As you navigate your job search, you’ll likely encounter a variety of interview formats, including behavioral interview questions. These interviews focus on your past experiences and how you’ve handled specific situations. By asking about your actions and decisions, interviewers gain valuable insights into your soft skills, like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.

What are the behavioral interview questions?

Employers use behavioural interview questions to assess candidates’ ability to handle real-life situations based on their past experiences. Instead of hypothetical scenarios, employers want to hear about your actual behaviours, actions, and outcomes in specific situations. These questions aim to uncover your soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership.

Common behavioral interview questions:

Question 1: Describe a situation where you faced a significant challenge at work. How did you handle it?

Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.

Question 2: Share an example of when you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle the situation?

Tip: Focus on collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution.

Question 3: Tell me about a time when you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you prioritise tasks and ensure timely completion?

Tip: Highlight your time management and organisational skills.

Why are soft skills important during behavioral interview questions?

They allow you to:

• Build rapport and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Adapt to change and handle challenging situations.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Motivate and inspire others.
• Solve problems creatively.
• Think critically and make sound decisions.

Tips and tricks for answering behavioral interview questions

• Be honest and specific. When answering a behavioural interview question, it is important to be honest and specific. Give the interviewer a clear picture of what happened, what you did, and what the outcome was.
• Use the STAR method. The STAR method is a great way to answer behavioural interview questions. It stands for situation, task, action, and result. By using this method, you can ensure that your answer is clear, concise, and well-organised.
• Quantify your results. Whenever possible, quantify your results when answering a behavioural interview question. This will help the interviewer understand the impact of your actions.
• Practice your answers. Before your interview, take some time to practice answering behavioural interview questions. This will help you feel more confident and prepared.

 Things to Remember

• Do your research. Before your interview, be sure to research the company and the position you are interviewing for. This will help you answer questions about the company and the role.
• Dress professionally. First impressions are important, so be sure to dress professionally for your interview.
• Be confident. Confidence is key when it comes to interviewing. Make sure to stand tall, make eye contact, and speak in a clear, confident voice.
• Follow up. After your interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This is a great way to show your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position.

By investing the time and effort to prepare for behavioural interviews, you can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job.