BEHAVIOURAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & ANSWERS! (The STAR TECHNIQUE for BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS!)

Summary

In this tutorial, Richard McMahon from PassMyInterview.com teaches how to excel in behavioral interview questions, which are common in job interviews. He explains the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as the best method to structure answers for these questions. Richard provides multiple examples of top-scoring responses for a variety of challenging behavioral questions, such as handling customer service, dealing with disagreements, and working under pressure. He also encourages viewers to download his full set of 27 answers to help them prepare effectively for job interviews and improve their career prospects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Behavioral interview questions assess how you’ve handled past workplace situations.
• 😀 The STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is the best method to answer behavioral questions.
• 😀 When answering behavioral questions, always focus on providing a positive result.
• 😀 Practice telling your interview story using the STAR technique, not by memorizing word-for-word answers.
• 😀 A great response to 'Tell me about a time when you delivered excellent customer service' should demonstrate problem-solving and a positive outcome.
• 😀 If asked about working with difficult colleagues, emphasize finding common ground and building relationships.
• 😀 When discussing disagreements with managers, present facts and evidence to show you can disagree professionally and constructively.
• 😀 The ability to handle unexpected problems and solve them efficiently is a key trait employers seek.
• 😀 Owning up to mistakes and demonstrating your ability to learn from them is important during behavioral interviews.
• 😀 Show your adaptability to change and willingness to embrace new practices or systems in the workplace.
• 😀 When setting goals, demonstrate how you proactively work to achieve them and highlight the positive impact on your employer.

Q & A

What are behavioral interview questions?

Behavioral interview questions are designed to assess how you have dealt with previous workplace situations. These questions typically begin with phrases like 'Tell me about a time when...' or 'Describe a situation when...', and they focus on how you handled specific tasks or challenges in the past.

Why are behavioral interview questions important in job interviews?

Behavioral interview questions are important because they give employers insight into how a candidate has behaved in specific situations. This helps interviewers predict how the candidate might perform in similar situations in the future, making it easier to assess their skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability.

What is the STAR technique, and why should it be used to answer behavioral interview questions?

The STAR technique stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It is a structured method for answering behavioral interview questions, allowing candidates to provide clear, concise, and relevant responses. The STAR technique helps you outline the context of the situation, what needed to be done, the steps you took to address it, and the positive outcomes of your actions.

Can you explain how to answer a question about delivering excellent customer service using the STAR technique?

To answer this question using the STAR technique, you would describe a specific situation where you provided excellent customer service. Then, explain the task you were given, such as helping a customer with an out-of-stock product. Next, outline the actions you took to resolve the issue, like offering an alternative product, and finish by sharing the positive result, such as the customer purchasing the alternative and leaving a five-star review.

How can the STAR technique be used to answer a question about managing numerous tasks?

When answering a question about managing multiple tasks, you would first describe a situation where you were responsible for several tasks. Then, explain the task you had to complete, followed by the actions you took to prioritize and organize the tasks effectively. Finally, conclude by discussing the result, such as completing all tasks on time and to a high standard.

How should you answer a question about working with someone you didn’t get along with?

In this case, use the STAR technique by explaining a situation where you had to work with a colleague you didn't get along with. Describe the task you were working on together and the action you took to resolve the tension, such as finding common ground through a shared interest. The result should be a stronger working relationship, with the colleague becoming more helpful and collaborative.

What’s the best way to answer a question about having a disagreement with your boss or manager?

To answer this, you should describe a situation where you disagreed with your boss over a decision. Explain the task at hand, such as managing a budget, and the actions you took to address the disagreement, like presenting research and alternative ideas. The result should demonstrate a positive outcome, such as your manager agreeing with your suggestion, showing that you handled the disagreement professionally.

How can the STAR technique be applied when answering a question about handling an unexpected problem?

When dealing with an unexpected problem, describe the situation, such as a key supplier going out of business. Outline the task, like ensuring customers still received their orders. Then, explain the actions you took, such as sourcing an alternative supplier and notifying customers. The result should show how your actions led to a successful resolution, with customer satisfaction and operational efficiency maintained.

How should you answer a question about making a mistake at work?

When asked about a mistake at work, it's important to show accountability. Describe a situation where you made an error, such as misunderstanding instructions for a presentation. Explain the task, the mistake, and how you handled it by apologizing and ensuring it wouldn't happen again. The result should highlight how you learned from the mistake and improved, demonstrating your ability to accept feedback and grow.

What’s a good response to a question about your proudest professional accomplishment?

To answer this question, you should describe a project or achievement that had a positive impact on the company. For example, you could discuss a website redesign project where you helped create search-engine-friendly content. Explain the task, the actions you took, and the result, such as increased sales and a successful outcome that exceeded expectations.