Last Updated on September 20, 2024
Interviewing is not an easy job. Coming into an interview with the right questions is one of the best ways to ensure that you are able to correctly identify the right candidates for the job.
Basics about Tell Me About a Time Interview Questions
As an interviewer, it is critical to understand the deeper meaning behind the questions that you ask a job candidate.
What Kind of Question is “Tell Me About a Time...”
“Tell me about a time” interview questions fall under the category of behavioral questions. Behavioral questions are questions that ask a candidate to discuss how they have acted in a scenario in the past. Typically, these questions involve using soft skills like leadership, time management, or teamwork.
Why Use Behavioral Interview Questions?
Typically, behavioral questions are used to get a better understanding of the way a candidate problem solves, approaches conflict, and works in a team. These are excellent questions to get into the mind of a candidate and really get to know them better.
Behavioral questions are great to use when trying to understand how a candidate would fit into a team, since you can use these questions to figure out what kind of role a candidate plays when solving problems and resolving conflict.
Tell Me about a Time Interview Questions
The following questions are some of the best “tell me about a time” questions to ask in your upcoming interview:
Conflict Resolution:
- Tell me about a time you encountered a conflict at work and how you overcame it.
- Tell me about a time that you failed. How did you bounce back from that?
- Tell me about a time you learned from a mistake.
- Tell me about a time you had to solve a difficult problem at work. What did you do?
Professional Accomplishments:
- Tell me about a time you took initiative and what the results were.
- Tell me about a time you reached a goal at work.
- Tell me about something you have achieved professionally that you are proud of.
Working with Deadlines:
- Tell me about a time you missed an important deadline.
- Tell me about a time that you had a number of different tasks to do. What approach did you take to getting them done?
Customer Service:
- Tell me about a time you had to interact with a difficult client/customer. How did you handle the situation?
- Tell me about a time you made sure a customer was pleased with their service.
- Tell me about a time that you weren’t able to meet a client’s expectations. What did you do to correct the situation?
Working in a Team:
- Tell me about a time you led a team at work.
- Tell me about a time you experienced a conflict with a co-worker and what you did to solve it.
- Tell me about a time that you disagreed with your boss. What did you do about it?
The behavioral questions that you use in an interview will depend highly upon the requirements of the role you are hiring for. To identify which questions would be best to ask, figure out what soft skills are most critical for a candidate to have.
If you are a small start-up, then it’s likely you need someone who can take initiative and be creative. If the role requires extensive team collaboration, then you need to find someone who is a skilled team player. Be sure to identify the right questions to ask so you can truly uncover if someone if the right fit for the role.
The Best Tell Me About a Time Interview Questions
Here are the best “tell me about a time” interview questions and why you should be asking them:
1. Tell me about a time you encountered a conflict at work and how you overcame it.
Solving problems and overcoming obstacles is critical to being an effective employee. This question is a great way to identify how an employee approaches problem solving.
2. Tell me about a time that you failed. How did you bounce back from that?
The way that someone reacts to failure shows a great deal about their character. Use this question to get an insight on the candidate’s resolve and dedication.
3. Tell me about a time you had to interact with a difficult client/customer. How did you handle the situation?
If you work in a client-facing organization, it is critical to have an understanding of how someone deals with difficult customers. This question is a great way to get into someone’s head and understand how they react when faced with an upset client.
4. Tell me about a time you experienced a conflict with a co-worker and what you did to solve it.
No matter what environment you work in, being a good team player is crucial. This question can give you excellent insight on how a person acts when faced with a difficult co-worker. Be sure to pay attention to what the candidate did to solve the conflict.
5. Tell me about a time that you disagreed with your boss. What did you do about it?
This question shows a lot about a candidate’s personality type. Are they someone who is willing to stand up for what they believe to be correct? How do they react when someone of authority disagrees with them? Use this question to get a deeper look at a candidate’s ability to overcome objection.
Wrapping Up – Tell Me About a Time Interview Questions
As you prepare to interview candidates, be sure to take the time to understand the skills that a candidate will need to be successful in the role. Beginning with this critical step will influence everything in the process that follows.
Once you have effectively identified the job requirements, it becomes much easier to pinpoint the proper questions to ask. Ultimately, this will lead to you recognizing the perfect candidate for the position.
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Emily Rushton, Founder and CEO of Hire Integrated, has over a decade of experience in recruitment, helping companies solve high-volume hiring challenges. Her unique, storytelling approach has made her a trusted leader in the industry, helping both businesses and candidates succeed.
