Behavioral Interview Questions
Introduction
In the current economic situation, there is an incredible amount of investment being made in startups and small businesses, and these are the key contributors to the net economic development of countries around the world. The bottom line is that you are in demand, whether you are interested in landing a job with a big corporation or would like to contribute to a start-up that is thriving.
Interviews are the only thing standing between you and your dream job, and they can either make or break your career prospects. In most tech companies, the interview process involves different stages, including a phone interview, a group assessment, a behavioral interview, and then more technical interviews. If you are searching for a comprehensive list of behavioral interview questions, then you have come to the right place. The purpose of this article is to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to ace common behavioral interviews.
Throughout this article, we will take a look at the common behavioral interview questions and answers that can be encountered during the interviews.
These behavioral interview questions are designed to gauge a person's ability to handle stress, what level of competence they possess, and how they conduct themselves in a professional environment. It would be best if you were to highlight at least one of the following themes within your answer:
- Self-awareness
- Self-sustaining
- Growth and Development
- Willingness to assist others
What is the STAR method?
The STAR method is one of the easiest ways to answer questions in a behavioral interview because it is a structured approach. The STAR method requires each interview answer to be structured as follows:
- S for Situation: Describe the circumstances or situations under which everything occurred.
- T for Task: Describe the task you had to do to resolve the issue at hand.
- A for Action: Describe how you implemented the aforementioned task.
- R for Results: Give a detailed description of the results of your actions and how they made the company or organization more efficient.
Common Behavioral Interview Questions (Technical Interviews)
- Behavioral Interview Questions About Self-Management Skills
- Behavioral Interview Questions About Creative Thinking Skills
- Behavioral Interview Questions About Teamwork
- Behavioral Interview Questions About Problem-Solving Skills
- Behavioral Interview Questions About Leadership Skills
- Behavioral Interview Questions About Time Management skills
- Behavioral Interview Questions About Communication skills
- Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Self-Management Skills
1. Describe your work ethic.
Motivation, hard work, and the ability to focus are among the qualities employers seek in employees. You are being paid by them, so they want to ensure that the investment they are making in you is worth it. Although this isn't a trick question, employers are looking to ensure that you represent hard work, resilience, and optimism in your work.
Tips:
- Should sound like you are a hard-working, reliable, and consistent individual.
- Show consistency along with a strong work ethic.
- Maintain a steady pace and be predictable.
Sample Answer:
My work ethic can be described as reliable and consistent. It is easy for me to stay productive and motivated at work because I enjoy my job. Additionally, I feel more energetic after a successful, productive day at work. Fortunately, I have never had problems with motivation or work ethic, and I consider it a strength. I try to show up every day with the same enthusiasm and mindset so that my team can achieve consistent results.
2. Why do you want this job?
If you're applying for an IT job, you can take four steps to answer the question:
- Reflect on your professional aspirations.
- Use specific examples to illustrate your point.
- Describe how your examples and goals relate to the job description.
- Identify the organization's mission statement or key values before your interview and relate them to your experience.
Sample Answer:
I find that a career in technology provides me with the opportunity to combine both my analytical skills and my creative abilities, which makes me interested in the field. When I was earning my degree in IT, I did an internship in cybersecurity at a large tech company. It was a unique opportunity for me to learn from experienced IT security analysts and develop new methods of preventing data theft. Taking over this position at your esteemed company will allow me to hone my professional skills, as well as leverage some of the more valuable skills that I have acquired over the years, both professionally and personally, which will allow me to grow more and further along with growing your organization.
3. What makes you unique?
If the interviewer asks you this question, this is your chance to tell him or her how you would be a great candidate for a specific role while also demonstrating your ability to think on your feet and become an expert at your craft.
Tips:
- Review the job description to determine the most compelling answers.
- Give examples from your professional experience. Include past roles and accomplishments.
- Include both hard and soft skills you are most often praised or rewarded for.
Sample Answer:
As a programmer, I have a unique background that makes me stand out. My work entails writing code and scripts to automate various tasks. Furthermore, I approach problems and obstacles from an engineer's as well as the end user's perspective which helps me come up with well-designed solutions. Hence, I feel I'm a strong candidate for the job.
4. Explain why your background and experience would be a good fit for this job.
Interviewers ask this question to determine whether or not you are a good fit for both the role and the company. This is your chance to showcase your strengths, make a good impression, and put your best foot forward.
Tips:
- Share some insights into the research you conducted for that particular job role and company.
- Describe your skill set and your learning process with confidence.
- Make sure your answer is honest and truthful, as any false information or story can cost you the job.
- Plan ahead, but be careful not to sound too rehearsed.
Sample Answer:
Being a new employee, I have no practical experience, but I am eager to demonstrate my potential by providing the best services possible. Having the opportunity to work with you and the organization will be an honor. I have always been faithful and hardworking since I was a child. I was part of a dedicated group of students who were always completing their assignments and tasks in a timely manner. Among my strengths, I possess excellent programming skills in C, C++, C#, HTML, and Python, as well as analytical, networking, and problem-solving abilities. Since I used Python in my last project, I can save your team a lot of valuable time by avoiding the training periods. Also, I have extensive experience working with a wide range of operating systems. Therefore, I believe I am the best candidate for this role since I have ample theoretical knowledge as well as an eagerness to learn.
5. When was the last time you tried something risky and failed?
The hiring manager or recruiter is looking for three key characteristics in your answer, and if you want to impress them, you have to touch on all three areas mentioned below:
Tips:
- Show recruiters that you are transparent and accountable.
- You must demonstrate that you are willing to learn from your mistakes and use that experience as a tool to help you improve.
- Don't stray from your answer and tell a concise story.
Sample Answer:
During my first job as a developer, I was assigned to make a series of changes to a live website for a customer, which I did. They had to be completed within two hours. I had tested these changes before, and they did not work. In the midst of a time crunch, I undid everything. I had to reschedule the process all over again, which upset the customer, as it took me a while to resolve. But I kept the customer informed at all stages so that they were aware of things that we were doing and they finally understood that it was essential to release well-tested changes. Since then, I have always used a test server for applying all changes and validating them before deploying them to live websites.
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Questions About Creative Thinking Skills
1. Have you ever come up with a great team-based project idea?
Employers use situational interview questions as a means of learning more about your previous work experiences. Interviewers may ask about your past projects in order to gain insight into your abilities, management style, and work ethic.
Tips:
- As this is a common interview question, it is advisable to prepare your response in advance.
- Answer the question using the STAR interview technique.
- Give a specific and concise description of your best project.
- Be sure to include measurable outcomes in your answer.
Sample Answer:
Yes, I have experience coming up with team-based project ideas. One instance that I can recall is a project I proposed to my team in my previous organization. The project was to develop a software application that could help small businesses manage their inventory, track sales, and generate reports. I presented the idea to my team and provided a detailed plan on how we could execute it. I also made sure that everyone understood the goal of the project and how it would benefit the company. The project was well received by my team, and we conducted brainstorming sessions to improvise the idea and once the foundation was solid, we successfully developed and launched the application. This helped many small businesses to improve their inventory management and sales tracking and inturn it resulted in many clients for us.
2. Explain a time when you took the initiative on a project.
Employers ask this question to determine if you have ever used the initiative to get some projects done. Your answer to this question will showcase your forward-thinking, proactive approach to life.
Tips:
- While it may be tempting to focus solely on yourself, don't forget to give credit to your team as well.
- Give examples of how you went above and beyond your day-to-day responsibilities.
- Whenever you share an example, use the STAR method, which means describing the situation, tasks, actions, and results.
Sample Answer:
During my previous employment, I noticed that we lacked an effective system for keeping track of client work. Apparently, we used an old-fashioned spreadsheet system to keep track, which I thought could have been better. That's why I was determined to find the right project management system for our team. After spending approximately a month searching and testing, I finally found the perfect one. After implementing this system, my team members and clients were thrilled about how user-friendly and intuitive it was. We adopted this new tool and followed the newly outlined process and within a month, our productivity sky-rocketed 2 folds.
3. What is motivating you to look for an opportunity outside of your current position?
Several important pieces of information are sought by interviewers in this interview question, including how prepared you are for your search, why you are interested in the position, and what you are looking for in a new job.
Tips:
- Put more emphasis on the positive aspects of your decision to leave your current position.
- Describe your skills and abilities, and why you want to use and improve them.
- Conclude with a few words about the company.
Sample Answer:
Among the reasons why I am changing jobs is that I would like to gain more upward mobility and financial stability. I have been working for my current employer for the last four years and have grown professionally. My experience has given me a spectacular work ethic and an in-depth understanding of the industry. Nevertheless, my work has become less challenging over the years. My growth prospects within the organization are limited. Therefore, I am eager to make this transition in order to continue progressing. Based on the job description and research I conducted for your organization, I believe that it perfectly inclines with what I am looking for professionally and therefore I look forward to interacting with and working closely with thought leaders in our industry who are also part of your leadership team.
4. Name three improvements you made in your most recent position.
Often, employers ask this question to test your ability to solve problems and come up with innovative ideas. They are interested in finding out if you are capable of taking initiative and improving the work environment. Their goal may be to hire innovative, motivated employees that will boost their morale and productivity.
Tips
- Prepare a list of improvements so that you won't stumble over your words during the interview.
- Prepare your '3 improvements' for discussion and focus more on the result you achieved.
Sample Answer-
In my most recent position, I introduced a new code review process that increased code quality and reduced errors by 20%. I also implemented a new automated testing framework that reduced testing time by 50%. Lastly, I led a team to refactor a legacy module, resulting in a 30% reduction in code complexity and an increase in maintainability.
5. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond.
Recruiters ask this question to gauge your dedication and work ethic. A potential employer wants to see if you are the type of employee who is willing to go above and beyond what is expected.
Tips:
- Think of a situation that relates to the new job description and is among your greatest achievements.
- Mention actions that exceeded expectations.
- Emphasize the successful outcomes.
Sample Answer:
Several months ago, I noticed that some staff schedules had not been completed by my manager. Normally, my manager completes them on time, but he had been dealing with several urgent tasks at the same time. Instead of adding to his workload by complaining, I offered to assist him with some of his workloads. The two of us worked overtime for a week and I helped him catch up on all the things he had fallen behind on. When it comes to teams and projects, I am always willing to go above and beyond to help my team grow.
6. When did you use creativity to overcome a dilemma?
Employers highly value creativity because it leads to more creative problem-solving and enhanced collaboration. Stand out from the crowd by showcasing your creativity in your interview.
Tips:
- Describe a time when you surprised yourself with a great idea.
- Discuss whether you followed a creative process or if your creativity was more spontaneous.
- Bring communication and collaboration to the forefront.
Sample Answer:
One time, I was tasked with finding a solution to reduce the time it took to process a large amount of data. I came up with a creative approach by implementing parallel processing using multithreading. This reduced the processing time by 70% and significantly improved the overall performance of the system.
7. Occasionally, we all make mistakes and wish they could be retracted. Can you recall a time when you wish you had handled a situation differently with a colleague or client?
Despite how impressive your achievements may seem, your interviewer wants to know how you will react if things go awry. In response to their questions, you can demonstrate how you operate under pressure, how self-aware you are, and how well you acknowledge and admit your mistakes and learn from them going forward.
Tips:
- Pick a mistake that illustrates your ability to take in feedback and improve.
- Discuss your learnings and how you have avoided making the same mistakes in the future.
- Avoid getting defensive, blaming others, or using passive language.
Sample Answer:
Yes, in a previous project, I had a disagreement with a colleague over a technical decision, and I reacted emotionally and defensively, which escalated the situation. Looking back, I realize that I could have handled the situation differently by actively listening to their perspective and proposing a compromise to find a solution that worked for both of us. I learned from this experience and have since made an effort to approach conflicts with a more collaborative and solution-oriented mindset.
Questions About Teamwork
1. In the event of a disagreement with your colleagues, what do you do?
Working collaboratively and resolving conflict can increase productivity and create a more pleasant work environment. This question is asked by interviewers to determine how you will handle disagreements at work, which is inevitable. A positive ending is always good, so make sure you show how you turned it around.
Tips:
- Put less focus on the problem and more focus on the process of finding a solution to it.
- Don't lose sight of the positive.
- Consider coworkers' perspectives.
Sample Answer:
During conflict situations, I actively make a conscious effort to adjust my attitude. In order to maintain a constructive dialogue, I endeavor to listen to the other person's perspective without becoming defensive. It keeps the situation calm, makes them feel heard, and then it becomes much easier to come to an agreement or compromise. Furthermore, I try to move the confrontation on 1:1 basis to avoid escalation.
2. Do you have experience counseling a difficult team member?
You must demonstrate to the hiring official that you are capable of handling a challenging situation, yet you are willing to remain flexible, for the sake of a successful outcome. Be prepared to put your ego on hold in order to deliver results.
Tips:
- Give an example of a time when you had to provide uncomfortable advice to a team member. It is important to provide relevant examples of when you excelled as a leader for the right reasons.
- Demonstrate leadership and follow-up skills, as well as choose the right reasons to strive.
- Consider a time when you had the opportunity to communicate a vision, lead a team, fight for a cause, develop others, or motivate others to achieve their objectives.
Sample Answer-
In one instance, a team member was consistently not meeting the deadlines and not providing the required quality of work. I first scheduled a meeting with them to understand the reason behind their behavior and find out if there were any underlying issues that were preventing them from performing at their best. After identifying the issues, I provided them with clear goals and expectations and also helped them with the resources and training they needed to improve. I also set up regular check-ins to track their progress and provide feedback. Over time, the team member was able to improve their work and became valuable member of the team.
3. How will you handle the situation if one of your team members refuses to do their part of the work or is unable to do so?
People who refuse to do their part of a team's work can frustrate and demoralize the rest of the team. However, it's important to remember that everyone is different and sometimes people have legitimate reasons for not wanting to do something. If such a situation arises, it is best to understand the person's perspective and show compassion for them in order to help.
Tips:
- Emphasize the importance of understanding why someone isn't contributing their fair share.
- Include I-statements as one of the best practices for confronting someone in a professional environment.
- Refrain from blaming anyone and providing any support you may be able to provide.
Sample Answer-
I would first try to understand the reason behind their behavior. I will schedule a meeting with them to discuss the situation and find out if there are any issues that are preventing them from completing their tasks. I will also make sure to communicate the importance of the task and how it relates to the overall project goals. If the issue is related to lack of knowledge or skill, I will provide training or resources to help them improve. If the issue is related to lack of motivation, I will try to find ways to motivate them and make them feel valued. If the issue persists, I will escalate the matter to my manager or supervisor for further actions.
Questions About Problem Solving Skills
1. In what ways do you cope with unexpected changes or challenges?
Using this question, interviewers will learn more about your ability to adapt and handle organizational change. In your story, you do not necessarily need to speak about a major workplace restructuring. It could even involve the creation of a new file-sharing system. It is important to describe how you adapted and then generalize your experience to make sure interviewers get what they need.
Tips:
- Describe a time when you successfully handled change using your strengths and skills.
- Consider your open-mindedness and your ability to embrace change with a flexible mindset.
- Highlight what you learned and how you would handle a similar situation in the future if you were to make a similar change in the future.
Sample Answer:
While I was employed in my previous organization, we made a company-wide transition to a new content management system. Despite my lack of familiarity with the brand-new CMS, I was able to swiftly acquire new techniques for digital publication by drawing on my prior knowledge of related platforms. In spite of the continuing adjustments, I made sure to give my best which helped increase site traffic by over 25%.
2. What is your approach to solving problems?
Companies often look for proactive, Solution-oriented candidates for many positions they are filling, and focus more on your approach to solving problems than on the "right" answer. The question may also be used to assess your command of a particular industry-specific technology or process.
Tips:
- Focus on the approach you use to solve problems.
- Mention breaking them down into steps in order to Solve them.
- Include tools and techniques you use to work through a problem.
Sample Answer:
Whenever I am faced with a problem, I follow these steps:
- Identify the factors that led to the problem.
- Come up with possible solutions.
- Assess these solutions' costs and viability.
- Put a plan into action.
- Evaluate the solution's effectiveness.
These steps help me to strategically analyze the problem at hand and arrive at a solution in a neat manner.
3. Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.
There is a good chance that you will be asked this question during an interview. Even though it can be intimidating to think that you will be judged on one simple answer, it is also a great way to showcase your suitability for the position.
Tips:
- Consider a challenging example that demonstrates your competency in relation to the job you are applying for and ties it to a past position you have held.
- Your response should follow the STAR technique to keep it focused and ensure it meets the employer's requirements.
Sample Answer:
As a former supervisor, I was asked to act as a liaison between two coworkers having personal issues because we had a close working relationship. My employer's HR team assisted me in my preparation to work effectively with both co-workers, even though I had no prior conflict resolution training. Thus, I have a new found appreciation on how a familiar acquaintance can be more effective than the management team intervening alone in a sensitive situation.
Questions About Leadership skills
1. Have you ever done a job or worked on a project where you had no previous experience? Describe your approach to this situation and the lessons you learned.
Interviewers ask this question to find out if you are a fast learner and can quickly grasp new concepts. In today's fast-paced work environments, the ability to change speedily is essential for any position. If you are applying for a job in a new field, you will need to be even more convincing in your answer.
Tips:
- Consider a time when you completed a task you had never attempted before.
- Give a brief description of the situation, when and where it occurred, and what you did.
- Include why it was important and how it came to your attention.
- Briefly explain how you understood the desired outcome, developed the skills you needed to succeed, and completed the task.
Sample Answer:
Yes, I once worked on a project involving a new technology stack that I had no prior experience with. To overcome this challenge, I spent extra time learning and experimenting with the technology, leveraging online resources, and collaborating with more experienced colleagues. Through this experience, I learned the value of being adaptable, proactive, and continuously learning to stay relevant in a constantly evolving industry.
2. When was the last time you disagreed with a supervisor?
Employers frequently inquire about your previous interactions with your manager/supervisor with this question, particularly regarding any instances where difficult conversations may have taken place. Workplace disagreements are frequent, therefore this question is primarily concerned with how you assess circumstances and articulate viewpoints that can conflict with those of others.
Tips:
- With your manager, go over how this experience helped you learn how to handle conflicts with coworkers in the future.
- Mention how your relaxed demeanor will assist reduce tension.
- Briefly but respectfully describe the circumstances around the disagreement. In the event that you were at fault, don't be scared to admit it.
- Discuss the value of maintaining open lines of communication with coworkers, especially when you disagree.
Sample Answer:
I once disagreed with my management about how to help a client the best. I talked to them discreetly rather than questioning their authority in front of everyone. I was open and truthful about my concerns about their suggested plan of action. It turned out to be just a simple miscommunication. I learned the need of communicating with my team to avoid a small issue from becoming a bigger problem than it needs to be.
3. Describe a time when you had to take on leadership roles.
Interviewers often ask about your leadership abilities and experience during job interviews. Recruiters are interested not only in your ability to delegate but also in your other leadership skills. Therefore, you must choose an example that showcases your skills in a suitable way.
Tips:
- Define leadership from the perspective of the skills, qualities, and actions you value in a leader.
- Take a moment to reflect on what you have learned from your previous experiences as a leader and employee.
- Describe your task or your responsibilities.
- Describe the action (or actions) you took, making sure you frame everything in leadership terms.
Sample Answer-
I have had several opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as leading a project or mentoring junior team members. One specific example was when I was leading a project where I was responsible for managing a team of developers, coordinating with other departments and stakeholders, and ensuring that the project was completed on time and within budget. To ensure the success of the project, I created a project plan, assigned tasks to team members, and set clear deadlines. I also provided regular updates to management and made sure to address any issues that arose promptly. I also fostered a positive team culture and provided guidance and support to my team members to help them achieve their goals.
Questions About Time Management skills
1. In a time crunch, what do you do to accomplish your tasks?
This question is usually asked during an interview to determine a candidate's ability to work effectively and efficiently. The way you approach deadlines plays a crucial role in determining whether you are suited to the demands of the position you are applying for. This question assesses your ability to complete tasks with urgency when required and how well you may perform in the role.
Tips:
- Make sure you explain the full context of the situation, including all the people you worked with and the challenges you faced to meet the deadline.
- Provide an overview of the methods you used to meet the deadline.
- Outline the accomplishments you made by meeting the deadline and the lessons you learned.
- When describing how you met a deadline, stay positive.
Sample Answer-
In a time crunch, I prioritize my tasks and focus on the most important and urgent ones first. I also break down large tasks into smaller manageable chunks, set clear deadlines for each, and make sure to communicate them with my team. I also make use of tools like Trello, Asana or Jira to track my progress, set reminders and collaborate with my team members. I also make sure to stay organized and use my time efficiently by avoiding multitasking, and instead focusing on one task at a time. Additionally, I make sure to ask for help when needed and seek feedback to ensure that I am on the right track.
2. How long has it been since you last set yourself a personal goal? What steps did you take to ensure your objectives were met?
Often, the interviewer will ask this question to gauge your level of initiative and ambition. Hiring managers are probably trying to identify whether you are capable of achieving goals. Your planning abilities could be a good way to showcase what you're capable of and help you stand out from other candidates.
Tips:
- Provide a description of the method you used to achieve your objectives.
- Concentrate your efforts on organizing your answer. STAR is a commonly used organizational way of answering this question.
- Maintain a professional tone in all your responses.
Sample Answer-
I am constantly setting personal goals for myself to improve my skills and stay updated with new technologies. My most recent goal was to improve my proficiency in a specific programming language. To ensure that I met this goal, I set a deadline for myself, and I made a plan to learn and practice the language regularly through online tutorials, reading the documentation, and working on small projects. I also sought guidance from more experienced developers in the language and received feedback on my progress. I made sure to track my progress and adapt my plan as necessary. As a result, I was able to achieve my goal and improve my proficiency in the language.
3. Often, it is virtually impossible to accomplish everything on your to-do list. Are you able to cope with overwhelming responsibilities?
Interviewers may ask this question in order to get a sense of how you'll handle multiple tasks at once as a software engineer. You can discuss your time management skills and flexibility when adapting to new tasks.
Tips:
- Give a detailed anecdote of how you dealt with this challenging situation in the past.
- Provide some context for how the situation developed and what you did to resolve it.
- Mention your time-management and problem-solving skills that helped you cope with the overwhelming workload.
Sample Answer:
A year ago, I was assigned to a performance interface design team by my manager simultaneously with the work I was doing with a client on coordinating software installation, which was so stressful for me. The initial challenge of juggling two big projects was overwhelming, but once I organized and prioritized tasks, I was able to meet both deadlines. Therefore, I was able to complete both assignments in a timely manner.
Questions About Communication skills
1. Can you recall a time when you were able to successfully delegate work to your team?
If you are asked this question, you should be prepared to provide an anecdote about an assignment you made within a group, how it went, and how it ended. The question could also be phrased in a similar manner: "Have you ever led a group or are you good at delegating duties?".
Tips:
- Give an example of how you delegated tasks and the setbacks you encountered.
- Put emphasis on how well you lead a team. Also, it can be beneficial to discuss how others grew during the assignment.
- Make sure that you are ready to use the STAR method.
Sample Answer-
Yes, I have experience in successfully delegating work to my team. One example that I can recall is when I was leading a project and had to divide the work among my team members. I made sure to assign tasks that were within their skill set and gave them a clear understanding of their responsibilities and deadlines. I also provided them with the necessary resources and support they needed to complete their tasks. I also made sure to check in with them regularly and provide feedback to ensure that the work was progressing as expected and to address any issues that may arise.
2. If you misunderstood an important task at work, what would you do? Describe an example.
When asking this question, a skilled interviewer will simply pay attention to the way you talk and gesture. A professional interviewer will observe how well you communicate, listen attentively, and respond to uncomfortable questions.
Tips:
- Interviewers are primarily concerned with your attitude. Show the right one.
- It's okay to deny if you have never misunderstood anything but not in a boastful manner.
Sample Answer:
It is unlikely that I encountered this problem since I always make a conscious effort to listen carefully to my colleagues and confirm that we are on the same page with what they are saying if the communication was not 100% clear. If this happened, however, I would be willing to acknowledge and apologize for making a mistake as well as try to learn from it.
3. When was the last time you were unable to get information from an individual who was not responsive? How did you handle the situation?
In asking this question, the hiring manager is looking for people who are proactive and can solve problems on their own.
Tips
- Communication breakdowns are at the heart of most workplace problems, and this question focuses on that.
- Don't overwhelm the reader with nitty-gritty details of the story; end with a clear lesson.
Sample Answer:
The last time I encountered this situation was when I was working on a project where I needed information from a team member who was not responsive. To handle the situation, I first attempted to reach out to the individual multiple times through different communication channels, such as email and slack. When that didn't work, I brought the issue to our team lead and requested their assistance in reaching out to the unresponsive team member. I also made sure to keep detailed records of my attempts to contact the individual, which were later used to escalate the issue to higher management and find an alternate solution.
4. Have you ever successfully explained a technical problem to someone who did not have a tech background?
If you want to impress the recruiters, you need to show them that you are willing to explain everything in a humble manner, rather than trying to impress them with your intellectual abilities or your experience.
Tips:
- Put a strong emphasis on presenting technical information with humor and humility.
- Describe the importance of incorporating storytelling into technical communication.
- Mention the importance of avoiding technical jargon in your communication.
Sample Answer-
Yes, in a previous role, I had to explain a complex technical issue to a non-technical manager. I used analogies and simplified the explanation, breaking it down into smaller pieces, and used visual aids to help them understand. This approach proved effective, and they were able to make an informed decision based on the information I provided. It taught me the importance of clear communication and tailoring the message to the audience.
5. Do you remember a time when you were lied to? What was your response to that situation?
Showcase their ability to handle conflicts in a professional manner and demonstrate their communication and problem-solving skills. It also helps to establish their integrity and trustworthiness as an employee.
Tips:
- Give an example of a situation that relates to your work. Have you been lied to by a customer or a colleague?
- Describe what you did to deal with the situation.
- Make sure you explain how intelligent questioning helped you discover you had been lied to.
Sample Answer-
I have had instances where I have been provided with incorrect or misleading information. My response to those situations is to verify the information in question and to communicate any discrepancies or concerns to the relevant parties. I believe that it is important to maintain open and clear communication in order to ensure that the project is moving forward in the right direction. If the situation cannot be resolved through communication, I would bring it to the attention of my manager or project lead to find a solution. I always strive to find a way to move forward and find a solution that is in the best interest of the project and the team.
Conclusion
In summary, behavioral interview questions are based on how you are likely to behave when faced with certain situations. The hiring manager will use the behavioral interview, along with a coding test and a technical interview, to determine whether or not your past performance will assist you in putting your best foot forward in your new role. To that end, you should always come prepared for an interview. Moreover, you should strive to provide real answers.
One of the other great tips would be to pay attention to the company and think about some solutions you can offer. Tech startups strive to hire employees that can help them increase revenue while reducing costs. You will be in high demand if you can prove that through examples and insights. If you cannot come up with any specific situation or challenge as a response to a behavioral question, then simply make sure to explain why you are unable to do that. Being humble, open, and professional will go a long way over making something up in an attempt to appear impressive.
Additional Resources
- https://www.interviewbit.com/blog/where-do-you-see-yourself-in-5-years/
- https://www.interviewbit.com/blog/why-are-you-interested-in-this-position/
- https://www.interviewbit.com/blog/why-do-you-want-to-work-here/
- https://www.interviewbit.com/blog/how-would-you-describe-yourself/
- https://www.interviewbit.com/blog/good-questions-to-ask-in-an-interview/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top behavioral questions in an interview?
Below is a list of the most common behavioral interview questions:
- When faced with a challenging situation, how do you handle it?
- How often do you set goals for yourself at work?
- Tell me about a time when you made a mistake at work.
- Has there ever been a conflict between you and a coworker? Did you find a solution to the problem?
2. What is your weakness best answer?
When answering this dreaded interview question, keep self-awareness, honesty, and dedication to improvement in mind. If you possess these three qualities, your weakness won't hamper your chances of obtaining the position. Reflect on your true weaknesses as well as what your efforts are to overcome them.
3. How do you pass a behavioral interview?
Here are a few tips to help you pass a behavioral interview:
- Read the job description carefully.
- Structure your response using the STAR method.
- Look at the major projects you have worked on.
- Re-evaluate previous job performances.
- List your professional accomplishments.
- Give an honest and open answer, etc.
4. How long do behavioral interviews last?
A behavioral interview, which generally lasts between 30-60 minutes, has become an essential part of the interview process for any job seeker, regardless of their experience level.
5. Can you fail a behavioral interview?
Yes, it is possible to fail a behavioral interview if you are unable to provide satisfactory answers that demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to the job. Behavioral interviews are designed to evaluate your past behavior and work style to assess your potential fit for the role.
6. What should you not say in a behavioral interview?
In a behavioral interview, it is important to avoid negative or inappropriate responses, such as bad-mouthing a previous employer or colleague, exaggerating your accomplishments, or lying about your past experiences. It is also important to avoid answers that are too vague or generic and do not provide specific examples of your behavior or actions.