Mastering Behavioural Interviews: Top 7 Questions and Answers!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Behavioral Interview Questions Explained
3. The STAR Technique
4. Question 1: When Have You Completed a Difficult Task or Project?
5. Question 2: Describe a Stressful Situation at Work and How You Handled It
6. Question 3: Describe a Time When You Embraced Change Within an Organization
7. Question 4: When Have You Demonstrated Flexibility in a Work Situation?
8. Question 5: What's Been Your Biggest Failure to Date and How Did You Deal With It?
9. Question 6: Describe a Time When You've Had to Deal With a Team Member Not Pulling Their Weight
10. Question 7: What Would You Do if You Noticed a Work Colleague Being Harassed or Bullied?
11. Conclusion

Seven Brilliant Answers to Behavioral Interview Questions

In this training video, I will provide you with seven brilliant answers to behavioral interview questions. Behavioral interview questions, also known as situational interview questions, are commonly asked by interview panels to assess your past behavior in work-related situations. These questions typically require you to provide examples of when you have demonstrated certain skills or qualities, such as flexibility or problem-solving. By using the STAR technique and incorporating Relevant examples, you can effectively answer these questions and impress your interviewers.

Behavioral Interview Questions Explained

Before diving into the sample answers, let's first understand what behavioral interview questions are and why employers use them. Behavioral interview questions are designed to assess your behavior and thought processes in real-life work situations. Instead of hypothetical scenarios, these questions require you to draw upon your past experiences to demonstrate your abilities and attitudes.

Employers value behavioral interview questions because they allow them to gain insights into how you have handled specific situations in your previous roles. By assessing your past behavior, they can make informed judgments about your future performance and fit within their organization.

The STAR Technique

When answering behavioral interview questions, using the STAR technique can help you provide a structured and comprehensive response. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

1. Situation: Begin by explaining the Context and background of the situation. Describe the work-related Scenario you encountered.

2. Task: Clearly state the task or problem that needed to be addressed in the given situation. Highlight the challenges or objectives you faced.

3. Action: Describe the actions you took to address the task or problem. Explain the steps you followed and your decision-making process. Emphasize the skills and qualities you utilized.

4. Result: Share the outcome or result of your actions. Highlight the positive impact you made, the skills you developed, or the lessons you learned. Try to quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Using the STAR technique ensures that you provide a structured and specific response to behavioral interview questions, giving your interviewer valuable insights into how you approach work situations.

Question 1: When Have You Completed a Difficult Task or Project?

Sample Answer:

"I recently successfully completed an online customer service training course to further develop my skills in this area and to also fully understand the customer's needs. The course took me two months to complete in total, and I carried out all of the studying in my own time whilst holding down my Current job.

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was finding the time to complete the work to the high standard that I wanted to achieve. I decided to manage my time effectively, and I allocated two hours every evening of the working week in which to complete the studying required. I found the time management relatively easy to manage, as I structured my day accordingly. This structured approach enabled me to complete the course quickly and to a high standard. I'm pleased to say that I passed the course with 100% marks and I now have more experience about the needs of the modern-day customer.

The things I learned during the course included determining factors that Create customer value, identifying the needs of the customer, and developing strategies to support the modern-day customer. Now, whenever I approach any Type of work-related tasks, I always focus on persistence, being organized, and having a determination to complete the job competently and professionally."

In this response, I utilized the STAR technique to illustrate the situation, task, action, and result. It highlights my ability to successfully complete a difficult task, showcases my time management skills, and demonstrates my commitment to self-improvement.

Question 2: Describe a Stressful Situation at Work and How You Handled It

Sample Answer:

"Recently, we lost an important member of our team at short Notice. The reasons for him leaving were not made clear to us. However, the impact on the team was significant. He had been helping us to implement a new, important working strategy within the organization, and to replace him was going to be difficult.

People within the team started to panic, as we only had four weeks left in which to complete the new project. I decided to take control of the situation, as I felt someone had to act positively if we were to have a chance of completing the project on time.

In my spare time, I studied my former colleague's workload and the things he had been doing in order to contribute to the project. After a couple of hours' research, I realized that there were members of our team who could take over his work. The next morning, when I got into the office, I briefed the team on my findings, and we started to allocate the tasks Based on our team members' strengths.

I could immediately see a change in people's attitude once they realized there was a chance we could complete our project on time. Although the next few weeks were stressful and difficult, we all worked hard to support each other, and the project came to a successful completion.

I learned quite a lot from this scenario. The first thing I learned was that it's always important to have a positive mindset in stressful situations. By remaining calm and focused on the task, I was able to find a solution. The Second thing I learned was that any challenge or difficult situation is always surmountable, once you Apply yourself and play to your team's strengths."

In this response, I use the STAR technique to Outline the situation, task, action, and result. It demonstrates my ability to handle a stressful situation, showcases my problem-solving skills, and emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and teamwork.

Continue writing based on the provided table of Contents, addressing each question with sample answers and incorporating tips for success. Remember to engage the reader by using a conversational tone and providing relatable examples. Use appropriate headings and subheadings for Clarity, and ensure that the article flows smoothly from one section to the next.

Highlights:

• Understand the STAR technique for answering behavioral interview questions
• Demonstrate your ability to complete difficult tasks or projects
• Handle stressful situations with composure and problem-solving skills
• Embrace change within an organization and highlight its importance
• Showcase your flexibility and adaptability in work situations
• Reflect on and learn from past failures to demonstrate growth and improvement
• Deal with team members not pulling their weight in a constructive and supportive manner
• Address workplace harassment or bullying with professionalism and adherence to company procedures

FAQs

Q: What are behavioral interview questions? A: Behavioral interview questions are designed to assess your past behavior and actions in work-related situations. Employers use these questions to gain insights into your abilities, problem-solving skills, and attitude towards challenging scenarios.

Q: How can I effectively answer behavioral interview questions? A: The STAR technique is a helpful framework for answering behavioral interview questions. Remember to provide a specific situation, explain the task or problem, describe the actions you took, and share the positive results or outcomes.

Q: What should I do if I encounter workplace harassment or bullying? A: It is important to follow your company's policies and procedures when dealing with workplace harassment or bullying. Take appropriate action, remain calm, and try to resolve the situation by educating the person responsible. Support the affected individual and strive for a positive and inclusive work environment.

Q: How can I demonstrate flexibility during an interview? A: Share a specific example of a time when you demonstrated flexibility in a work situation. Highlight your willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, support your colleagues, and go above and beyond to meet the needs of the organization.

Q: How can I handle a team member who is not pulling their weight? A: Approach the situation calmly and positively. Communicate your concerns with the team member, focusing on the impact their actions have on the overall team's performance. Seek to educate and find solutions rather than becoming confrontational.