A guide to handling behavioural interview questions

Behavioural questions are designed to assess how you’ve handled situations in the past, which can predict how you’ll perform in the future. The key to mastering them lies in preparation and structured responses. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you confidently answer behavioural interview questions.

Understanding the STAR method

The STAR method is a popular framework to structure your responses to behavioural interview questions. It ensures your answers are clear, concise, and focused on showcasing your strengths.

• Situation: Briefly describe the context or challenge you faced.
• Task: Explain your responsibility in that situation.
• Action: Detail the steps you took to address the challenge.
• Result: Share the outcome of your actions, highlighting the positive impact.

Using this method helps you present your experiences in a way that is easy for interviewers to follow and makes your contributions stand out.

Common behavioural questions and how to prepare

Here are some common behavioural interview questions and what interviewers are typically looking for in your responses.

1. Teamwork

• Question: "Tell me about a time when you worked effectively as part of a team."
• Tip: Focus on collaboration and how you contributed to a common goal.
• Question: "Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict within your team."
• Tip: Highlight your conflict resolution skills and how you navigated disagreements to find a productive solution.

2. Problem-solving

• Question: "Give an example of a time when you faced a difficult problem at work. How did you solve it?"
• Tip: Emphasise your critical thinking, creativity, and decision-making process.
• Question: "Tell me about a time when you identified an opportunity for improvement."
• Tip: Show your ability to recognise inefficiencies and propose constructive solutions.

3.Time management

• Question: "Tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple tasks or projects under pressure."
• Tip: Highlight your prioritisation, organisation, and ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Question: "Describe how you ensure deadlines are met in your current role."
• Tip: Showcase your planning and communication skills to keep projects on track.

4. Leadership

• Question: "Give an example of a time when you took the lead on a project."
• Tip: Illustrate your leadership abilities, delegation skills, and how you motivated others to achieve a goal.
• Question: "Tell me about a time when you motivated a team to achieve a difficult goal."
• Tip: Focus on your leadership style, motivation techniques, and how you inspired others to overcome challenges.

5. Handling failure

• Question: "Describe a time when you failed or made a mistake. How did you handle it?"
• Tip: Demonstrate accountability and focus on what you learned from the mistake.
• Question: "Tell me about a project that didn’t go as planned."
• Tip: Show how you managed setbacks, stayed resilient, and improved your approach.

6. initiative

• Question: "Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond your normal responsibilities."
• Tip: Emphasise your proactive approach and dedication to delivering exceptional results.
• Question: "Describe a situation where you took the initiative to start something new at work."
• Tip: Focus on your innovation, creativity, and ability to drive positive changes.

How to prepare for behavioural questions

Now that you know what types of questions to expect, here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Reflect on your past experiences Think about various situations where you’ve demonstrated key competencies such as problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Be ready to provide specific examples.
2. Prepare a variety of examples Have stories prepared that cover different scenarios: success, conflict resolution, failure, and innovation. This will ensure you’re ready for any question that comes your way.
3. Practise with the STAR method Practise articulating your answers using the STAR method to keep your responses structured and to the point.
4. Research the job description and company Understand the skills and qualities the role requires, and tailor your examples to showcase those strengths.
5. Stay positive and authentic Even when discussing challenges or failures, maintain a positive tone and focus on what you learned and how you improved.

By preparing thoroughly and practising your responses, you’ll be well-equipped to handle behavioural interview questions with confidence and demonstrate your strengths to potential employers.