Most client interviews now include behavioural style questioning in the interview process. Behavioural style questions are used as a means to estimate a candidates past behavioural performance and to gauge forward behavioural predictions. It’s a more efficient method of matching a candidate to the right role as well as marrying up the right candidate to a client’s work culture and team.

Below are examples of some commonly asked questions. The aim is to provide specific examples to the questions asked.

 

Customer Focus:
What has been the most challenging customer you have dealt with?
What made it challenging?
What is the relationship like now?
Can you describe a time you went ‘above and beyond’ in order to get something completed?
Why did you do this?
What would have been the consequences if you didn’t?

 

Negotiation / Influencing:
In negotiations, it is often hard to find a solution that benefits all parties. Can you give an example of when you were able to achieve a ‘win/win’ outcome to a significant issue/dispute?

 

Develop & Maintain Relationship:
Tell me about a time when you have worked with customers to resolve a business issue that was important to them.
How did you establish/determine an appropriate course of action?
How did you monitor progress?

 

Motivational Fit:
Which role/responsibilities have you enjoyed the most/least? Why?
Tell me about the manager you have most enjoyed working with.
What were the characteristics that made this person an effective manager?
What do you think your previous manager would say about you?

 

Pace & Working Style:
Sometimes we have to be well organised in order to achieve the desired result. Tell me about a time you have had to work to a deadline and what procedures did you put in place in order to achieve that outcome?

 

Team Fit:
Tell me about a time when you have had a conflict with another team member and how did you react to this situation?
Can you give me an example of a time when you have had to work as part of a team in order to achieve a result and what part did you play in that team?

 

Initiative:
Tell me about a time you have implemented (or enhanced) a system or procedure in the workplace?