Behavioral interview questions are designed to help employers understand how a candidate has behaved in specific situations in the past. These scenarios are used to predict how candidates may behave in similar situations in the future.
This interviewing technique allows employers to assess if a candidate is a good fit for the position and the organization, as both are crucial to a positive professional relationship.
These questions can relate to a candidate’s emotional intelligence and communication skills, as well as their ability to handle plausible work situations appropriately. Other areas that behavioral interview questions may include are conflict resolution abilities and leadership potential.
Effective Behavioral Interview Questions:
- Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline. How did you handle it?
This question can help employers understand how a candidate works under pressure and whether they can manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. It can also reveal their problem-solving skills, ability to prioritize, and how they adapt to different situations. - Give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult customer or client. How did you manage the situation?
By asking this question, employers can gauge a candidate’s customer service skills and gain insight into their ability to handle challenging situations in a timely and professional manner. It can also reveal the candidate’s communication skills, conflict resolution abilities, and their composure for addressing a variety of circumstances. - Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult colleague or manager. How did you handle the situation?
Great communication and collaboration are essential to an organization’s operations. This question can help employers assess how well a candidate will work within existing teams. It can also reveal the candidate’s ability to adapt to different working styles, how they manage interpersonal relationships, and their approach to resolving conflicts. - Give an example of a time when you took initiative to improve a process or solve a problem. What was the outcome?
Employers can gain a better understanding of how proactive and resourceful a candidate is by asking this question. It can also reveal the candidate’s problem-solving skills, ability to identify opportunities for improvement, and it can also give them an opportunity to show their level of creativity. - Tell me about a time when you had to deliver bad news or handle a difficult conversation with a coworker or supervisor. How did you approach the situation?
Asking the right questions can offer important details. Employers can gain insights into a candidate’s past behavior, personality, and work style, which can help companies make better hiring decisions.
These are just a few examples of effective behavioral interview questions and may vary depending on the job and the organization. These questions will indicate which candidates may be a good fit based on different areas.
Clear communication is important for employers to review candidates, and it can also be an effective way for candidates to have a more accurate impression of your company. Read more on that in To Find Great Employees Start with Your Messaging.
Written by:
Sam Afador
info@marathonstaffing.com
