What kind of questions are asked in a behavioral interview?

Questions Asked in a Behavioral Interview

Behavioral interviews are designed to assess your past behavior and experiences to predict how you'll perform in the future. The questions typically focus on your problem-solving skills, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and alignment with company values. Here's an outline of common types of questions and examples:

1. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

• Example Questions:
  • Describe a situation where you had to solve a challenging problem.
  • Can you give an example of a time when you identified a problem and took initiative to fix it?
  • Tell me about a decision you made that wasn't popular and how you handled it.
• What They’re Looking For:
  • Your ability to approach problems methodically.
  • How you handle pressure and make decisions.

2. Teamwork and Collaboration

• Example Questions:
  • Give an example of a time when you worked successfully within a team.
  • Tell me about a time when you resolved a conflict with a team member.
  • How do you ensure that everyone on your team feels included and valued?
• What They’re Looking For:
  • Your interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
  • How you manage and resolve conflicts.

3. Leadership and Initiative

• Example Questions:
  • Describe a time when you took the lead on a project.
  • Can you give an example of a time you motivated a team to achieve a challenging goal?
  • Tell me about a time you delegated a task and how it went.
• What They’re Looking For:
  • Leadership qualities, even if you’re not in a managerial role.
  • Your ability to inspire and organize others.

4. Adaptability and Resilience

• Example Questions:
  • Describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly to change.
  • Can you share an example of a time you failed? How did you handle it?
  • How do you deal with uncertainty or incomplete information?
• What They’re Looking For:
  • How you handle change and setbacks.
  • Your ability to stay positive and productive under challenging circumstances.

5. Alignment with Company Values

• Example Questions:
  • How have you demonstrated customer-centricity in your previous roles?
  • Tell me about a time when you upheld transparency in a challenging situation.
  • Describe how you’ve been a team player in a previous role.
• What They’re Looking For:
  • Your alignment with the company’s culture and core values.
  • How well your principles match their mission and goals.

6. Time Management and Prioritization

• Example Questions:
  • Give an example of a time when you managed multiple priorities successfully.
  • How do you determine what tasks require the most focus?
  • Tell me about a project where you met a tight deadline.
• What They’re Looking For:
  • Your ability to manage time effectively.
  • How you prioritize tasks in high-pressure environments.

Preparation Tips

1. Use the STAR Method:
   • Situation: Describe the context.
   • Task: Explain your responsibility.
   • Action: Detail the actions you took.
   • Result: Share the outcome.
2. Know the Company’s Values:
   • Research the organization’s values and reflect on how your experiences align with them.
3. Practice Common Scenarios:
   • Prepare stories from your past roles that highlight key competencies.
4. Be Authentic:
   • Share genuine experiences, even if they involve challenges or failures, as long as you demonstrate growth and learning.

Additional Resources

• Grokking Modern Behavioral Interview for structured guidance on acing behavioral questions.
• Atlassian's core values for insight into their cultural expectations.

Conclusion

Behavioral interviews are about showcasing your past experiences to demonstrate your readiness for future challenges. By preparing thoughtful, structured answers and aligning them with the company’s values, you can leave a positive impression.