Top 20 Behavioural Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

Preparing for a job interview can be nerve-wracking, especially when facing behavioural interview questions. These questions are designed to assess how you’ve handled various workplace situations in the past, helping recruiters predict your future performance.

Behavioural interview questions are a key part of the hiring process, as they allow employers to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, leadership skills, and adaptability. According to a CareerBuilder survey, 50% of employers decide within the first five minutes whether a candidate is a good fit. This underscores the importance of making a strong first impression, particularly when answering behavioural interview questions.

These open-ended questions require specific examples, making preparation essential. In this blog, we’ll explore the Top 20 behavioural interview questions and provide expert tips to help you craft strong responses. With the right approach, you can tackle your next interview with confidence and improve your chances of landing the job.

What are Behavioural Interview Questions

Behavioural interview questions are a crucial tool used by recruiters to evaluate a candidate’s ability to handle real-world workplace situations. Unlike traditional interview questions that focus on hypothetical scenarios, behavioural interview questions require candidates to provide concrete examples from their past experiences. These questions assess a wide range of soft skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

A well-prepared response to behavioural interview questions can help candidates stand out from the competition. Employers often use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure their evaluation, ensuring that answers are clear, concise, and relevant. For instance, a question like, “Tell me about a time you handled a conflict with a coworker,” allows the candidate to showcase their conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. Strong answers highlight problem-solving approaches, emotional intelligence, and professional growth. Mastering behavioural interview questions is essential for job seekers looking to make a lasting impression and demonstrate their potential for success in a given role.

20 Critical Behavioural Interview Questions You Must Know How to Answer

Question 1: Tell Me About a Time When You Had to Resolve a Conflict with a Coworker or Team Member

Example: During my college fest, I encountered a conflict with my co-organizer. To handle the situation effectively, I applied behavioural interview questions principles—staying calm, actively listening, and presenting my ideas logically. Through open discussions, we reached a mutual decision, strengthening my teamwork and conflict-resolution skills.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Be precise. Do not over-explain.
2. Emphasize your conflict-solving and good communication skills.

Question 2: Give Me an Example of a Project You Worked On Where You Had to Take a Leadership Role

Example: I was asked to give a presentation to a new client. I made sure that before we began working, the views of each team member were put on the table and discussed thoroughly. I then gave specific roles to different people keeping in mind their expertise. Finally, I compiled all the work for the final presentation.

Points to keep in mind

1. State a recent example
2. Highlight your contributions to the position and situation clearly

Question 3: Describe a Situation Where You Had to Adapt to a New or Unexpected Change

Example: I am experienced with working in C++ but I was once assigned an important project in python. I believe challenges are inevitable and hence before starting the project I spent a week learning python and its basic. As a result, I was able to timely submit the project to my senior.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Do not complain or show the negative aspects too much
2. Focus on how you managed to adapt to the change..

Question 4: Tell Me About a Time When You Had to Handle a Difficult or Upset Customer or Client

Example: In my previous role at the bank, I frequently handled upset customers. One instance involved a client frustrated with failed online transactions. Using my problem-solving skills and applying behavioural interview questions techniques, I reassured him, coordinated with my team, and resolved the issue within hours, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Highlight how you used your experience to handle the situation
2. Stress on your conflict-solving techniques

Question 5: Give Me an Example of How You Have Used Your Problem-Solving Skills to Overcome a Challenge

Example: On the occasion of our company event the PR team was unable to fetch media partners. I got together some people from the team and contacted our media partners from previous years, negotiated a few terms and conditions and within 3 days it was all done.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Highlight your skills involved in the problem solving
2. Give a precise and clear example

Question 6: Describe a Time When You Had to Make a Difficult Decision with Limited Information

Example: Being the HR at my previous workplace, I once had to resolve a conflict between two co-workers. Each of them had their version of the situation. It was necessary to uphold the truth and it took me some digging into the matter and consultation with other office members to reach a fair conclusion.

Points to keep in mind:

1. State your optimistic approach in tough situations
2. Make yourself appear confident

Question 7: Tell Me About a Project or Accomplishment That You Are Particularly Proud Of

Example: In school, we convinced our principal to establish a basketball team and let us compete in the zonal matches. A few months later, we returned victorious—with a trophy for the team and a Player of the Tournament medal around my neck. This experience reflects teamwork, persistence, and leadership—key qualities often assessed in behavioural interview questions.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Give an example where you have a major contribution
2. Choose an example related to the job you’re applying for

Question 8: Give Me an Example of How You Have Managed Multiple Tasks or Projects at the Same Time

Example: At my previous job, days before an important meeting my co-worker met with an accident and the responsibility of guiding his team fell upon me. I divided the time slots in the day between the two teams working under me and took turns working with each one of them.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Highlight how well you work with prioritizing different tasks
2. Talk about building plans while multitasking.

Question 9: Describe a Time When You Had to Take Initiative to Solve a Problem or Improve a Process

Example: In the days when I worked in an MBA institute, a professor was unable to attend college on the day of assessment. Being an MBA graduate myself, I discussed with the professor and made the students a question paper then and there which they solved and submitted.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Put through your enthusiasm toward working
2. Do not give examples where you made rash decisions.

Question 10: Tell Me About a Time When You Had to Provide Feedback to a Coworker or Team Member

Example: I noticed my team was not fully engaged in the new project, often skipping meetings. I addressed this concern with my team leader and collaborated on a plan to re-engage the members. By the weekend, we held a productive team meeting that successfully refocused everyone’s attention—an experience that highlights problem-solving and leadership, essential for tackling behavioural interview questions.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Showcase your constructive approach
2. Highlight your contribution to raising workplace issues.

Question 11: Give Me an Example of How You Have Demonstrated Attention to Detail in Your Work

Example: At my previous office, we were supposed to submit weekly work reports. I always made sure they were detailed, well maintained and easy to read and further work with.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Come up with an unheard example
2. Talk about how the details helped with the overall work

Question 12: Describe a Situation Where You Had to Work with Someone with a Different Work Style or Personality

Example: During my design internship, I collaborated with a teammate who favored international designs, while I had a strong inclination toward Indian styles. Despite our differences, we combined our perspectives and successfully created an Indo-Western fusion design. This experience highlights my adaptability and teamwork—key aspects often explored in behavioural interview questions.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Showcase your skills to bridge differences
2. Give examples showing your problem-solving skills

Question 13: Tell Me About a Time When You Had to Prioritize Conflicting Responsibilities or Deadlines

Example: I had my appointment at the passport office on the same day as an important presentation. I wrapped up the work a day prior and went for the appointment the next morning. I was continuously in touch with my team and managed the presentation via an online meeting with the client.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Highlight your ability to multitask
2. Put through your habit of completing tasks before the last date.

Question 14: Give Me an Example of How You Have Handled a Situation Where You Made a Mistake or Faced a Setback

Example: As the assistant director of my college dramatics society, I once forgot to book the venue while managing multiple responsibilities. On the day of the play, I quickly approached the auditorium management, explained the situation, and secured special permission for our performance. This experience reflects my problem-solving skills and ability to stay composed under pressure—key traits often assessed in behavioural interview questions.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Do not talk about panicking in hard situations
2. Mention managing things under pressure

Question 15: Describe a Time When You Had to Work on a Project or Task Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Example: I worked as a class 12 mathematics teacher. One day I was asked to be the substitute teacher for class 5 until a new teacher was found. This was an exciting chance yet challenging as it required more effort to make those little ones understand mathematics. I borrowed help from videos and activities to teach them over those 6 months. This was the time when I worked outside of my comfort zone.

Points to keep in mind:

Question 16: Tell Me About a Time When You Had to Collaborate with Others to Achieve a Goal or Complete a Project

Example: In college, as the president of the dance society, I led a collaboration with the dramatics society for an international event. We created a unique fusion performance that showcased our teamwork and creativity, ultimately winning third prize. This experience highlights my leadership and adaptability—key aspects often evaluated in behavioural interview questions.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Highlight how well you work in a team
2. Talk about your skills that help in the improvement of overall team performance.

Question 17: Give Me an Example of How You Have Effectively Communicated Complex Information to a Team or Group

Example: During my research project, I had to convey all the details I learned in a seminar to my co-workers. I did so by simplifying the information using mind maps and flowcharts and had multiple group discussions on the same.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Talk about your communication skills
2. Discuss how you work to keep the whole team at par.

Question 18: Describe a Situation Where You Had to Make a Significant Change or Improvement to a Process or System

Example: At my previous workplace, I realized there was no Internal Complaint Committee. Understanding its importance, I engaged in multiple discussions with HR over two months. My persistence paid off when we successfully established the company’s first ICC. This experience demonstrates my initiative and problem-solving skills—key qualities often assessed in behavioural interview questions.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Portray your activeness in issues of the office and general well being
2. Put forward a confident image with a suitable example.

Question 19: Tell Me About a Time When You Had to Convince Someone to Accept Your Idea or Point of View

Example: I once had to convince my team leader of the idea of giving the team a small gap while working with different clients. I explained to her in a very detailed manner how switching between clients is confusing and hinders productivity.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Showcase your effective convincing skills
2. Talk about the skills you possess which are needed for teamwork

Question 20: Give Me an Example of How You Have Managed a Challenging Situation or Conflict with a Supervisor or Manager

Example: In college, as the president of the cultural society, I led my team in convincing our convenor to allow a performance on a sensitive social issue. We persistently wrote applications to the principal and engaged in daily discussions with the convenor. Our dedication paid off, and we were granted permission. This experience showcases my leadership, perseverance, and teamwork—qualities often evaluated in behavioural interview questions.

Points to keep in mind:

1. Highlight your persistent behaviour
2. Do not mention instances of rash behaviour

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Lack of Preparation: Not rehearsing before the interview can make you seem unprofessional and unprepared. Take time to research the company, review the job description, and practice answering common behavioral interview questions.
2. Tardiness: Arriving late to the interview sends the wrong message about your reliability and punctuality. Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to allow for unexpected delays.
3. Lack of Energy Balance: Being too energetic or too subdued can be off-putting to interviewers. Strive for a balance of energy that shows your enthusiasm for the job while still maintaining professionalism.
4. Ignoring the Questions: Failing to listen to the interviewer’s questions or provide relevant answers can be a deal-breaker. Listen carefully and take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.
5. Sharing Personal Information: Revealing personal information, such as your age or marital status, can make interviewers uncomfortable and lead to bias. Keep the focus on your qualifications and experience.
6. Using Your Phone: Using your phone during an interview is a major faux pas. Turn it off or leave it in your bag or pocket to avoid distractions.
7. Dressing Inappropriately: Dressing too casually or too formally can send the wrong message about your level of professionalism. Dress in business attire unless otherwise instructed.
8. Not Asking Questions: Failing to ask questions at the end of the interview can make you appear disinterested in the job or unprepared. Prepare a list of questions beforehand to show your interest in the position.

Strategies for Showing Your Strengths and Experiences Through Your Answers

Be Specific

When answering behavioural interview questions, provide specific details about the situation, your role, and the actions you took to resolve the issue or accomplish the task. This shows your interviewer that you have experience in handling real-world situations.

Be Honest

While it’s important to showcase your strengths, it’s also important to be truthful about your experiences. Behavioural interview questions, Do not try to exaggerate or make up experiences as this can backfire during the interview process.

Focus on the Positive

Even if the situation you describe was challenging, behavioural interview questions try to focus on the positive outcomes of the situation and the skills you developed. This demonstrates your ability to learn from experiences and improve your skills.

Follow the STAR Method

The STAR method is a structured approach to behavioral interview questions and answers. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Situation: Begin by describing the situation that you faced. Be specific and provide details about the context, including the time frame, people involved, and any challenges.

Task: Next, describe the task that you needed to accomplish in the situation. This should include your role and responsibilities.

Action: Describe the actions that you took to address the situation and accomplish the task. Be specific about the steps you took and why you took them.

Result: Finally, describe the results of your actions. Include any positive outcomes, what you learned from the experience, and how it helped you grow professionally.

Also Read:

• Social Media Marketing Interview Questions
• Teacher interview questions and answers
• Team Leader Interview Questions

Preparing for Behavioural Interviews

Behavioural interview questions play a crucial role in showcasing your skills, experience, and ability to handle workplace challenges. As a job seeker, preparing thoughtful responses to behavioural interview questions is essential for demonstrating your qualifications and increasing your chances of securing your dream job.

By practicing and structuring your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), you can provide clear and compelling examples that highlight your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Employers use behavioural interview questions to assess how you have handled past situations, making it critical to respond with confidence, honesty, and positivity.

To stand out from the competition, ensure your responses align with the job role and company values. Preparing well for behavioural interview questions allows you to present yourself as a strong and capable candidate, leaving a lasting impression on hiring managers. By refining your answers and delivering them effectively, you can boost your confidence, impress interviewers, and take a significant step toward achieving your career goals.

Ace your job interviews with tailored tips for a great first impression! Explore more Interview Tips with us.

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