Preparing for job interview questions is not as simplistic as you might think. More and more employers are looking to ditch the traditional interview questions for more open-ended, detailed ones. Behavioral questions are quickly becoming popular questions to ask during an interview. They are typically the most important and can often sabotage an interview if answered incorrectly. You should also take into account your previous answers when deciding upon questions to ask during an interview.

1. Behavioral Interview Answers and
Questions to Ask During an Interview
Preparing for job interview questions is not as
simplistic as you might think. More and more
employers are looking to ditch the traditional
interview questions for more open-ended, detailed
ones. Behavioral questions arequickly becoming
popular questions to ask during an interview.They
are typically the most important and can often
sabotage an interview ifanswered incorrectly. You
should also take into account yourprevious
answers when deciding upon questions to ask
during an interview.
If you are unfamiliar with the concept, behavioral questions inquire about situations you have
handled in the past. The potential employer is looking to find out ifyou are capable ofdealing
with the problems that may arise,shouldyou be offeredthe position. Traditionally, interviewers
will ask you questions like, "How would you handlea customerifX happened?"or "How would
you work to improve Y?"For these kinds ofquestions, it is quite easy to make up a story on the
spot, as you have a good idea ofwhat the "right" answers are. However, behavioral questions do
not leave you any room for imagination and requireyou to contemplatepast work experiences.
Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers
Most behavioral questions begin with, "Tell me about a time when"or "Give me an example of."
When asked behavioral questions, consider your achievements, or a tough customerthat you were
able to turn around. Be sure to describethe problem, how you handled it, and what the results
were.
Q: Give me an example ofa time when you had to deal with an unruly customer.
A: I once dealt with a customerwho was irate because anothersalesman treated her with
disrespect. She had no interestin hearing about any ofotherproducts. (Situation)
I asked her to share her story with me and made note ofher specific complaint. I then described
to her how I, personally, wouldhavehandled her situation.Afterexplaining how I could offer her
much better services and relayed her some facts, she quickly changedher mind about dealing with
the company. (Action)

2. As a result, she purchased even more merchandise than previously and referred her neighbor to
me. She is now a routine customer. (Result)
The interviewee clearly stated the problem, how they handledit and what the result was. The
situation served as both a challenge and an accomplishment.Ifthe question is a little more vague,
like "Give me an example ofa challenge you had to face at your previous job,"try to look for an
example that is relevant to the position you are applying for.
While you can never be sureofwhat the interviewer is going to ask, it is a good idea to be
prepared. Jot down someofsituations that would make good examples, and be sure to address
those three key points –Situation,Action and Result.
Behavioral questions arenot as intimidating as some lead them to be. Even ifyou must do a little
digging, you are sure to find a situation that can be used to answer appropriately. Remember,
your past is a great predictor ofyour future, so chooseyour examplewisely.End your interview
with a few solid questions, for ideas check out these questions to ask during an interview.