Answers to Behavioral Interview Questions for 9 common job behaviors
All answers to behavioral interview questions should be structured around 3 components. The situation or task in which you displayed the behavior in question, the actions you took and the results of these actions. This is known as the STAR method.
What is the star method?
The interviewer is asking you to provide a real-life example of how you
have previously used or demonstrated the required job behavior or
competency.
Situation/Task (ST)
The situation or task is the background or context in which you took action.
Actions (A)
The actions are what the candidates did or said in response to the the situation and how they did it. Actions commonly include steps taken to complete a task or project, solving a problem or overcoming a challenge, making a decision and interacting with managers and customers.
Results (R)
The results are the effects or outcomes of the candidates actions. The changes, consequences and differences the actions made and if the actions were effective and appropriate.
Sample Answers to Behavioral Interview Questions - 9 standard job-related behaviors
Go through the list of standard behaviors required for successful job performance in a wide range of job categories.
Know what the interviewer is looking for in answers to behavioral
questions that explore the competency or behavior. Use the answer
guidelines to determine appropriate past situations where you have used
or demonstrated the behavior.
Prepare and structure your behavioral
example to provide the information the interviewer wants.
1. Planning and Organizing
The
examples you present in answers to behavioral interview questions that determine
your ability to plan and organize should include the following actions.
- establishing clear and realistic objectives
- scheduling activities and
time parameters to get the job done - setting priorities
- knowing which
resources are needed and making the best use of these - monitoring your
progress and adjusting your activity where necessary
2. Decision Making
Your
answers to behavioral interview questions about using your judgment and
making decisions should include the following steps in the decision
making process.
- gathering the necessary information and facts
- using
this information to work out possible courses of action to take - considering alternative courses of action
- considering the implications
and consequences of different courses of action - carrying out the
most appropriate course of action
Involving the necessary stake-holders in the decision-making process is another important aspect of decision-making.
Sample Behavioral Interview Answer
4. Adaptability
Behavioral examples that you use in answers to behavioral interview questions that explore your adaptability should contain these elements.
- adjusting your behavior, communication style and your approach to match changing tasks, work demands or different people
- adjusting priorities to meet new deadlines and information
- adjusting activities and attitude to work effectively in a new environment
- willing to try new approaches for changed situations and be flexible
- attempting to understand and embrace change positively
6. Teamwork
Answers to behavioral interview questions that explore your
ability to work as part of a team should focus on examples that show the following.
- how you exchange information freely and openly and offer information and ideas to other team members
- how you are able to listen to and acknowledge the input of
others - your use of empathy in dealing with team members
- willing to ask for and encourage
feedback and help - able to support team actions and decisions and put the team
objectives ahead of your own goals
7. Work Standards and Accountability
Examples
of past behavior that indicate high work standards and taking responsibility for your performance should include these
elements.
- setting high goals and standards for performance
- imposing
standards of excellence on oneself - not being satisfied with average
performance - assuming responsibility and accountability for one's own
successful performance and work outputs
Sample Behavioral Interview Answer
8. Communication
Answers
to behavioral interview questions that center on your communication
skills require a behavioral example that demonstrates the following.
- the ability to
listen with empathy and respect - able to avoid interrupting and willing to hear the
person out - receiving the right message by asking appropriate questions
and clarifying details - expressing oneself effectively and clearly
using the appropriate language and communication style to match the
individual you are communicating with
9. Creativity
Creativity
is not just about making music or art or coming up with a great
advertising campaign. It is about generating new ideas, approaching
tasks and processes differently, coming up with non-traditional
solutions to problems.
It is a highly valued competency and
employers are more and more aware of the need for creativity in their
workforce in order to be competitive and successful.
Sample Behavioral Interview Answer
What does the interviewer want in behavioral interview answers?
The interviewer wants an actual example from your past. What he or she does not want in answers to behavioral interview questions are the following:
- Vague responses - these include generalizations that do not provide a specific situation. Avoid using phrases such as "Most of the time...", Usually...", Sometimes..."
- Opinions
- the interviewer is not asking for your opinion. He or she wants a
real-life, factual example of what you did in a certain situation. Avoid
phrases such as "I believe...", "I think...", "In my opinion..."
- Theoretical answers - these answers indicate what you would do rather than what you did do. Avoid phrases such as If I had ....", I would have...", "I might.."
Behavioral Interview Tips
Prepare for standard job interview questions
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Why should we hire you?
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Can you tell me about yourself?
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Why do you want to work here?
Behavioral Interviews > Behavioral Interview Answers
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