In a previous article we discussed the use of puzzle interviews [See Also | Riddles are for Storytellers] and how they are slowly becoming obsolete in the field of recruitment. Behavioural interviews are the way forward when applying for job opportunities in Malta. They are a solid and practical way of learning relevant character traits from a person's past experience.

In behavioural interviews, the interviewer simply asks you exactly what they want to hear;

“Give me an example of when you had to deal with a strict deadline”.

There is no magical formula to answering a behavioural question, however here are some tips that our team at KONNEKT wanted to share with you for your next interview.

A good answer to a behavioural question is always;

  • To The Point; do not try to add fluff to your story as interviewers know what they are looking for and did not sign up for a bedtime story.
  • Descriptive in its Main Aspects; while being concise, it is important that you focus on aspects of your experience which make it a point that you have the necessary skills.
  • Structured; a good story usually follows these 5 points: setting, build-up, crisis/climax, learning and personal change.


A good tip is to prepare a couple of stories that you might want to share, prior to showing up for your interview. To help you out with that here are the three most common interview topics – Teamwork, Leadership & Accomplishments. And this is how to answer them!


1. TEAMWORK

Most jobs require you to build relationships, be they internal or external. You might have had projects you collaborated on with colleagues, or maybe even developed a relationship with a client.

Prepare stories that illustrate your alliances as well as partnerships that support you. Good stories include those that people seek you out for your skills and expertise.

Examples of Behavioural Questions;

  1. Tell me about a time you dealt with conflict on a team?
  2. Describe a time when you have been working toward the completion of an important task, when it has been necessary to consider the opinions and feelings of others.
  3. Tell me about a time that you managed someone younger than you. How did that person react? How did you manage the relationship?


2. LEADERSHIP

Leadership does simply mean 'managing a team'. In fact, some of the best examples are instances when you would have successfully influenced others.

The key success factors involve functional expertise, logic, data, and negotiation skills.

Examples of Behavioural Questions;

  1. Tell me about a time when you were responsible for an important outcome and you had to convince people or defend your opinion.
  2. Tell me about a time you participated in a negotiation.
  3. Describe a time when you have had to persuade others to your way of thinking, when at first they did not buy into your idea.


3. ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Drive is the key elements in this category, it being the ability to set a goal and achieve it. It is important to show goal orientation, which involves strategy, orientation and execution of such a goal.

Successful stories show you pioneering successful ideas, moments which have changed the way that you think and behave, as well as examples of how your work has developed and improved over time. Examples of volunteer work might fit in nicely here.

Examples of Behavioural Questions;

  1. Describe a time when you have worked with others to complete an important task, when there was no formally appointed group leader.
  2. Describe a time when you have ensured an important task has been completed, when you felt others were less focused than you on completing the important task.


The bottom line is to manage your message well. Interviewers want to learn about your motivations. If your interviewer knows that you possessed the right qualities to solve problems in past situation, it is more likely that they will believe you to be capable of repeating the same behaviour in future situations.

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