Got interviews coming up? One of the most important steps to nailing them is mastering behavioural interview questions. These questions give employers a window into how you handle real-life challenges, showcasing your personality and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or about to finish university, this guide will walk you through the prep process, making sure you’re ready to impress.

Behavioural interview questions?
Behavioural interview questions usually begin with prompts such as “Describe a time when…” or “Can you provide an example of…” Their goal is to learn how you deal with challenges, collaborate with others, and resolve conflicts. Employers rely on the idea that your past actions are the most reliable indicator of how you’ll perform in the future, so they prefer to focus on real experiences instead of hypothetical situations.

Typical behavioural interview questions
You might come across questions like these during your interview:
• Can you talk about a situation at school where you encountered a challenge and how you dealt with it?
• Describe a group project you participated in. What was your responsibility and what was the result?
• Recall a time when you had a strict deadline. How did you organise your time to complete your tasks?
• Share an experience where you had a conflict with a teammate. How did you handle the situation?

How to prepare for behavioural interview questions?

Spend some time reviewing your time at university, internships, part-time positions, or volunteer roles. Identify situations where you showcased skills that align with the job you want. Pay special attention to challenges you overcame, achievements you’re proud of, and instances where teamwork or problem-solving played a key role.

STAR method

The STAR technique is an effective way to organise your answers. Here’s a breakdown:
• Situation: Set the scene by describing the background. What was happening?
• Task: Outline the specific challenge or goal you needed to achieve. What was expected of you?
• Action: Describe the steps you took to tackle the challenge. How did you approach it?
• Result: Highlight the outcome of your efforts. What was the impact? Whenever possible, include measurable results.

Build your own question library
Compile a collection of likely questions focused on key behavioural topics like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. For each question, draft your responses using the STAR method. This practice will help you structure your answers clearly and boost your confidence across a range of interview themes.

Get to know the job description inside out
Thoroughly review the job posting for the role you’re targeting. Highlight the essential skills and attributes the employer values, then think of personal experiences that demonstrate those qualities. Customising your answers to match the job’s requirements will help you stand out as a well-suited candidate for the position.

Keep your answers positive and genuine
When sharing your past experiences, emphasise the positive results, even if the circumstances were tough. Employers value candidates who show resilience and maintain a constructive outlook. At the same time, be truthful in your responses. If discussing a difficult situation, focus on the lessons you gained and how it helped you grow.

Getting ready for behavioural interview questions is a crucial step for fresh graduates stepping into the job market. By taking time to reflect on your experiences, mastering the STAR method, building a solid question bank, and thoroughly understanding the job description, you’ll be set up to make a great impression on employers.