10 common behavioural interview questions and best answers

Ever wondered how to ace those tricky behavioral interview questions? These questions are crucial in job interviews because they help employers see how you handle real-world situations. Unlike standard competency-based questions that focus on skills, behavioral questions dig deeper into how you apply those skills in the workplace. 

By understanding and preparing for these questions, you can confidently showcase your experience and stand out from the competition. This guide breaks down what behavioral interview questions are, why employers use them, and how to craft winning answers using the STAR method. 

What are behavioural interview questions? 

Behavioural interview questions require candidates to describe past work situations and explain how they handled them. These questions typically start with prompts like: 

• “Tell me about a time when you…” 

• “Give me an example of…” 

• “Describe a situation where you…” 

Employers prefer these questions because they reveal how you think on your feet, solve problems, and work with others. Your answers give them a glimpse into how you’ve handled challenges in the past - and a good idea of how you’ll tackle them in the future. 

10 common behavioural interview questions and sample answers 

1. Managing conflict 

Question: Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a team member. How did you handle it? 

Sample answer: In a previous role, a colleague and I disagreed on how to allocate resources for a project. I actively listened to their concerns and proposed a compromise that combined both our approaches. By fostering open communication, we developed a strategy that met both our goals and strengthened our working relationship. 

Why it works: This answer highlights conflict resolution, teamwork, and effective communication. 

Read more about: How to resolve conflict in the workplace.

2. Handling failures and mistakes 

Question: Describe a time when you made a mistake at work. How did you resolve it? 

Sample answer: I once submitted a report with incorrect data, which I realised only after sending it to my manager. I immediately flagged the error, corrected the data, and provided an updated version. To prevent future mistakes, I implemented a double-checking process before submitting reports. 

Why it works: Employers value accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. 

3. Time management 

Question: Tell me about a time you had multiple projects with tight deadlines. How did you manage your workload? 

Sample answer: During a peak season, I juggled three high-priority projects. I created a structured schedule, broke tasks into smaller steps, and delegated lower-priority tasks. This approach helped me meet all deadlines without compromising quality. 

Why it works: The response showcases prioritisation, organisation, and adaptability. 

Read more about: How to improve your time management skills.

4. Taking initiative 

Question: Describe a situation where you took initiative to improve a process. 

Sample answer: I noticed our team’s social media engagement was declining, so I analysed our content strategy and proposed a new approach. By incorporating more interactive posts, we increased engagement by 30% in one month. 

Why it works: It highlights proactiveness, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. 

5. Leadership skills 

Question: Can you give an example of how you motivated a team to improve performance? 

Sample answer: In my previous role, my team was struggling with low morale. I introduced a recognition program to reward achievements, which led to increased engagement and a 15% boost in productivity. 

Why it works: The answer demonstrates leadership, motivation, and strategic thinking. 

Are you looking to develop your leadership skills? Read more about: Leadership qualities in the workplace.

6. Problem-solving skills 

Question: Tell me about a time you solved a complex problem at work. 

Sample answer: Customers frequently complained about long wait times, so I suggested a callback system where customers could leave their number and receive a call when an agent was available. This reduced wait times and improved customer satisfaction scores. 

Why it works: Employers value creativity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities. 

Read more about: Problem-solving skills and how to improve them (with examples)

7. Handling high-pressure situations 

Question: How do you manage stress and pressure at work? 

Sample answer: I stay organised by breaking tasks into manageable steps. During a major deadline, I focused on one task at a time and took short breaks to maintain productivity. This method kept me focused and helped me complete the project successfully. 

Why it works: It shows time management and stress management skills. 

8. Decision-making skills 

Question: Describe a time when you made a difficult decision and how you handled it. 

Sample answer: I had to decide whether to continue using outdated software or invest in a new system. After researching the long-term benefits, I recommended upgrading, which improved efficiency and reduced errors. 

Why it works: It demonstrates analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. 

9. Working under tight deadlines 

Question: Can you describe a situation where you had to work under a tight deadline? 

Sample answer: When my team received a last-minute request for a client presentation, I quickly delegated tasks, streamlined the research process, and conducted a brief team huddle to align our strategy. We delivered a high-quality presentation on time. 

Why it works: The answer highlights time management and teamwork under pressure. 

10. Adapting to change 

Question: Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a significant change at work. 

Sample answer: When my company switched to remote work, I adjusted by creating a structured daily routine and using digital collaboration tools. This ensured seamless communication and productivity. 

Why it works: It showcases flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving. 

Why behavioural interview questions matter 

Behavioural interview questions are a key part of the hiring process —they give employers a glimpse into how you’ve handled real situations in the past, which can predict how you'll perform in the future.  

Instead of hypothetical answers, these questions call for real examples, showing off your problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Since many companies use them to assess cultural fit and decision-making skills, being ready for them can give you an edge in your job search. 

How to prepare for behavioural interview questions 

• Review the job description: Identify key skills and qualities the employer is looking for. 

• Research the company: Understand their values and work culture to tailor your responses. 

• Practice your responses: Rehearse with a friend or mentor to build confidence. 

• Reflect on your past experiences: Choose examples that highlight problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork skills. 

• Stay positive: Focus on the lessons learned and the successful outcomes of your experiences. 

• Use the STAR method: Structure answers by outlining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. 

The STAR method explained 

The STAR method is a structured approach to answering behavioural interview questions. It stands for: 

• Situation – Describe a specific challenge or scenario you faced. 

• Task – Explain your role and responsibilities within that situation. 

• Action – Detail the steps you took to address the challenge. 

• Result – Share the outcome of your actions and any lessons learned. 

Real-world examples of the STAR method 

Example 1: Customer service (retail industry) 

Question: Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer? 

• Situation: While working in a retail store, a customer was upset because they had received the wrong item in their online order. 

• Task: My role was to resolve the issue and ensure customer satisfaction. 

• Action: I listened carefully to their concerns, apologised for the mistake, and quickly processed a replacement order. I also offered a discount for their next purchase as a goodwill gesture. 

• Result: The customer appreciated my prompt resolution and left a positive online review, praising our customer service. 

Example 2: Project management (tech industry) 

Question: Tell me about a time when you had to manage a tight deadline. 

• Situation: As a project manager at a tech company, I was tasked with delivering a software update within a two-week deadline due to a client’s urgent request. 

• Task: My responsibility was to coordinate the team and ensure timely completion. 

• Action: I held daily stand-up meetings to track progress, reassigned tasks to balance workloads, and streamlined communication between developers and QA testers. 

• Result: We successfully met the deadline, and the client was satisfied with the update, leading to a contract extension. 

Example 3: Healthcare (nursing) 

Question: Describe a time when you had to handle a medical emergency under pressure. 

• Situation: While working as a nurse, I encountered a patient who went into anaphylactic shock due to an allergic reaction. 

• Task: I needed to act quickly to administer treatment and stabilise the patient. 

• Action: I immediately retrieved and administered epinephrine, called for medical assistance, and monitored the patient’s vitals. 

• Result: The patient recovered successfully, and my swift response was acknowledged by my supervisor in a performance review. 

Advanced tips for success in behavioural interviews 

Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider these advanced strategies to further improve your performance: 

• Quantify achievements – Use numbers and metrics to illustrate the impact of your actions (e.g., "increased sales by 20%" or "reduced response time by 30%"). 

• Showcase emotional intelligence – Highlight your ability to manage emotions, build relationships, and navigate workplace challenges effectively. 

• Prepare alternative examples – Have multiple examples ready in case the interviewer asks for a different situation or wants more detail. 

• Maintain a conversational tone – Rather than sounding rehearsed, aim for a natural and engaging delivery. 

• Ask insightful follow-up questions – Demonstrating curiosity and engagement can leave a lasting impression and show that you're proactive. 

• Customise examples for the job role – Choose scenarios that best demonstrate the skills relevant to the position. 

• Keep responses concise – Aim for a 1-2 minute response per question while maintaining clarity. 

• Highlight problem-solving abilities – Employers value candidates who can think critically and resolve challenges effectively. 

• Practice with mock interviews – Rehearsing with a friend or mentor can help refine your delivery and boost confidence. 

By incorporating these advanced tips, you’ll be able to differentiate yourself from other candidates and increase your chances of making a strong, positive impression in your behavioural interview. 

Behavioral interview questions give employers a glimpse into how you handle real-world situations. The good news? With a little prep and the STAR method, you can showcase your skills and stand out from the competition.  

Download behavioural questions to ask here

FAQs 

1. What are the most common behavioural interview questions? 

Some of the most common behavioural interview questions include: 

• Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a team member. How did you handle it? 

• Describe a situation where you had to adapt to a significant change at work. 

• Can you give an example of how you solved a complex problem? 

• How did you handle a stressful situation at work? 

• Tell me about a time when you showed leadership skills. 

These questions are designed to evaluate your skills, decision-making, and ability to handle various work situations. 

2. How can I prepare for behavioural interview questions? 

Use the STAR method to structure your answers and review past experiences that highlight skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Practicing responses and researching the company can also help tailor your answers. 

3. How do I answer behavioural interview questions effectively? 

Focus on real-life examples, structuring your answers with the STAR method. Be clear and concise, emphasise positive outcomes, and show what you learned from the experience. 

4. Should I use real examples or hypothetical ones in behavioural interviews? 

Always use real examples to demonstrate how you’ve handled situations in the past. Hypothetical responses don’t provide the same level of insight into your actual skills and abilities. 

5. What should I do if I don’t have an example for a behavioural interview question? 

If you don’t have a direct example, share a related experience that showcases transferable skills. Be honest and explain how your skills can apply to the situation at hand. 

6. How can I stand out in a behavioural interview? 

To stand out, use clear examples with measurable outcomes, maintain a positive attitude, and keep your responses concise. Engage the interviewer with a conversational tone to make your answers more natural.