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Questions Asked in
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Describe a time that you demonstrated the ability to be an effective team member (team work)
This behavioral interview question is looking at your ability to build relationships and contribute to team success. Show how you worked effectively with the team, put team goals ahead of your own goals and made a valued contribution to the team output.
" I was transferred to a new department and a new team at my last company. The team members were not welcoming and displayed this by not including me in discussions and communications. (Situation)
I asked each team member to meet individually and informally with me to discuss their expectations of me as part of their team. I was able to explain that I understood their reluctance to trust and accept me straight off but that I wanted to contribute positively.
We discussed team objectives, individual roles and working styles and started to develop a rapport with each other. I made sure that I asked for their advice and feedback initially and gradually I earned their trust. (Action)
The team learned to be more flexible in their approach to new staff members and I learned that one has to earn trust and acceptance. Our team works really cohesively towards its goals now." (Result)
Another of the common interview questions that comes up in behavioral interviews explores your leadership skills.
Tell me how you went about setting the goals for your department and gaining commitment from your staff (leadership)
The interviewer wants to know how you lead through goals, vision and values and how you use appropriate methods to guide staff towards goal accomplishment. Show how you are able to set goals and influence your staff to achieve them.
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"I needed to set the departmental objectives for the next six months. (Situation) I referred to the company's vision and goals for the next two years to decide which activities and tasks my department should concentrate on. I clearly communicated the relationship between our department goals and the company's goals to my staff and explained which activities would best result in achieving these goals. (Action) |
"The staff really benefited from having a clear idea of the company vision and how we could contribute to achieving this. Understanding the big picture meant they were able to see how each of them were an essential part of the company's success and this motivated them towards goal attainment." (Result)
Describe a situation when you negotiated with others in your organization to reach agreement (negotiation skills)
The interviewer is exploring your ability to communicate information or alternatives in a manner that gains agreement and acceptance. Show how you are able to look at the position of others, present alternatives and reach an agreement that is positive for both parties.
"My manager presented me with an unreasonable deadline to complete a project. (Situation)
I asked him how he had determined the deadline. He said that it was based on his deadline to present the project to the CEO. I outlined every step that needed to be taken to complete the project and how long each step would realistically take. We discussed possible ways of reducing these time frames. I suggested allocating more resources to the project. He asked me to put together a project proposal that covered what we had discussed and he would use this to negotiate with the CEO for a more realistic time line. (Action)
We were able to settle on a plan that worked for both of us." (Result)
Use these sample answers for questions that come up time and again in behavioral interviews to help formulate your own behavioral examples.
Expert behavioral interview tips and techniques.
Go to the specific job interview guides to view behavioral (competency-based) questions for particular positions with recommended answer guidelines.
Refer to the common interview questions and answers guide to prepare for traditional job interview questions. Use the sample answers to help you prepare your own excellent interview responses.
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