How to answer the common questions during interview

Instead of brainteaser interview questions, we suggest employers use competency or behavioural interview techniques. The interviewer is looking for examples of past behaviour that demonstrate these competencies. This type of interview is fairer, more transparent and can help organisations reduce the chance of making costly hiring mistakes.

Common behavioural interview questions include:

Describe something you have done that was new for your organisation that improved the performance of your team or the value of the work done.

Tell me about a time you had too many things to do and you needed to prioritise your tasks. How did you manage your time and objectives?

What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example of when you have had to use this approach with a difficult customer.

Tell me about a situation where you have been part of a group working toward a specific goal. What was your role in the group?

Describe how you led a team through a difficult project. How did you improve their work?

To prepare for your next behavioural interview, we offer this advice:

Answer behavioural questions with one detailed and specific example that demonstrates your proven skills and ability to successfully perform the particular competency.

To do this, we suggest you firstly gather as much information about the role as you can to determine the competencies required for success in the job.

Then review your past experiences and select examples that demonstrate these competencies. Consider past results, situations you handled well and ways you have contributed to the success of the business.

Armed with this evidence, you should then use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action and Result) to answer questions. Firstly describe a situation you were in. Next tell them what you decided to do. Then describe what you actually did. Finally, tell them what happened as a result of your actions.

It's best to use an anecdote with a positive outcome, but if this isn't possible explain what you learnt from the situation and how you would do it differently next time.