Behavioral Interviews

Situation (10-20 seconds): Describe the position/role/responsibilities with the company/project/class.

Task (20-30 seconds): What did you initiate? What was the assignment? What were the obstacles to overcome? NOTE: Make sure the task relates to the question.

Action (1-2 minutes): Step-by-step of how you created/executed your plan. Use active language with action verbs and “I” language.

Results (30-40 seconds): Quantify! Did you increase / decrease / save / profit / improve? Include results at both the group/team/departmental level as well as the “big picture” company/class impact, but remember to showcase your contribution.

• Describe a recent project that required you to analyze a large amount of information and develop conclusions.
• Tell us about a time when you had to analyze numeric data under time pressure.
• Tell us about the most challenging analytical project you’ve ever faced.

• Tell me about a time you had to keep your cool under pressure.
• Describe a time when you were faced with a work environment that tested your coping skills.
• Give me an example of a decision that you made under pressure.

• Describe a recent written report or presentation that you worked on.
• Tell me about a time when you had to assert yourself to make a point.
• Describe a time when you had to persuade a manager to see your point of view.
• Describe a time when you had to sell your idea to a group.
• Give an example of a work situation when your ability to communicate was critical to success.
• Tell me about a time when you had to explain a complex technical idea to someone with little technical background.
• Tell me about a time when you adjusted your style to communicate more effectively.

• Tell me about a time when you came up with a new approach to a problem.
• Provide the details involving the most innovative idea you have implemented?
• Describe a situation in which you found a creative way to overcome an obstacle.

• Tell me about the most important decision you’ve made recently.
• What was the riskiest decision you’ve ever made? How did it turn out for you?
• Describe a time when you had to make a quick decision without all the information you needed. What was the outcome?
• Tell me about a decision you made that turned out to be the wrong one.

• Describe a time when you had a heavy workload and competing deadlines. How did you set priorities?
• Tell me about a time when you had conflicting deadlines. What did you do?
• Tell me about a time when you had too much to do and missed a deadline.
• Describe a time when you were working on a project with changing priorities. What did you do?

• Tell me about a project that required a strategic approach.
• Describe a time when you spotted an opportunity that others missed?
• Give me an example of an obstacle that was difficult to overcome. Would you have done anything differently?

• Tell me about a recent team project. What was your role?
• Describe a project that required input from many people at different levels of the organization.
• Tell me about a rewarding team experience.
• Describe a project with a challenging team dynamic. How did you handle it?
• Give me an example of how you have dealt with a difficult team member.
• Tell me about a time when you led a cross-functional team.

• Describe your technical background and how it has contributed to your success.
• Tell me about a time when it was necessary for you to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Give me an example of a recent assignment that involved the learning of a new technical skill.
• Tell me about the most difficult IT problem you ever faced and how you handled it.

• Tell me about a time that you took the lead on a difficult project.
• Describe a project or situation when you delegated effectively.
• Tell me about a time when you led an important meeting.
• Describe a time when you coached or mentored someone to achieve success.

• Give an example of a tough management decision that you’ve had to make.
• Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a performance problem on your team.
• Tell me about a mistake you’ve made as a manager or leader.
• Describe a time when you managed someone who had a different personality or work approach than yours.

• Tell me about a time when you had too much to do and missed a deadline.
• Share a time when you forgot about an important detail of a work assignment or project.

• Tell me about a time when you had to work closely with someone who was difficult.
• Describe a time when you had an irate manager or client.
• Tell me about a time when you set out to establish a good working relationship with a coworker or client.
• Give me an example of when you received criticism from your supervisor or colleague and how you handled it.
• Describe a situation in which you had to provide negative feedback to someone.

• Give an example of when you gathered diverse perspectives for a project strategy. What was the outcome?
• Please share what diversity, equity and inclusion means to you and why this is important in a workplace setting.
• Tell me about a time when you have advocated for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, a campus organization or community group.
• Describe your approach to understanding the perspectives of colleagues from different backgrounds.
• Describe a time when you have been an ally for someone else during a difficult time.

• What are your career development goals and how have you been working towards them?
• Describe how you would like your career to be in the future?
• Explain the steps you’ve taken to develop the necessary skills for career success?
• Talk about how you’d like to develop yourself professionally in the next few years.
• Discuss your current stage of career development. What have you learned in relation to where you’re headed.
• Explain long and short-term goals you have related to the management of your career.