Behavioural Interviews

What is a Behavioral Interview?

A behavioral interview is an employment interview during which a job applicant is

asked to demonstrate his or her knowledge, skills, and abilities, also known as
competencies. The applicant must tell about specific experiences when he or she
demonstrated these competencies. The purpose of a behavioral interview is to allow
the interviewer to determine whether a candidate possesses the competencies to
perform a particular job.

How to Prepare for a Behavioral Interview

1. Determine what competencies the employer is looking for:

o Read through the job description.
o Research the company to learn more about it.

2. Come up with examples of how you've demonstrated those competencies on

past jobs.

Sample Questions

1. Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully

convince someone to see things your way.
2. Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that
demonstrated your coping skills.
3. Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic
in solving a problem.
4. Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or
achieve it.
5. Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence
someone's opinion.
6. Tell me about a specific time when you were required to prioritize your tasks.
7. What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
8. Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
9. Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
10. Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
11. Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
12. Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.