The Top 35 Behavioral Interview Questions & Why You Want To Prepare For Them

You might not have heard them called by their technical name, but you’ve undoubtedly been asked these types of questions if you have interviewed for a job in recent years. Behavioral interview questions are a type of interview question that is designed to elicit information about a candidate’s past behavior in specific situations. 

They typically start with phrases such as “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe a situation where…” The questions are designed to prompt you to provide specific examples of your past behavior, rather than hypothetical answers. For example, a behavioral interview question for a customer service position might be: “Tell me about a time when you had to handle an angry customer. How did you respond, and what was the outcome?”

Why Employers Ask Behavioral Interview Questions

By asking for a specific example rather than a hypothetical question about how you might deal with an issue, the employer can assess how you have handled similar situations in the past, because these questions are based on the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. That will help the interviewer better understand your skills, decision-making processes, and abilities to work with others.

Behavioral interview questions can also help identify how you will fit into a company’s culture and values. Overall, behavioral interview questions provide valuable information to employers, helping them make informed hiring decisions based on a candidate’s past behaviors and performance. 

Why You Should Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions

Preparing for behavioral interview questions ahead of time can greatly improve your chances of landing the job. It allows you to reflect on your past experiences, identify relevant examples, and practice articulating them clearly and concisely. This helps you to come across as confident, well-prepared, and capable of handling various workplace scenarios and challenges.

Here are the Top 35 Behavioral Interview Questions:

1. Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a challenge.
2. Describe a situation in which you had to work with a difficult colleague or customer.
3. Give an example of a time when you had to persuade someone to see your point of view.
4. Describe a situation where you had to manage multiple projects at once.
5. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
6. Describe a situation in which you had to work under pressure.
7. Give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a new situation or environment.
8. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a team to accomplish a goal.
9. Describe a situation where you had to take initiative without being asked.
10. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.
11. Describe a situation where you had to work with someone you didn’t get along with.
12. Give an example of a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a coworker or teammate.
13. Describe a situation where you had to learn a new skill or technology quickly.
14. Tell me about a time when you received negative feedback and how you handled it.
15. Give an example of a time when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.
16. Describe a situation where you had to think creatively to solve a problem.
17. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a tight deadline.
18. Give an example of a time when you had to prioritize competing demands.
19. Describe a situation where you had to manage someone who was not performing well.
20. Tell me about a time when you had to deliver a presentation or speech.
21. Give an example of a time when you had to apologize for a mistake.
22. Describe a situation where you had to motivate a team or coworker.
23. Tell me about a time when you had to work with someone from a different background or culture.
24. Give an example of a time when you had to deal with an ethical dilemma.
25. Describe a situation where you had to handle confidential information.
26. Tell me about a time when you had to follow a process or procedure that you disagreed with.
27. Give an example of a time when you had to work independently.
28. Describe a situation where you had to ask for help or guidance.
29. Tell me about a time when you had to work on a project outside of your comfort zone.
30. Give an example of a time when you had to manage multiple stakeholders.
31. Describe a situation where you had to delegate tasks to others.
32. Tell me about a time when you had to mentor or coach someone.
33. Give an example of a time when you had to lead a team or project.
34. Describe a situation where you had to manage a crisis or unexpected situation.
35. Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a change in a company or industry.

Practice Makes Perfect — Or at Least Well-Prepared

Behavioral interview questions are becoming increasingly common in remote hiring processes, making it essential for you to familiarize yourself with these types of questions and prepare accordingly. Taking the time to prepare for behavioral interview questions will allow you to showcase your skills and experience. By preparing for these types of questions, you can better articulate your experiences, demonstrate your problem-solving skills, and highlight your strengths — giving you a well-prepared leg up on the competition for your remote dream job!

How do you get ready for a behavioral interview? How can you practice answering behavioral interview questions? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!