This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our
Standards.
The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more
about how Rumie works with partners.
WTF are behavioural interview questions?
Basically theyask how you'd approach a specific situation to figure out what you'd be like to work with.
And if you want to get the job, you've got to answer like a pro.
Pick An Experience
It can be from anywhere (work, school, your personal life), but it's got to be specific.
If you're too general, you're not actually answering the question. Give details!
Quiz
Which of these experiences would be a good response to "A time you worked well under pressure"?
All of these could be good, specific experiences to share. The key is giving enough details and highlighting how you rose to the challenge.
Have Some Experiences Ready
Keep a few specific challenges and successes in your mind. It'll be easier to answer whatever question is thrown at you.
Did you know?
Don't Play The Blame Game
It's a red flag that you aren't a team player (even if it totally was Susan from Accounting's fault.)
Take ownership for the team you were part of.
Quiz
How could you best avoid blaming Susan from Accounting for missing a deadline (even though it was totally her fault)?
Generalizing to "the team had some delays" acknowledges the challenge without getting personal. Saying you're not sure what happened makes you look out of the loop and the other options are accusatory.
Tie It Back
Wrap it up by returning to the original question.
"At the time, it was a stressful learning experience, but it definitely taught me how to work better under pressure."
Summary
Ready to ace that interview?
Write down three experiences that you could use to answer behavioural interview questions.
And for bonus points, ask a friend to help you practice.
This Byte has been authored by
Sam Zimmer
Rumie Director of Learning