Behavioural questions are questions that ask about an individual’s past behaviour or performance in specific situations. These types of questions are often used in job interviews to assess a candidate’s suitability for a role and to determine how they might behave in certain work-related situations.
In this post we have shared some behavioural questions and answers with which you can prepare better for interviews.
Tell me about a time when you had to work with a tight budget.
I once had to plan a company retreat on a very tight budget. To save money, I researched and negotiated with vendors, looked for discounts and deals, and found ways to repurpose materials and resources we already had. In the end, we were able to have a successful and enjoyable retreat that stayed within our budget.
Describe a situation where you had to deal with a conflict within a team.
I remember one instance where two team members were constantly arguing and disrupting our meetings. To resolve the conflict, I organized a mediator-led team-building session and worked with the team to establish some ground rules for communication and conflict resolution. The team was able to work through their issues and we were able to move forward with more productive and positive interactions.
Tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone to see your perspective.
One time I had to persuade a group of stakeholders to adopt a new process that I believed would improve our efficiency. I prepared a presentation that highlighted the benefits of the new process and addressed any concerns they had. I also made sure to listen to their perspectives and incorporate their feedback into my proposal. In the end, they agreed to give the new process a try, and it ended up being a success.
Describe a situation where you had to work with a diverse team.
I’ve had many opportunities to work with diverse teams, and one that stands out is a project I worked on with team members from different countries and cultures. To make sure everyone was able to contribute and be heard, we used translation tools and made an effort to respect and understand each other’s cultural differences. We also set clear communication guidelines and made sure to be open and inclusive in our discussions. The project was a success, and we were able to learn a lot from each other in the process.
Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to change.
I’ve had to adapt to many changes throughout my career, but one that stands out is when my company underwent a major restructuring. I had to adjust to new roles, responsibilities, and processes, as well as deal with the uncertainty and stress that came with the changes. To adapt, I made an effort to stay positive, communicate openly with my team, and seek out support and resources when I needed them. I also took advantage of any learning and development opportunities that were available to help me stay up to date and adapt to the new environment.
What superpower would you like to have?
I would like to have the power of telepathy, so that I could communicate with and understand the motivations of people who commit crimes, and help them change their ways before they harm anyone. This would allow me to prevent crimes from happening in the first place, and create a safer society for everyone, including women. Additionally, having the ability to read people’s thoughts and emotions would allow me to better understand and empathize with the experiences of women, and help me to be a more effective advocate for their rights and well-being.
What would a perfect day look like for you?
For me, a perfect day would involve being able to use my abilities and skills to make a positive impact on the world and those around me. This could involve working on a project or task that is meaningful and fulfilling to me, and seeing the results of my efforts come to fruition. In my free time, I would enjoy spending time with loved ones and participating in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as spending time in nature, practicing a hobby, or simply relaxing at home. Overall, a perfect day for me would be one where I feel productive and fulfilled, and am able to connect with and appreciate the people and things that are important to me.
What characteristics do you admire in others?
I also admire honesty and punctuality in others. Honesty is an important quality to have in any relationship, as it allows people to trust and rely on each other. In the workplace, honesty is especially important because it allows colleagues to collaborate effectively and produce their best work. Similarly, punctuality is a sign of respect for others’ time and shows a sense of responsibility and discipline. When people are punctual, it helps to create a sense of order and predictability, which can make it easier to get things done and work effectively as a team.
If you were to start a company from scratch, what value would you build it on?
If I were to start a company, I would build it on values of teamwork, innovation, and social responsibility. A peaceful and respectful working environment would be essential in order to create a positive and supportive culture where employees feel valued and motivated to do their best work. I would also prioritize hiring a hardworking and smart team, as these are important qualities for achieving success. Additionally, honesty would be a key value for my company, as it is essential for building trust and credibility with customers, partners, and stakeholders. Finally, I would aim to build a company that is focused on solving social problems and helping society, as I believe that businesses have the power to make a positive impact on the world. By addressing large market needs and addressing social issues, I believe that my company could make a meaningful difference in the world.
How do you think your co-worker think of you?
My co-workers think of me as a helpful and reliable resource. An asset to any organization or individual that I work with, and someone who contribute skills and abilities to the best of her abilities. They will also think I try to be punctual and responsive in my interactions, as I believe that these qualities are important for building trust and maintaining good relationships. Finally, they will perceive me as a skilled and competent worker, with the ability to manage tasks and projects effectively and to think critically and creatively.
Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult team member.
One time I had to work on a project with a team member who was constantly negative and uncooperative. To handle the situation, I first tried to understand their perspective and find common ground. When that didn’t work, I approached our manager to see if they could help mediate the situation. Ultimately, I was able to find a way to work effectively with this team member by setting clear boundaries and communicating openly and honestly.
Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision.
I once had to make a decision about whether to accept a job offer from a company that I really wanted to work for, or turn it down to pursue a different opportunity that I felt was a better fit for my long-term career goals. It was a tough choice, but after careful consideration, I ultimately decided to turn down the offer and take the other opportunity. It was a risky move, but it ended up paying off in the long run.
Tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult customer or client.
I remember one instance where a customer was extremely unhappy with the product they had purchased and was threatening to never do business with our company again. I stayed calm and listened carefully to their concerns, and then worked with them to find a solution that met their needs. In the end, they were satisfied with the resolution and ended up becoming a loyal customer.
Describe a situation where you had to work under tight deadlines or constraints.
There have been many times in my career when I’ve had to work under tight deadlines or constraints. One example that stands out is when I was leading a project at my previous company and we had to deliver a deliver a major update to our software within a very short timeframe. I worked closely with my team to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and make sure we were all aligned on our goals. We ended up delivering the update on time and exceeding our clients’ expectations.
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a challenging or unfamiliar task.
One time I was asked to lead a training session on a topic that I had very little experience with. I knew it was important to deliver a high-quality training, so I spent extra time researching the topic and preparing my materials. I also made sure to be transparent with my team about my lack of expertise, and worked closely with them to make sure the training was successful. In the end, the training went well and I was able to learn a lot in the process.