The people interviewing you may or may not use formal methods during your interviews.  It’s always a good idea to be prepared for those types of questions and be ready to answer them.  Here’s a partial list of Behavioral Interviewing questions that you might be asked.  You will also see a separate page on this site that lists just the Behavioral questions. Print it out and start working on your own answers.  Practice your answers until they become second nature to you.  Memorize what you’ll say IF you’re asked these types of questions.

Here’s an example of Behavioral questions along with my answers

• Describe a time in which you were faced with problems and or stresses which tested your coping skills.  What did you do?
  • Our company was downsized 5 times in 4 years.  The largest personal challenge which impacted me directly was during that downsizing because I was now the last Admin Assistant left on staff.  The work load was great.  I am a dedicated and determined individual who doesn’t like to let my bosses down.  It took some effort and even working overtime but I made sure that every task was completed.   
• Give an example of a time in which you had to keep from speaking or could not finish a task because you did not have enough information to come to a good decision.
  • I can think of a time when I didn’t have enough information to complete my task but I sought out the assistance of those who COULD assist me.  Networking is key to that type of situation.  
• Tell me about a time in which you had to use your spoken communication sills in order to get a point across that was important to you.
  • I told them about a time that I applied for the position of Administrative Supervisor.  I was required to make a 20 minute presentation! I gave my presentation and was hired for the position!
• Give me an example of a time in which you felt you were able to build motivation in your co-workers or subordinates at work.
  • Our personnel numbers had dwindled due to our company moving out of state.  I was elected to take on the task of putting together a luncheon for those who were still in the office and morale was boosted.
• Give me an example of a time in which you felt if necessary to be very attentive and vigilant to your environment.
  • I’m a firm believer in Safety.  In order to ensure the safety of our office and the employees I offered to take CPR and First Aid classes and became one of 5 emergency contact people.
• Describe the most significant written document/ report/ presentation which you had to complete.
  • I had to give a 20 minute oral presentation in a job interview.  It was successful in obtaining the position.
• Give me an example of a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
  • The VP I supported took on a new role in a new department.  We had 2 weeks to do a task that normally took 1 month to complete.  Although our company had a freeze on overtime, I took it upon myself to work as long as necessary in order to complete the task.  I would not let my boss down.
• Describe a situation in which you were able to effectively read another person and guide your actions by your understanding of their individual needs or values
  • During the time the Vice President joined a new department, he needed certain reports done in a very short time.  Although my work load was extremely full I stayed after hours and got the job done!
• Describe the most creative work related project which you have carried out.
  • I have a very creative side.  The company sent me to school to learn and design 3 intracorporate web sites.
• Describe a time in which you felt it was necessary to modify of change your actions in order to respond to the needs of another person.
  • Our company works with folks from Asia Pacific. There can sometimes be a challenge in communications with another culture.  After having an in-depth discussion with the Executive I supported, I understood their culture much better and realized the reason for their question.
• Give an example of a time when you had to carefully analyze another person or situation in order to be effective in guiding your action or decision.
  • I had a situation where someone was threatened by my professional ability and they were concerned about losing control.  When I analyzed the situation, I understood their action and attitude towards me.  After some discussion, they understood that I was there to help and be of assistance rather than steal their thunder.  By understanding their fears I was able to speak to them in a manner that no longer threatened them.
• What did you do in your last job to contribute toward a teamwork environment?
  • I implemented a plan of cross training so that when one of us was out of the office, someone else could easily step in and take their place.  I created a Background Assistance Guide.  A Background Assistance Guide contains all of the information needed for someone else to step in and do your job.  Logons and various information required to do your every day job.  It should always be kept under lock and key for reasons of protecting personal information.