Top 10 Traditional, Behavioral Job Interview Questions

Top 10 Traditional Behavioral Job Interview Questions
(Asked of Job-Seekers by Employers Hiring Managers)

by Quintessential Careers

Top Traditional and Behavioral Employment Interview Questions

While there are several specialized types of job interviews (including case situational stress wildcard) most job-seekers will be confronted with just two types of interview questions: traditional questions and behavioral questions.

This article describes each of the two major types of interview questions and then provides a list of the top interview questions asked by hiring managers to prospective job-seekers.

Top Traditional Job Interview Questions Asked by Employers

Traditional interview questions focus on a job-seeker's background skills and values. These questions are typically descriptive in nature. Your goal is to answer each question with a solid understanding of what the employer is really asking -- and delivering an honest answer that is tailored specifically to the employer based on the research you've conducted.

Expect employers and hiring managers to ask questions such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Ten years?
• Describe the best job you've ever had.
• What are the characteristics of a good boss?
• Why should we hire you?
• How would a good friend describe you? How would your current/last boss?
• Have you ever been fired or forced to resign?
• Why do you want to work for this company?
• What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
• Why are you leaving your current job?

Top Behavioral Job Interview Questions Asked bt Hiring Managers

Behavioral interview questions focus on probing into a job-seeker's past behaviors and performance. The premise behind behavioral interviewing is that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations. Employers use the behavioral-interview technique to evaluate a candidate's experiences and behaviors so they can determine the applicant's potential for future success.

It's best to respond to behavioral questions by briefly describing the situation what specific action(s) you took to have an effect on the situation and the positive result or outcome. (Read more in: Job-Seeker S-A-R Sample Response for Behavioral Interviews.)

Expect employers and hiring managers to ask questions such as:

• Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
• Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
• Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure or extreme conditions.
• Tell me about your best/worst team experience -- and your role in it.
• Give an example if a difficult situation you've faced and how you handled it.
• Have you ever had a disagreement with a co-worker or boss? How did you handle it?
• Give two examples of things you've done in previous jobs that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.
• Some people consider themselves to be "big picture people" and others are detail oriented. Which are you? Given an example that illustrates your preference.