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“Tell me about a time when...”
“Give me an example of...”
“Describe a situation in which...”
“Recall and an instance when…”
Essentially, any interview question that is asking you to give an example of how you did something is a behaviour-based question. This type of question is designed to elicit information about how you have done something in the past. Many interviewers/employers look at past behaviour as a potential predictor of future behaviour. So, interviewers will develop behaviour-based questions on skills you will need to use in the job and scenarios you will likely encounter. Demonstrating how you have successfully used a skill or managed a particular scenario in the past can give the employer confidence that you will be successful in the job and/or organization.
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Provide background and context
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Determine which skill(s) the employer will likely be interested in, select your strongest example, then write brief points that capture the main ideas you want to convey.
Try to avoid completely scripting or memorizing your stories because you might sound unnatural. Make sure to practice your stories out loud.
Use visual descriptors
Choose words that will help the employer visualize your role in it. Use active-oriented and specific language.
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The STAR approach is just one way to structure a concise but effective story. There are lots of ways you can structure your answer in a clear and concise way that demonstrates your knowledge, skills , and abilities. |
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Situational/hypothetical questions |
Situational questions are very similar to behavioural questions, but instead of you thinking of a specific situation in your past, the interviewer provides the scenario to you as a problem needing solving. An interviewer will use situational/hypothetical questions to establish how you would react to and handle real-life situations on the job. These situations can range from being general to very specific situations you will be faced with in the job. These types of questions will usually include language such as:
What would you do if.. if…
Describe how you would…
What approach would you take…
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For these questions, it might be helpful to approach it using the Actions actions and Results results from the STAR approach.
What are the Actions actions you would take given the situation?
What Results results would you hope your actions would bring about?
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The following are some examples of problem-solving questions:
Why is a manhole cover round?
How many automobiles are there in Toronto?
Estimate the size of the DVD rental market in Tokyo, Japan.
How would you project the future rate of PC game purchases in Canada?
Describe how you would extract caffeine from coffee beans.
The key is not to worry about getting the “right” answer but, rather, to demonstrate your thought process and how would you approach solving a problem.
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In addition to asking the other types of questions mentioned, many employers rely on a series of standard questions that are usually focused on getting to know you, why you are interested and , why you believe you are qualified for the job , and what you know about the employer. These are referred to as “classic” questions.
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- Profile: Aspects of your career identity, including your interests and interest in the position/employer, values , and personality preferences.
- Academics: A summary of your academics/project experience and skillsets you have developed through these experiences.
- Work (or volunteer): Any related work and volunteer experience.
- Skills: Highlight your skills relevant to the position by weaving them in throughout your answers and stories.
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Tips for responding to this question…
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"Thank you for the opportunity. I recently graduated with a [your degree] from [your University], where I developed a strong foundation in [relevant Science science field]. During my academic journey, I had the opportunity to engage in hands-on laboratory work, particularly in [specific techniques or research areas]. These experiences have equipped me with practical skills in experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
In addition to my academic achievements, I completed internships at [previous internship/research positions], where I honed my ability to work effectively in a laboratory setting. I contributed to [specific project or task], which required attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving. These experiences have solidified my passion for [specific area of Sciencescience] and cultivated my commitment to contributing to advancements in the field.
I am particularly drawn to your lab because of its reputation for [highlight a specific aspect of the Lablab's work or research]. I am excited about the prospect of applying my academic knowledge and hands-on experience to contribute to the innovative work your team is doing. My strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for scientific discovery make me confident in my ability to excel in this role.
Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I am an active member of [any relevant professional organizations or academic groups]. I stay current with the latest developments in the field and am committed to continuous learning. I am eager to bring my skills, passion , and dedication to your team and contribute to the impactful work happening in your lab."
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