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Behaviour-based questions are the most popular type of interview question and usually begin with a sentence opener such as:

  • “Tell me about a time when...”

  • “Give me an example of...”

  • “Describe a situation in which...”

  • “Recall an instance when…”

Essentially, any interview question that is asking asks 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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This five-step process might be a helpful framework to use when responding to problem-solving interview questions:

  1. Listen carefully to what’s being asked and jot down some key points if you want to

  2. Ask clarifying questions to determine exactly what the interviewer is looking for

  3. Respond by first explaining how you’d gather the data necessary to make an informed decision

  4. Discuss how you’d use that data to generate options

  5. Based Explain how you’d make an appropriate decision or recommendation based on the data you’ve gathered, the available options, and your understanding of the position, explain how you’d make an appropriate decision or recommendation.

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Case interviews

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One strategy you may consider using when answering a “classic” interview questions is the PAWS model (California State University Channel Islands, n.d.). You can use the PAWS model as a guide to remind yourself what points you want to speak about and how they are relevant to the employer/job. Try to avoid focusing your response solely on your personal life but absolutely include any details about yourself you would like to share (e.g., hobbies).

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It’s a good idea to provide your response within 9080-100 seconds as with other interview responses; however, this response tends to be longer than most other interview responses – and that’s okay! If you have time remaining, you might use it to highlight something that may not be related to the job/field but is unique or that you are particularly proud of.

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Tips for responding to this question…

  • Begin with how you became interested in this profession/industry/role:

    • When did you become interested?

    • What contributed to that interest?

  • Starting from your relevant interests can help you articulate your main values early in the interview and help the interviewer understand who you are.

  • Consider:

    • Where are you now?

    • What have you done since then to grow your knowledge, skills, experience?

    • What experiences and skills have you had/used in the past?

    • Can you connect these highlights to the job or field: state how this background is a great fit, both in terms of your abilities and interests.

    • What are you excited about for the future?

  • Focus on three - five highlights that are most relevant to this job/field.

  • Draw on any sources, such as paid/unpaid work, academic (coursework, research and projects) and extracurricular activities.

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