Sample Behavioral Interview Questions printable pdf download

SAMPLE BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Behavioral interviewing allows the interviewer to ask open-ended, thought provoking

questions. These questions engage candidates and require them to give detailed responses

about themselves, their performance and conduct in previous work-related roles and

situations. It’s a very effective technique which can reveal what an applicant actually did,

thought, decided, created, and led. An easy way to formulate a behavioral question would be

to start the question with: "Tell me about a time when…."Example: "Tell me about a time

when you had to work really hard to complete a project."

Below are some sample behavioral questions for specific areas that may be used during an

interview:

Personal

1. Why makes you the best candidate for the position? Why should we hire you?

2. Describe a time when you had to motivate yourself? Why was that necessary?

3. Describe a time when you brought value to your organization. Why was that

important and how was it recognized?

4. Describe how you would assist FIU in fulfilling its mission. (Provide the candidate

with a copy of the FIU Mission Statement)

Service Orientation

1. What is your customer service philosophy?

2. Describe a time when you provided excellent customer service by going above and

beyond your primary job responsibilities. Describe your involvement. What was the

final outcome?

3. Tell me about a time when you were faced with a serious customer service problem.

How did you resolve that problem? What was the final outcome?

4. Describe a time when you looked for ways to provide better service for your

customers. What was the situation and what I direct report for providing

unsatisfactory customer service. What did you say and do that made a difference in

his/her delivery of service?

Building Trust

1. Think of a situation where there wasn't a trusting relationship with another co-

worker. What did you specifically do to try to build a more trusting relationship?

What was the result?

2. Describe a time when you had to really "walk the talk." How difficult was it? What

were the results?

3. Describe a time when you had to go the "extra mile" to gain and develop trust

among colleagues, staff or constituents. What did you learn from your experience?

4. How would you coach someone else on building trust?

Sample Behavioral Interview Questions