Sie sind auf Seite 1von 2

Topic 10- Behavioral Questions & S.T.A.R.

Answers English Interview- Fall 2015

Topic 10- Behavioral Questions & S.T.A.R. Answers

A. With 2 or 3 people, try to answer the following questions:

Tell me about a time when


1. you set a goal and reached it.
2. you knew your teacher was wrong and what you did.
3. you were able to motivate others.
4. ...you had to solve a problem with very little help.
5. went past a deadline on a school project.

6. Why do you think some companies ask tell me about a time when questions in
interviews?
7. What do they hope to learn? What kind of answers do they want?

B. Read the article and answer the questions:

Behavioral questions differ from standard interview questions because they focus more on
experiences, behaviors, knowledge, skills and abilities. Instead of the question Do you have
leadership skills, a behavioral question is more likely to be Give me an example of your
previous role when you displayed leadership abilities. The best way to begin studying for these
kinds of questions is to look at the list of required and preferred skills in the job description and
be prepared to answer behavioral questions about them.

The best way to answer a behavioral question is to use the S.T.A.R. format to describe:
Situation: Describe a recent challenge or situation in which you found yourself.
Task: Describe what you needed to achieve in that situation.
Action: Describe what options you had, what you did, and why you did it.
Results: Describe the outcome and whether you met your objective, what you learned
from the experience, and how you have used what you learned since

To prepare for different behavioral questions, write down between 10-20 examples from your
education, work experience, community work, charity etc. of where you added value in a positive
way. Then, using the Situation, Task, Action, Result, try different questions, choose the best
example to answer, and try to give it in 4 steps.

Example question and answer:


"Describe a situation when you had to deliver excellent customer service following a complaint"
Situation: A customer called complaining that they'd waited more than two weeks for a reply
from regarding a question about a product.
Task: I needed to address the client's immediate query and find out what went wrong in the usual
process.
Action: I apologized, got the details and passed them to our head salesperson, who contacted the
client within the hour. I investigated why his question hadn't been answered. I discovered that it
was a combination of a wrong mobile number and a generic email address that wasn't being
checked. I let the client know and we offered her a discount on her next order.
Result: The client not only continued to order from us but posted a positive customer service
tweet.
(Modified from article at: bookboon.com)

1
Topic 10- Behavioral Questions & S.T.A.R. Answers English Interview- Fall 2015

1. What are the four steps recommended to describe a behavioral question?


_____________________________________________________________________________
2. When an interviewer asks behavioral question, what are they most likely to ask you about?
______________________________________________________________________________
3. How can you prepare to answer different behavioral questions?
_____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

C. First, go through the list of behavior questions in small groups. Discuss any you dont
understand.
Next, in groups of two, practice asking behavioral questions to each other.

Most common behavioral questions

1. Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation and how you overcame it.
2. Provide an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
3. Tell me about a situation where you have had to speak with an unhappy customer.
4. Give me an example of a time when you motivated others and how this led to a positive outcome.
5. Give an example of a goal you set and how you reached it.
6. Describe an instance when you had to think on your feet to make a split second decision.
7. Describe a situation where you knew your boss was wrong and how you handled it.
8. Describe a major change or adjustment to your job and your reactions to the change.
9. Tell me about a time when you experienced conflict in the workplace and how you handled it.
10. Provide an example of when you had to go above and beyond your normal duties in order to get
the job done.
11. Describe a time when you put the needs of your workmates before your own when completing a
task.
12. Provide an example of a problem you had with a co-worker or boss and how you resolved it.
13. Provide an example of a time when you felt you were able to motivate others.
14. Describe a time when you did not put in 100% into your job or performance and what you did
about it.
15. Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem with very little guidance or direction.
16. Tell me about a time when you went overtime on a deadline.
17. What is the biggest contribution you made in your current role?
18. What are you most proud of in your working career?
19. Discuss a setback you have overcome in the last 12 months.

from bookboon.com

(Topic images from: thinking woman)

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen