Behavioural interview questions (STAR method)

Behavioural questions ask about real situations from your past, because how you acted before is the best guide to how you will act again. Answer with STAR: the Situation, your Task, the Actions you took, and the Result, ideally with a number.

  1. 1Tell me about a time you failed.

    What a good answer shows: A real failure, your part in it, what you changed afterwards, and a later success because of it.

  2. 2Describe a time you disagreed with your manager.

    What a good answer shows: How you raised it respectfully with evidence, the outcome, and that you committed once a decision was made.

  3. 3Tell me about a time you led without authority.

    What a good answer shows: How you got people aligned through clarity, data and trust, and the result.

  4. 4Give an example of a goal you set and reached.

    What a good answer shows: A specific, measurable goal, your plan, obstacles you overcame and the result.

  5. 5Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer or stakeholder.

    What a good answer shows: Listening first, understanding their real need, and a solution that kept the relationship.

  6. 6Describe a time you had too much work. What did you do?

    What a good answer shows: Prioritising by impact, saying what would slip, and asking for help early.

  7. 7Tell me about a mistake you made at work.

    What a good answer shows: Owning it quickly, fixing it, and the process change that prevents it.

  8. 8Describe a time you used data to make a decision.

    What a good answer shows: The question, the data, what it showed and what changed because of it.

  9. 9Tell me about a time you learned something new quickly.

    What a good answer shows: How you learned (docs, mentors, practice) and how you used it within weeks.

  10. 10Give an example of when you went beyond your job description.

    What a good answer shows: Initiative that helped the team or customers, with a clear result.

  11. 11Tell me about a time you received critical feedback.

    What a good answer shows: How you listened without getting defensive and what you changed.

  12. 12Describe a time you worked with someone difficult.

    What a good answer shows: Understanding their view, finding a way to work together, and the shared result.

  13. 13Tell me about a time you had to make a decision without all the information.

    What a good answer shows: How you weighed risks, what you assumed, and how you checked the result.

  14. 14Describe a project that changed direction halfway.

    What a good answer shows: How you adapted, kept the team informed and still delivered.

  15. 15Tell me about a time you improved a process.

    What a good answer shows: The problem, your change and the time or money it saved.

  16. 16Give an example of teamwork that you are proud of.

    What a good answer shows: Your specific role inside the team and the team's result.

  17. 17Tell me about a time you persuaded someone to change their mind.

    What a good answer shows: Understanding their concerns, using evidence, and a fair outcome.

  18. 18Describe a time you missed a deadline.

    What a good answer shows: Why it happened, how and when you told people, and what you do differently now.

  19. 19Tell me about a time you mentored or helped a colleague grow.

    What a good answer shows: What they needed, how you helped and how they progressed.

  20. 20What is the achievement you are most proud of?

    What a good answer shows: One story with a strong, measurable result that fits the job you want.