Interviewing for a job is exciting, but it can be stressful. That’s why reading and thinking of answers to common interview questions is a great way to prepare. Many employers also want to get a more in-depth look at what type of employee you’ll be, and so they’ll ask you behavioral interview questions.

Here’s are some of the behavioral interview questions you might be asked:

1. How do you handle criticism?

You’ll want to stress the positive ways you handle criticism. Leave out the negative ways like losing patience, feeling stressed out, or getting mad and defensive. Instead, focus on the positive ways you deal with criticism like learn from it, appreciate the honesty and direction, and try to understand how you can improve.

2. Tell me about a time when you were in a leadership role.

Think of a great example of a time in your time at college, in a previous position, or a volunteer opportunity where you had to give directions, make decisions, and be a leader. Be prepared to showcase your positive attributes you have and how you could be a leader in the position you’re applying for.

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3. How do you deal with a person you didn’t get along with at work?

hiredGive an honest answer in a positive light about what you would do if you had a disagreement with someone at work or didn’t get along with them. You might want to say that you would try to talk about any issues with them in a calmly productive manner to try to resolve issues. You can also say that you would remain patient, and maintain an effective work relationship and not let these issues have anything to do with your performance.

4. Tell me about a time where you overcame a barrier. 

Describe a time when you were faced with something difficult. Be sure it shows how you used your positive attributes and skills to overcome it. It’s best to keep the barrier something that occurred during your career so you can show how you’ll continue to overcome things in this position.

5. How do you handle stress and pressure?

Share positive ways you deal with stress during your job. Some ways you can mention include keeping organized, making a thorough plan, and staying focused. If you have an example in your past position, you can include that.

6. Tell me about a time you failed at something.

Questions that ask you for something that feels negative are always tough. But you’re human, and humans make mistakes. Describe a time when things didn’t go as planned for you. Let it be a chance to explain how you learned from the situation and how you are now growing from that experience.

7. What was a goal you had that you have reached?

Choose a goal that is professional. Describe a goal that took a lot of intelligence, hard work, and applicable skills. Explain how you worked hard to achieve it and continue to strive to make new goals for yourself professionally.

8. How did you achieve that goal?

Explain what you specifically did to make that goal a reality. Did you have to take extra classes to get a certain certification? Did you work long hours to land a promotion?

9.  What is a problem you had that you solved?

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Choose a problem you faced while working or even attending college opposed to a personal life problem. Be sure that you can show how you used your fantastic attributes to deal with it. Like with every answer, try to tie in skills that would be helpful in the position you’re applying for.

10. What do you do for fun?

Simply describe what you do for fun. This question tells a lot about someone. Someone that loves to cook may be creative, someone that bakes needs to be able to follow directions exactly, physical activities show energy and enthusiasm, team sports show you can be part of a team, and so on.

11. How do you handle challenges?

Explain how you positively deal with challenges. Do you take a step back to assess the situation and the best way to deal with it? Maybe you like to make a plan and think about what the best next step is. Do you enjoy challenges because it makes work exciting and gives you a chance to prove yourself?

12. How do you handle short deadline?

Do you make a detailed schedule so you know what you have to do by when? Describe how you stay focused, don’t get overwhelmed, and stay on task.

13. How do you deal with interruptions?

Describe how you’d react to something interrupting you while you’re right in the middle of something at work. You can say how you’d determine if you need to shift gears to direct your attention to the most urgent matter.

14. How do you communicate with others?

Explain how you positively communicate with others. Are you a good listener? Do you like to explain yourself to others?

15. What would you do if you disagreed with something your boss was doing?

You can say that if you thought your boss was on the wrong track, you can simply express your opinion without being disrespectful or forceful. You can say how you’d value to have an open communication so you can understand why your boss is doing that so you can be more of an asset to the company.

You can express how you were patient and direct and enjoyed helping them. You can say that because have strong communication skills, it was easy for you to explain yourself and to do this new skill.

How do you prepare for an interview? What are some other common behavioral questions?

Kristen Kuchar

Kristen Kuchar

Kristen Kuchar is a freelance writer and editor who has learned how to save money without giving up a passion for travel, food, and living a fun life. She has written about personal finance for several years and graduated with a degree in Journalism. Follow her on Twitter @KristenKuchar.