the interview.

Formula for Answering Behavioral Interview Questions

The STAR technique is a useful strategy for responding to interview questions that require an
anecdote. It’s an excellent way to organize your thoughts. There are four steps to answering
using this technique:

 (S) Situation. Describe the situation in which the event took place.
 (T) Task. Describe the task you were asked to complete. If there was a particular
problem or issue you were trying to solve, describe that here.
 (A) Action. Explain what action you took to complete the task or solve the problem.
 (R) Results. Explain the result of your actions. For example, if your actions resulted in
completing a task, resolving a conflict, improving your company’s sales record, etc.,
explain this. Try to focus on how your actions resulted in a success for the company.

Tips for Answering Behavioral Interview Questions

Take your time. It’s okay to take a moment before answering the question. Take a breath, or a
sip of water, or simply pause. This will give you time to calm any nerves and think of an
anecdote that appropriately answers the question.
Prepare ahead of time. Review common behavioral interview questions ahead of time and
practice your answers. This will help you ensure that you have a number of thoughtful anecdotes
ready to answer any behavioral interview questions.

Follow the STAR technique. Be sure to answer any questions using the STAR technique
described above. By completing each of the four steps, you will provide a thorough answer
without rambling or getting off topic.

Be positive. Often, behavioral interview questions require you to focus on a problem or a failure
at work. Describe the problem or issue you faced, but don’t focus too much on the negative.
Quickly shift to describing how you solved the problem, and the positive results.

Common Behavioral Interview Questions

Read through the behavioral interview questions below. Practice answering some of these, using
the STAR technique to provide complete answers. It may also help to review these common
behavioral interview questions with answers.

 Give an example of an occasion when you used logic to solve a problem.


 Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it.
 Give an example of a goal you didn't meet and how you handled it.
 Describe a stressful situation at work and how you handled it.
 Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure.
 How do you handle a challenge?
 Have you been in a situation where you didn't have enough work to do?
 Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?
 Describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled implementing it.

 Did you ever make a risky decision? Why? How did you handle it?
 Did you ever postpone making a decision? Why?
 Have you ever dealt with company policy you weren't in agreement with? How?
 Have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? If so, how?
 When you worked on multiple projects how did you prioritize?
 How did you handle meeting a tight deadline?
 Give an example of how you set goals and achieve them.
 Did you ever not meet your goals? Why?
 What do you do when your schedule is interrupted? Give an example of how you handle
it.

 Have you had to convince a team to work on a project they weren't thrilled about? How
did you do it?
 Give an example of how you've worked on a team.
 Have you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker? How?
 What do you do if you disagree with a co-worker?
 Share an example of how you were able to motivate employees or co-workers.
 Do you listen? Give an example of when you did or when you didn't listen.
 Have you handled a difficult situation with a supervisor? How?
 Have you handled a difficult situation with another department? How?

 Have you handled a difficult situation with a client or vendor? How?


 What do you do if you disagree with your boss?

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