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Behavioral Competencies - Job Effectiveness

Planning/Organization

Give me a specific example of a time when you did not meet a deadline. How did you handle it?
Using a specific example of a project, tell me how you kept those involved informed of the progress.
Are you better at working on many things at a time, or are you better at working on and getting results on a few specific things? Please give me two examples that illustrate this.
Name one of your best accomplishments, including where the assignment came from, your plans in carrying it out, how you eventually did carry it out, and any obstacles you overcame.
Of your current assignments, which do you consider to have required the greatest amount of effort with regard to planning/organization? How have you accomplished this assignment? Tell me how you handled it. How would you assess your effectiveness?

Describe an instance when you had to think quickly to free yourself from a difficult situation.
Tell me about a politically complex work situation in which you worked.
Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
Give me an example of a time when there was a decision to be made and procedures were not in place? What was the outcome?
How do you go about solving problems at work?
Tell me about a specific time when you eliminated or avoided a potential problem before it happened.
What types of problems do you most enjoy tackling? Give me some examples of such problems you faced. What did you enjoy about them?
What types of problems do you least enjoy tackling? Give me some examples of such problems you faced. What was it about the problems that you least enjoyed?
To whom did you turn for help the last time you had a major problem and why did you choose that person?
In some aspects of work it is important to be free of error. Can you describe a situation where you have tried to prevent errors? What did you do? What was the outcome?

Tell me about a decision you made but wish you had done differently.
Tell me about an experience in which you had a limited amount of time to make a difficult decision. What was the decision and the outcome/result of your decision?
Give me an example of a time when there was a decision to be made and procedures were not in place? What was the outcome?
Tell me about a time when you had to make an unpopular decision.
Discuss an important decision you have made regarding work. What factors influenced your decision?
In a current job task, what steps do you go through to ensure your decisions are correct/effective?

Give me an example of something you've done in previous jobs that demonstrates your willingness to work hard.
What is the biggest error in judgment or failure you have made in a previous job? Why did you make it? How did you correct the problem?
Tell me about a time when your supervisor criticized your work. How did you respond?
Tell me about a time when you took responsibility for an error and were held personally accountable.

Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to approach things your way.
Give me an example of an important goal that you had set in the past, and tell me about your success in reaching it.
What projects were accomplished during your previous job? How were these accomplished? What experiences did you have when meeting deadlines for project completion? Explain.
Are you better at working on many things at a time, or are you better at working on and getting results on a few specific things? Please give me two examples that illustrate this.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishments in your current/previous position?

Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
Tell me about a time in which you had to use your written communication skills in order to get an important point across.
Give me an example of a time when you were able to successfully communicate with another person even when that individual may not have agreed with your perspective.
Give me a specific example of a time when you had to handle an angry customer. What was the problem and what was the outcome?
Tell me about a time when you and your current/previous supervisor disagreed but you still found a way to get your point across.
Tell me about your efforts to "sell" a new idea to your supervisor.
How do you make your feelings known when you disagree with the views of your staff?
What have you done to improve your verbal communication skills?
What have you done to improve your listening skills?
Tell me how you kept your supervisor advised of the status on projects.
How have you assessed your behavioral messages and what have you learned about yourself as a result?

Give me a specific example of a time when you did not meet a deadline. How did you handle it?
We all face times when personal issues pull us away from work responsibilities. If possible, tell me about a time when your dependability or attendance was challenged. How did you handle it and/or remain accountable or involved in work? How long did the situation last?

Describe how your position contributes to your organization's/unit's goals. What are the goal's/unit's mission?
Tell me how you keep your job knowledge current with the ongoing changes in the industry.

Give me an example of an important goal that you had set in the past, and tell me about your success in reaching it.
Tell me about a time when you had to complete multiple tasks/projects within a tight timeline.
Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
Give me a specific example of a time when you did not meet a deadline. How did you handle it?
Give me two examples of things you've done in previous jobs that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.
Describe a course, project, or work experience that was complex. What kind of follow-up did you undertake? How much time was spent on unexpected difficulties?