Behavior-Based Questions
This post of for managers and candidates. You can be sure that most behavior-based questions will start with word or phrases like, “Give me an example of a time when…, Describe a situation when you…, Tell me about…, How did you handle…” And the list can go on.
There are books you can find at your local bookstore or local library full of sample behavior-based questions and answers. My favorite book is called “101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions” by Ron Fry. I have personally been using his book since 1994. I read the first edition and he has just printed the fifth edition. Let me repeat myself, I believe it is the best book on the market when it comes to interviewing. Get a copy. It is well worth the investment.
Here are some sample behavior-based questions. Review them, write them down and challenge yourself to come up with answers to them. It will help you in your preparation for the next interview.
Sample Questions
1. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. What was the situation, your actions and the outcome?
2. How would you handle a situation with a coworker who was rude to you in a meeting. What was the situation, your actions and the outcome?
3. Describe a time when you didn’t get along with your supervisor or manager. What was the situation, your actions and the outcome?
4. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. What was the situation, your actions and the outcome?
I know you are getting the picture. Review the job description you are considering. Anticipate what questions the interviewer could potentially ask you. What examples do you have in your past jobs that will help you articulate your experience, your skills, your abilities. Every answer you give must be focused. Don’t ramble. They don’t need every dot and tiddle, they don’t need your commentary.
How you respond to the questions is equally as important to your delivery. Body language including facial expressions, voice inflection, word choice, and eye contact do matter.
Powered by Qumana
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Book Review, Coach's Cornor, Preparation & Planning, The Interview, Tough Questions
10 opinions for Behavior-Based Questions
Andrew Cox
Feb 24, 2007 at 2:32 am
Free Xbox
Mar 4, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Today’s Updates…
[…] Normally I don’t write about other peoples blogs, but this one really caught my eye: […]…
What To Do When You Are Fired
Jun 30, 2007 at 1:18 am
[…] Theft is not petty even if it is something small. I understand why you are using the word, but for hiring managers, theft is theft. I am including a blog post that may help you as you prepare how you will answer the question about why you are no longer working for that company. That is what you need to work on. Don’t lie. Don’t tell all the gory details either. Read the post. I also recommend you pick up the book, 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, by Ron Fry. […]
How Do You Prepare For An Interview?
Aug 22, 2007 at 6:10 am
[…] Do you read any books? My all time favorite interview book is 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions by Ron Fry. Read it! It is not very long, easy reading and I wrote my workshop, “Tough Questions? Great […]
Tough Questions? Great Answers! Webinars
Sep 23, 2007 at 11:02 pm
[…] Recommended Material: 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions by Ron Fry […]
Webinars Available
Sep 30, 2007 at 7:45 am
[…] Recommended Material: 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions by Ron Fry […]
“So Tell Me A Little Bit About Yourself” - Video Instruction
Nov 6, 2007 at 6:17 pm
[…] About Yourself”. Check out this book, my favorite book about how to effectively interview - 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions, by Ron Fry. By far the best book on the market, in my opinion. 2. Nervous Laughter Followed By An Apology - […]
101 Great Answers To The Toughest Interview Questions
Dec 18, 2007 at 12:30 pm
[…] 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions by Ron Fry is the best book on the market in my opinion. This book will change the way you interview for jobs. It will teach how to effectively interview for jobs if you do what Ron Fry recommends. There are no silver bullets for anything in life, but there are proven prinicples that will work uniformly across the board if you apply them. I have 3 books to give-a-way!! Read on! 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions got me my first management job years ago. […]
S.T.A.R. Story
Jan 21, 2008 at 8:26 pm
[…] time preparing for their next interview. This model of S.T.A.R. is not unique however. It is a behavior-based interview model. Something I have talked about here at Interview Chatter. Many organizations use behavior-based […]
behavior colorado springs body language
May 9, 2008 at 1:58 pm
[…] word choice, …. Cold Stone Creamery Franchise: 50%+ Failure Rate in colorado springs …http://www.interviewchatter.com/behavior-based-questions/Webster University - Syllabus… years of Academic Success in colorado Springs. colorado springs […]
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: