Behavioral Interview Questions and Best Answers

Common behavioral interview questions include those that explore the ability to

• problem solve
• use your initiative
• make sound decisions using reliable judgment

These behaviors are considered key to successful performance in a wide range of jobs. Expect to be assessed on these core competencies or behaviors in your job interview.

Prepare for your behavioral interview, using the sample behavioral answers provided
to develop your own winning responses.

Top Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers

Problem solving is a frequently required workplace competency whether
the employer is exploring management competencies, sales competencies,
customer service competencies or administrative competencies.

Describe a difficult problem you had to sort out in your last job

This behavior interview question is designed to explore your ability to identify, analyze and solve problems. Show how you are able to gather and organize the necessary information and identify the best solution.

Here is a sample behavioral interview answer that you can use as a guide to develop your own good answer.

"We were getting a lot of complaints about late deliveries". (Situation)

"I met with the staff involved in the customer delivery department and discovered that the problem seemed to be with the stock coming through on time.

I investigated and found that requests for new inventory were not  processed fast enough. The backlog was in the orders department as they were not following up adequately with the suppliers. A system for regular follow-up was quickly implemented." (Action)

"This sorted out the stock problems and the delivery staff were able to meet their deadlines." (Result)

In this behavioral interview answer the STAR method is used. Find out more about Describe a new idea or suggestion that you made to your supervisor recently

The ability to use your initiative is often explored during competency-based interviewing. The interviewer wants to know if you are proactive and able to generate workable ideas. Show how you are a self-starter who will take action beyond what is asked of you.

"I work in orders and the company was launching a new product. The sales team had in-depth training on it but we had none."(Situation)

"I
suggested that the orders department should also receive the training
so that we would understand what was being ordered and be able to answer
any questions if necessary. It was agreed we would all undergo a short
version of the training." (Action)

"This meant that we could deal professionally with the orders. It also motivated us as we felt part of the launch team." (Result)

Tell me when you had to use your judgment to make a tough decision in your previous job

Judgment
is another essential behavioral competency in the workplace. The
interviewer is exploring your ability to make logical decisions and take
action. Show how you consider all the relevant facts, weigh up the
alternatives and commit to the most appropriate action.

"I was responsible for ordering office supplies for the company." (Situation)

"The
company always ordered a month's supply at a time to keep inventory
costs low. I had to decide whether to keep doing this or buy six month's
supply and get a discount for ordering such a big volume and escape
possible future price increases. I did some research and worked out we
could reduce our costs by buying for six months, especially since the
amount we used remained practically unchanged month on month." (Action)

"I was right, the prices went up by 10% during those six months."  (Result)

Remember that these are sample interview answers that can be used to
help you formulate your own examples from your previous jobs or other
contexts when answering behavioral interview questions like these.

Simple steps on how to approach behavioral interview questions.

Prepare for Common Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers

Find good behavioral interview answers to common interview behavioral questions that explore the following core competencies and behaviors.

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW Q&a

Teamwork

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW Q&a

Persuade/Influence

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW q&a

Resilience

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW Q&a

Planning/Organizing

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW Q&a

Leadership

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW q&a

Adaptability

Competency Based Interview Questions

Go to these energy

Prepare for these frequently asked situational interview questions.

Behavioral Interview Question Database

You can find a complete list of interview behavioral questions with great behavioral interview answers at the job interview guide

What is the STAR Method when Interviewing?