Sample behavioral interview questions

Practice using the STAR method (explained in lecture material) on these common behavioral
interviewing questions:

• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully

convince someone to see things your way.
• Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your
coping skills.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in
solving a problem.
• Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve
it.
• Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence
someone's opinion.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which
you did not agree.
• Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
• Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to
get a job done.
• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to
prioritize your tasks.
• Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.
• What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
• Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even
when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
• Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
• Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
• Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
• Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer
or coworker.
• Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
• Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
• Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a
problem.
• Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
• Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive
measures.
• Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.
• Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend.
• Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).

Attitude/Flexibility/Adaptability

 When considering a new job opportunity, what elements—such as job responsibilities,

location, and hours of work—are important to you?
 Tell me about a situation where you had to quickly adjust to a change in your
department or team priorities. How did this change affect you?
 Describe a time you had to meet a scheduled deadline while your work was being
interrupted continuously. What was most difficult about this and how did you handle
it?
 Give me an example of a time when you had to balance multiple responsibilities at
once. What did you do to keep organized? How did you prioritize your tasks?
 Tell me about a challenging time you faced with a person from a different background
or culture.
 Interacting with co-workers or customers from different backgrounds or cultures can
be challenging at times. Tell me about a challenging time you faced with a person
from a different background or culture.
 What skill do you feel you need to develop the most? Why?
 Describe some specific tasks or conditions you found frustrating. How did you handle
them?
 Describe the style of management under which you work most effectively. Why do
you prefer this style?
 Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism. What was it? How did it
make you feel when you received it? What did you do to improve?
 Tell me about a time when you were asked to change your schedule unexpectedly.
How did you feel about it? How did you handle it?
 What types of responsibilities do you like most?
 What types of responsibilities do you like least?
 What makes one location of work more desirable to you than another?
 Are you willing to relocate or travel?
 Tell me about a time when it was necessary to admit to others that you had made a
mistake. How did you handle that?
 How would you describe the perfect work environment for you?

 How do you react when asked to do something beyond your capabilities?

 Describe your ideal company, location and job
 How do you feel about working nights and weekends?
 What motivates you to do good job?
 What makes you angry?
 Where do you see yourself five years from now?
 What is more important to you: money offered, or the type of job?
 Do you enjoy working independently?
 In what kind of a work environment are you most comfortable?
  Do you prefer working with others or all by yourself?

Situation based questions – test the personality traits.

 Describe one situation where you have demonstrated leadership

 What do you do differently from your peers that makes your work unique? Give me
an example.
 Tell me the steps you have taken to improve your skills or performance. What was the
result?
 What is your system for tracking progress on assigned projects for which you are
responsible? Give me an example.
 What do you consider to be your three greatest strengths? Give me an example of
when you used each of these strengths.
 Describe a time you had to go against traditions or policies to accomplish a goal.
What was the result?
 Tell me about a time when you made a bad decision. What was the result? 
 Can you describe a time when you needed to learn new information about changing
products, markets, or procedures? What did you do?
 What techniques have you learned to make you more effective?
 What would you describe as your greatest achievement? How did you achieve it?
 Give me an example of a time when you took on a responsibility that was not
assigned to you but needed to be done.
 Tell about a time you were responsible for planning an event and had very limited
resources. How did you overcome this obstacle?
 Describe what skills or qualities are important for dealing effectively with co-workers.
 Describe a situation when you tried your hardest, but were unable to achieve your
desired result. What did you do? Why were you unsuccessful?
 When evaluating your performance, what factors are most important to you?
 Can you describe a past situation that led you to grow as a person?

 Can you tell me about a time when you were faced with a major obstacle (work or
otherwise) and how you overcame it?
 Have you ever helped a team member to improve his or her performance in a project
work? Tell me about a specific instance.
 What qualities should a successful manager possess?

 Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and a subordinate.
What 3 accomplishments have given you the greatest satisfaction?
 If you were hiring for this position, what qualities would you look for?
 How would you describe yourself?
 How do you think a friend or professor who knows you would describe you?
 What motivates you to put forth your best effort?
 How do you determine or evaluate success?
 What led you to choose the career for which you are preparing?
 What personal characteristics are necessary for succeeding in the career that you are
interested in?
 What have you learnt from your mistakes in your past?
 Did you ever have problems with your team leader in projects at college?
 What are the most important rewards you expect in your career?
 What two or three things are most important to you in your job?