Behaviour-based questions

What type of questions can I expect during a job interview?

A job applicant could be asked what are called behaviour-based questions during a job interview, particularly by government agencies. Such questions are asked to explore the use of a particular skill or competency or to check out reactions to a specific situation. Behaviour-based questions often start with a question like, “tell me about a time when…”

The job applicant is expected to talk about particular situations requiring the application of skills or competencies, such as involvement in teamwork or use of communication skills. The job applicant should describe what happened, what they did and what the outcomes were. It is important for all job applicants to think about the interview in advance and what skills and experience the employer is looking for. Interview preparation could include examples that a job applicant can talk about. For more information on behavioural interviewing see:

http://web.mit.edu/career/www/guide/star.html

Migrants and refugees may find behaviour-based questions a novelty and a challenge because they may not be used in their countries of origin. Employers could consider basing behaviour-based questions on the Curriculum Vitae (CVs) of all applicants or on common work scenarios that can be put to all candidates.

 

see also » Interview