The key to interviewing success is being prepared, including having some planned responses to questions. Anticipating the types of questions you might be asked can help you prepare and practice your answers. Behavioural questions address how you have reacted to situations in the past and therefore give the interviewer an idea of how you would handle that same situation in the future. When answering behavioural questions, provide detailed and specific answers with good examples divided into the following three parts:
Situation
Tell the interviewer about the situation and what you were trying to achieve.
Action
Explain what you did to achieve your result.
Result/ Outcome
Briefly describe the final outcome.
Common Examples of Behavioural Interview Questions
- Describe a stressful situation that you faced in which you demonstrated your coping skills.
- Give me an example of a goal you set, and were able to achieve it?
- Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
- Provide an example of when attention to detail was vital and how you completed the task accurately.
- Tell me about a time you had too many things to do and you needed to prioritise your tasks.
- What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example of when you had to use this strategy.
- Give me an example of when you have shown initiative and taken the lead.
- Give me an example of task which required you use your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
- Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer. What was the outcome?
- Describe a situation in which you exceeded customer expectations.
- Give me an example of when you have had to work in a team. What benefit did you bring to the team?
- Provide an example of one of your achievements in the workplace.
- Provide an example of a workplace suggestion you have made. Was it implemented and what were the outcomes?
Common Examples of Standard Interview Questions
- Tell me about your current or most recent job?
- What did you like best about this position?
- What did you least like about this position?
- What do you highlight as your strengths?
- What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
- What do you know about our company?
- Are you prepared to undergo any further studies to help you in this role?
- Is this the type of role you are looking for? Why?
- What can you bring to this role/company?
- How do you handle pressure in your working environment?
- Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
- Why do you think we should employ you?
- Do you have any questions for me?
Questions YOU could ask
- What is the working culture like at your company?
- What type of person are you looking for?
- What are possible career progressions?
- Do you support ongoing training and development?
- Ask a few more detailed questions about the role itself, ie. Is this a new position? What are the day-to-day responsibilities?
- What are your company's biggest challenges? Who is your major competitor?
- How long has the current person been in this role? Are they available to cross train?
- Who does this position report to?
- How many people work for the company and/or work in this department?
- Ask the interviewer what they like about working for the company.
- Ask when they will be making a decision and when you should expect to hear back from them.
- If you are chosen to progress further, ask what the next steps involved are, ie. a second interview, a medical check, skills testing, and/or psychometric testing.
Uplifting Solutions
04:58 03 Jun 20
Very happy with Jenelle and her professional manner. Staff at PP are excellent. Great service.
Greg Sullivan
22:41 01 Jun 20
I have been using Peninsula Personnel for different projects over a number of years now and can highly recommend them.... Lisa is always very responsive and highly professional. They're great at matching the skills of their temp staff for the job at hand and always recommend great candidates for us. Some of which have even stayed on and become permanent staff.read more
Emily Smith
11:57 22 May 20
Peninsula Personnel found me my dream job. I’ve chalked up 12 months at HART now and couldn’t be happier. They... understood me and my skills immediately and it didn’t take long to have me settled in my job. The PP team is there to support and encourage me when ever I need and I often receive kind, thoughtful messages and seasonal gifts. I am so grateful for the PP team and all they do... so professional and great at what they do - find you a dream job with that perfect fit.read more
BRIGITTE BOND
11:59 07 May 20
Six months ago, the Team at Peninsula Personnel found me a great position with a dynamic and passionate business... located on the Northern Beaches. They took the time to understand my strengths and aspirations and were able to find a full time role that is a great fit for me. Furthermore, they were willing to go the extra mile for me to find this position when a previous placement did not work out, which I am very grateful for. Their positive, down-to-earth and friendly attitude, professional focus and commitment to keeping it local are second to none. Thanks for my wonderful new job. Keep up the good work.Brigitteread more
Michael Beck
05:17 30 Apr 20
Have had very helpful and professional experience with PP.Always very informed and very well connected on the north... side of the bridge.Highly recommended.read more
Stephanie Malik
23:38 13 Mar 20
Amanda and the team were fantastic! They helped me find the right job quickly with a wonderful local company. I... couldn’t be happier. Thank you!read more
Claire
03:49 07 Feb 20
Lisa, Margaret and the team at Peninsula Personnel have been such a delight to work with and are so quick to move on... the roles they have available. Within the week of walking into peninsula personnel I had been set up with my first assignment to start the following Monday. Can’t fault them in their approach, especially over the Christmas period. It’s unlucky that we were not able to secure a role in my current field but that wasn’t without them trying. Thank you again to the team, I would highly recommend them (and already have done) to anyone on the job search whether temp or permanent and I would be back with them if needed in an instant.read more
Paris Block
01:54 22 Jan 20
I had the most wonderful experience dealing with the friendly ladies at Peninsula Personnel. Deciding to change careers... was a big step for me but Amanda and Margaret made me feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. I trusted their expert opinion with every step and it definitely paid off for me! Highly recommend choosing Peninsula Personnel for any career change you are thinking of making.read more
Nicole Florence
06:57 09 Jan 20
Very mixed feelings about our experience with this agency, I cannot recommend Peninsula Personnel to employers, they... are clearly an employment agency for employees and their own benefits only. Employees looking for work, this is a great agency for you, including the lovely packaged gift you get once you are placed in your new role ;) We certainly will not use them again and are probably the first client to even bother leaving a such a review for others to know what to expect.read more
Morgan Smith
04:57 12 Dec 19
Peninsula made me getting a job easy and an all around great experience. I told them I was really keen on a specific... position. Unfortunately, a didn’t meet a language requirement and they were quickly looking for the next. The job requirements came back amended from the first and Amanda quickly called me to get an interview! I was so excited and I think they may have been more excited for me. They were endearing and genuinely cared about finding me a job I was excited about and not just placing me somewhere for their benefit. They also sent me a very sweet Christmas gift to celebrate. Would absolutely recommend the whole team!read more
Stuart Wagland
00:18 28 Nov 19
Peninsula Personnel were excellent. Great service and quick turn around. Found the right candidate. Much more... effective than conducting recruitment oursleves.read more
Daniela Alvarez
10:03 19 Nov 19
very professional and efficient. In less than a week the find me the right role for me I couldn't be more happier with... their service and the role. Thanks you Amanda, Margaret and the rest of the PP team.read more
Brooke Golosky
03:42 14 Nov 19
Such a wonderful experience working with the lovely staff at Peninsula Personnel. Amanda went above and beyond to help... find permanent employment for me and I couldn't be happier with the results. Thank you PP, I will definitely be recommending you to all!!read more
Denise Cooper
06:02 12 Nov 19
“My experience of working with Lisa was exceptional. From initial contact until she successfully placed me into a... suitable role, she consistently supported me in my application. Lisa went above and beyond to ensure I was prepared and even gave me some great tips to improve my resume. Lisa approachable and offers a professional service. Highly recommended.”read more
Eunice Yip
02:19 24 Oct 19
Thank you to Lisa and the team.You have always managed to find for me interesting long/short term assignments... efficiently. This is despite my request for jobs with parking facilities or close to convenient public transport. Certainly a big thumbs up. ?read more
SanGameSwaraN SivAraJ
08:56 18 Oct 19
I came into Australia with a work permit, two days after applying for my core relevant jobs, within a day get a phone... call from Lisa about my interest to apply for the role, then get the interview date from PP. On the same day, attend both Interviews with PP and their clients successfully. After clear my cross-checks got a confirmation mail for ready to join. Thanks to everyone in Peninsula personnelread more
Daniel Khodaverdian
20:26 16 Oct 19
Very lovely staff and a highly professional service. They are the winner and finalist for multiple local business... awards servicing the local area as well as greater Sydney. Well done peninsula personnel.read more
Валентина М
08:06 10 Sep 19
Exceptional serviceThanks to Lisa and her amazing team I have found my first job in Australia. Thank you for your... exceptional attitude. I have never seen such a professional service before. ? recommend!read more
Oxley Home Care
04:30 10 Sep 19
Peninsula Personnel are the number one choice for us when recruiting office staff. The professional approach from the... owner Lisa and through to all the staff, permanent placement and temporary hire, they have looked after us well. Thank youread more
penny carnell
09:34 09 Jul 19
I highly recommend Peninsula Personnel, my experience with them has been extremely professional and successful. The... team is engaging, welcoming and nurturing. A special thanks to Lisa and Ally for their caring and encouraging guidance during my journey to finding my new role.read more
Veronika Kubacka
03:26 05 Jul 19
Allie provided the best service she possibly could. She was very professional. Communication with her was super easy.... She motivated me to complete all tests ad believed I me. I got a new job within 3 days . Highly recommend peninsula Personal Jobs.read more
Jo Dage
00:58 13 Jun 19
I couldn't be happier about my decision to turn to Peninsula Personnel. Whole interviewing/employment process was... quick, efficient and stress-free. Hannah found the best fitting position for my skills set, and overall was extremely proactive, professional and responsive consultant. I cannot express my thanks enough for matching me with my current employer.I have no hesitation in recommending Peninsula Personnel for the highly professional service.read more
