Sample Behavioral Interview Questions

Here are examples of behavioral-based questions you might be asked in an interview:

1. Give me a specific example of a time when you sold your supervisor or professor on an idea or concept. How did you proceed? What was the result?
2. Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company or class was facing. What was the challenge? What specific role did you play?  What role did others play?
3. Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who disliked each other to work together. How did you accomplish this? What was the outcome?
4. Describe a specific problem you solved for your employer or professor. How did you approach the problem? What role did others play?
5. Describe two specific goals you set for yourself and how successful you were in meeting them. What factors led to your success in meeting those goals?
6. Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?

Before an interview, it’s a good idea to prepare examples of situations in which you demonstrated various qualities, such as problem-solving, risk taking, leadership and collaborating. Examples send powerful messages. Should you be nervous, write your examples out before your interview. Review them on the plane and in your hotel room.  You do not want to have answers prepared for rote memorization, but want to be able to tell a clear, confident story.