Behavioural Questions Asked at Job Interviewers

Behavioural questions are typically used during job interviews to gauge whether a candidate is a good fit for the role and company. These questions can help assess how a person reacts under pressure, their ability to think on their feet and decision-making skills.

To be successful with behavioural questions, you must understand the behaviour you are looking for. Some common behaviours that may be assessed include: initiative, perseverance, working within a team, and taking responsibility for your actions. You should also be familiar with the different types of questions that can be asked about these behaviours. For example, questions about taking initiative may include asking candidates what steps they took to start their own project, or why they think it was important to take those steps. Questions about perseverance may ask candidates how long it took them to complete a task despite obstacles, or why they think it was important to finish the task even if it took longer than expected.

Behavioural questions can be used to probe the individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours. There are several different types of behavioural questions, which include:
Open-ended questions: These questions allow the respondent to provide a lengthy answer that may not fit into any other category. For example, “Why did you do that?” or “How did you feel when you did that?”
Forced choice questions: This type of question requires the respondent to choose one of two options. For example, “Do you prefer working independently or collaborating with others?”
Recalling events question: This type of question asks the respondent to recall an event from their past. For example, “When was your last day at work like this?”

One common type of behavioural question is the situational question. A situational question asks a candidate how they would react in a specific situation. For example, you might ask a candidate how they would handle being yelled at by their boss. This type of question tests an individual’s ability to handle difficult situations calmly and rationally.

Another common type of behavioural question is the trait question. A trait question asks about an individual’s character traits. For example, you might ask a candidate if they’re lazy or hardworking. This type of question tests whether an individual has qualities that are generally desirable in society (such as intelligence or honesty).

A final type of behavioural question is the task-based question. A task-based question asks candidates to complete a challenging task or solve a puzzle. For example, you might ask candidates how long it takes them to pack their bags for vacation. This type of question tests their organizational skills and critical thinking abilities.

STAR Interview Behavioural Questions

A popular interviewing technique used during job interviews to assess a candidate’s behavioural tendencies, is the “star method.”

The star method involves assigning stars to candidates based on their responses to questions about their behaviour in past jobs or situations. Each candidate is given a number of stars, with 1 star indicating no behaviour and 5 stars indicating the most favourable response. A candidate who scores 3 or 4 stars is usually considered suitable for the role, while a candidate who scores 2 or 1 stars may not be appropriate for the position.

To effectively use star method behavioural questions in an interview, be sure to remember these tips:

1. Tailor the question to the job candidate’s experience and education.

2. Ask questions that are relevant to the position you’re hiring for.

3. Be prepared to answer any potential questions that candidates might ask you about your company and its culture.

Questions You Might Be Asked at Your Next Job Interview

Here are examples of five Star interview behavioural questions to help you assess a candidate’s suitability:

1. How well do you handle stress?
2. How well do you work under pressure?
3. How well do you communicate with others?
4. How proactive are you?
5. Are you someone who can take responsibility for tasks?

1. How do you handle criticism?
2. Do you have a strong work ethic?
3. What is your biggest accomplishment?
4. How do you balance work and personal life?
5. What makes you stand out from the rest?

1. Can you tell me about a time when you overcame an obstacle?
2. How do you handle stress?
3. What motivates you?
4. How do you get along with others?
5. Do you have any long-term goals or objectives?


These are just some of the behaviours that can be evaluated using the star method. It’s important to remember that each person is unique and therefore ratings may vary depending on the context and situation. However, evaluating candidates on these parameters will give an accurate idea of their personality and how they would perform on the job.

Behavioural interview Questions aren’t always easy to answer, that’s why it’s important to ask enough of them so that you have a good sense of how well-rounded the candidate is. By taking this type of approach, you can ensure that your hiring process is thorough and accurate, ensuring that you make the best decision for your company’s future.