Behavioural interview practice
Behavioural questions ask about what you did in the past, because it predicts what you will do next. Most Canadian employers use them, from co-op placements to senior roles. The STAR method keeps your answer clear and short.
The STAR method
- Situation
- Set the scene in one or two sentences: where, when, who.
- Task
- What you had to do, or the problem you faced.
- Action
- What you did. Say "I", not "we". This should be the longest part.
- Result
- What happened, with a number if you can, and what you learned.
10 common behavioural questions
Tell me about yourself.
Give a 60–90 second story: where you are now, what you've done that fits this role, and why you want it.
Tell me about a time you disagreed with a teammate.
Show you listened, used facts, and kept the relationship. End with the result.
Describe a mistake you made and what you learned.
Pick a real mistake, own it, and spend most of the answer on what you changed.
Tell me about a time you worked under a tight deadline.
Explain how you prioritised, what you dropped, and whether you hit the date.
Give an example of when you showed leadership.
Leadership without a title counts. Say what you did that others didn't.
Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer or stakeholder.
Stay calm in the story, show empathy, and end with a fix.
Describe a time you had to learn something new quickly.
Show your method and how fast you became useful.
Tell me about a goal you set and how you reached it.
Make the goal specific and measurable, then show the steps.
Tell me about a time you received critical feedback.
Show you listened without getting defensive, and what you changed.
Why do you want to work here?
Link something specific about the employer to your own goals and skills.