In a job interview, recruiters sometimes ask how you acted in certain situations. They do this to guess how you might act in similar situations. Looking at how you did things in the past helps the interviewer understand how good you are at your job. Getting ready by considering answers to the behavioural interview questions can help you do better in your interview.
Examples of Behavioural Interview Questions
When was the last time you had a lot of work to do in a short time?
If the job you’re applying for gets busy, the interviewer wants to know if you can handle it. Tell about a time when you had to do a bunch of work fast.
Example Answer
Once, I had a big project to finish for a client in 60 days. Then, my boss said we needed to finish it in 45 days and still do our other work on time. I turned it into a fun challenge for my team. We all agreed to work a little more each day and help each other. We finished the project in 42 days. I had a great team, but my planning and sharing of the work helped us do well.
How do you deal with challenging situations? Can you give an example?
Problems happen in any job, and things sometimes go differently than planned. The person interviewing you wants to see how you tackle these challenges. Talk about a time you had to solve a challenging problem. Share the steps you took and why it all worked out while answering the behavioural interview questions.
Example Answer
Once, my boss had to leave town suddenly, and we were right in the middle of essential talks with a potential new sponsor. I had to make a PowerPoint presentation using just my boss’s notes and a little help from his manager. My presentation ended up being a hit. We won the sponsorship, and my bosses even considered giving me an award for doing such a good job.
Have you ever flubbed up at work? What did you do next?
It’s normal to make mistakes; nobody’s perfect. The interviewer is curious about how you handle it when things go wrong.
Example Answer
I once told a person who wanted to join the club I worked at the wrong price for joining. I immediately went to my boss, told him I messed up, and was honest. He thought it was good that I told him and suggested we let the person join without paying the sign-up fee to make it right. The person decided to join the club anyway; my boss was okay with it, and I felt sorry for my mistake. But I learned to double-check things to ensure I’m giving out the correct information.
How do you plan to achieve your goals?
The interviewer wants to see how you plan and reach your targets. The best answer is to give examples of how you’ve successfully set and achieved your goals.
Example Answer
Soon after starting my first job at a department store, I realized I wanted to work in fashion. I planned to become a department manager first, and by then, I hoped to save enough money to go to design school full-time. That’s precisely what I did, even getting my first job through an internship I did the summer before finishing school.
Can you tell me about a goal you met and how you got there?
The person hiring wants to know how you reach your goals and the steps you take to get there.
Example Answer
When I began working at XYZ Company, I set my eyes on winning the Employee of the Month because I wanted the best parking spot and my photo on the wall. I made an extra effort to be super helpful to everyone at work, my bosses and our customers—which I would have done anyway because I liked my job and the people there. I was chosen as the Employee of the Month by my third month. It felt great to meet my goal, and I think my positive attitude and hard work helped me move up to a managerial role there pretty fast.
Tell me about a tough decision that not everyone liked and how you handled it.
Leaders sometimes have to make hard choices that not everyone agrees with. If you’re interviewing for a job where you’ll need to make decisions, the interviewer wants to know how you handle making changes.
Example Answer
When I became the new boss of a team, their old boss had let them swap shifts without asking a manager first. This was unfair because some people got more chances to work than others. So, I made a new rule that anyone who wanted to change shifts had to check with my assistant. This way, we ensured that people who wanted and were free to work extra could get the chance.
Can you talk about a time you worked with a group?
Many jobs require teamwork. In job interviews, the interviewer wants to know how well you work with others and get along with your team. Answer to those behavioural interview questions without hesitation.
Example Answer
In college, I joined a team in the History department. Our professor was writing a book about how language developed in Europe during the Middle Ages. Each of us had a different part to do. I suggested that we meet up before our weekly meeting with the professor. This way, we could talk about how things were going and help each other if we got stuck. The professor liked how we worked together, which improved his research. Because of our teamwork, he finished his book early.
What do you do if you don’t agree with someone at work?
The interviewer wants to know how you handle workplace conflicts. Talk about a time when you had a disagreement and how you solved it.
Example Answer
Once, my boss wanted to outsource most of the work in my department, but having our team in-house was better for connecting with clients. I talked to her about it and explained my reasons. We finished up finding a compromise that worked for both of us.
Can you talk about a time you helped your team or coworkers feel motivated?
The interviewer wants to know if you can encourage others to do their best. Share an example of how you cheered up your team.
Example Answer
Once, our team got new bosses from a different industry. They wanted to make significant changes to make more money, which some of my coworkers didn’t like. I thought the changes could be good and told my team to give them a chance.
Have you dealt with a challenging situation at work? How did you handle it?
Employers need to know if you can handle problems at work. ?You can explain how to handle difficult situations in your work.
Example Answer
At my old job at ABC Global, I found out that one of my coworkers was struggling with painkiller addiction after surgery. It was making her work worse, so I talked to her and helped her find treatment covered by her insurance. She got better and even got a better job about six months later.
These above mentioned behavioural interview questions help to prepare for your interviews. For a complete guide on excelling in interviews within the accounting and finance sectors, explore SpotGiraffe, an exclusive platform designed specifically for professionals in these fields. SpotGiraffe goes beyond just listing job openings; it offers a comprehensive solution for job seekers and employers seeking ideal matches.
SpotGiraffe provides a meticulous experience that is designed for finance and accounting professionals. Whether you want to advance your career or make strategic hires, this platform is finely tuned to meet your needs.
Unlike traditional job search websites, SpotGiraffe offers more than just job postings. It actively supports your professional journey by providing valuable resources and insights. With its user-friendly interface, SpotGiraffe simplifies discovering job opportunities and accessing relevant information, giving you an edge in the dynamic world of finance and accounting.
