Behavioral Interview
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Describe a difficult problem you had to sort out in your last job (Problem-solving)
This behavior based interviewing question is designed to explore your ability to identify, analyze and solve problems.
Show how you are able to gather and organize the necessary information and identify the best solution.
Here is a sample behavioral interview answer that you can use as a guide to develop your own good answer.
"We were getting a lot of complaints about late deliveries. (Situation)
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I met with the staff involved in the customer delivery department and discovered that the problem seemed to be with the stock coming through on time. I investigated and found that requests for new inventory were not been processed fast enough. The backlog was in the orders department as they were not following up adequately with the suppliers. A system for regular follow up was quickly implemented. (Action) |
This sorted out the stock problems and the delivery staff were able to meet their deadlines." (Result)
Describe a new idea or suggestion that you made to your supervisor recently (initiative)
The interviewer wants to know if you are proactive and able to generate workable ideas. Show how you are a self-starter who will take action beyond what is asked of you.
" I work in orders and the company was launching a new product. The sales team had in-depth training on it but we had none. (Situation)
I suggested that the orders department should also receive the training so that we would understand what was being ordered and be able to answer any questions if necessary. It was agreed we would all undergo a short version of the training. (Action)
This meant that we could deal professionally with the orders and it also motivated us, feeling part of the launch excitement." (Result)
Tell me about a time that you had to use your judgment and make a decision in your previous job (judgment/decision-making)
The interviewer is exploring your ability to make logical decisions and take action. Show how you consider all the relevant facts, weigh up the alternatives and commit to the most appropriate action.
"I was responsible for ordering office supplies for the company. (Situation)
The company always ordered a month's supply at a time to keep inventory costs low. I had to decide whether to keep doing this or buy six month's supply and get a discount for ordering such a big volume and escape possible future price increases. I did some research and worked out we could reduce our costs by buying for six months, especially since the amount we used remained practically unchanged month on month. (Action)
I was right, the prices went up quite a bit during those six months." (Result)
Remember that these are sample answers that can be used to help you formulate your own examples from your previous jobs or other contexts when answering behavioral interview questions like these.
Behavioral interview tips and techniques.
Prepare for the relevant behavioral interview question by clicking on the table at the top of this page to view more sample behavioral interview questions and answers and prepare for success!
To view behavioral interview questions asked in the manager interview and the project manager interview and sample answer guidelines.
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