How To Answer Behavioural Questions
How To Answer Behavioural Questions
The best way to answer a behavioural question is to use the STAR format.
Situation: The interviewer wants you to present a recent challenge and situation in
which you found yourself.
Task: What did you have to achieve? The interviewer will be looking to see what you
were trying to achieve from the situation.
Action: What did you do? The interviewer will be looking for information on what you
did, why you did it and what the alternatives were.
Results: What were the outcomes of your actions? What did you achieve through your
actions and did you meet your objectives? What did you learn from this experience and
have you used this learning since?
Now using the STAR format write out the Situation, Task, Action, Result
Example question: Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able
to meet or achieve it.
Situation: My role as project manager was to ensure that projects are completed on
time and on budget.
Task: My last role involved combining three office spaces into one. With a tight deadline
of 90 days and dealing with multiple contractors from different companies, I knew it was
going to be a struggle to complete the job in time. I set the goal of having everything
completed within 80 days to give us 10 days at the end to make final corrections.
Action: By dividing all the different contractors into three main teams and having three
project managers controlling the three teams, I was able to create a more efficient and
effective work timetable and ensure that downtime was kept to a minimum.
Result: As a result of this more efficient working time we completed the job on time and
reduced costs by 15%. This new way of dividing contractors into smaller teams has now
been implemented into standard work procedure and seen a reduction in overall costs.
Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation and how you
overcame the situation
Provide an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead
Tell me about a situation where you have had to speak with an unhappy
customer
Give me an example of a time when you motivated others and how this led to a
positive outcome
Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to make a split second
decision
Describe a situation where you knew your boss was wrong how did you handle
it?
Describe a major change or adjustment to your job and your reactions to the
change
Tell me about a time when you encountered conflict in the workplace and how
you handled the conflict
Provide an example of when you had to go above and beyond your normal duties
in order to get the job done
Describe a time when you put the needs of your workmates before your own
when completing a task
Provide an example of a problem you had with a co-worker or boss and how you
resolved it
Provide an example of a time when you felt you were able to motivate
Describe a time when you did not put in 100% into your job or performance and
what you did about it
Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem with very little guidance or
direction