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Sample Behavioral Questions and Answers

In the previous article, I explained how to ace behavioral or situational questions in an interview using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). In this article, I will provide some sample answers to behavioral questions in an interview, assuming you are an English teacher applying for an English teaching job in Japan.

Question 1. How do you motivate your students to learn English?

Answer. One of the ways that I motivate my students to learn English is by using games and activities that are fun and engaging. For example,

Situation. Last month, when I was teaching a group of high school students preparing for their English proficiency test, I noticed they needed to be more energized by the traditional methods of teaching grammar and vocabulary. They also needed more confidence and interest in speaking English.
Task. My task was to motivate my students to learn English and improve their speaking skills more enjoyably and interactively.
Action. Hence, I decided to use a game called “Who Am I?” as the main activity for the lesson. I prepared some cards with the names of famous people or characters students were familiar with, such as celebrities, athletes, cartoon characters, etc. Then, I divided the class into pairs and gave each a card. One student had to look at the card and hint clues to their partner about who they were, using only English. At the same time, the other students had to guess who they were using only English. They had to switch roles after each round.
Result. The result was very positive and successful. Surprisingly, the students were very excited and engaged in the game. They used their creativity and imagination to give and guess clues. Besides, they used their speaking skills to communicate and interact with their partners. Importantly, they learned new vocabulary and grammar related to describing people and asking questions. Also, they gained confidence and enthusiasm for speaking English. The game was a great way to motivate them to learn English and have fun at the same time.

Question 2. How did you handle a conflict with a coworker or a customer?

Answer. One of the ways that I handle a misunderstanding with a coworker or a customer is by using the LARA method (Listen, Acknowledge, Respond, Agree). For example,

Situation. Last year, we had a misunderstanding with a coworker, an English teacher at the same school. We had different teaching styles and philosophies, and we often disagreed on how to teach our students. He was strict and traditional, while I was more flexible and innovative. Also, he criticized my methods and questioned my competence in front of our students and colleagues.
Task. To handle the conflict with the teacher professionally and respectfully without compromising my teaching quality or reputation.
Action. I used the LARA method to resolve the misunderstanding. First, I listened to his complaints and concerns without interrupting or arguing with him. Second, I acknowledged his feelings and opinions without agreeing or disagreeing with him. Third, I responded by explaining my reasons and evidence for my teaching methods and showing him some positive feedback from my students and supervisors. Fourth, I agreed on some common goals and values we shared as teachers, such as helping our students succeed and improve their English skills.
Result. The result was very positive and successful. The teacher listened to my explanations and understood my perspectives better. He also apologized for his rude and disrespectful behavior towards me. We agreed to respect and support each other’s teaching styles and philosophies as long as they were effective and beneficial for our students. In addition, we decided to communicate and collaborate more often and constructively on our teaching plans and projects. The LARA method was a great way to handle the conflict professionally and respectfully.

Question 3. How do you incorporate other countries’ cultures into your teaching?

Answer. One of the ways that I incorporate other countries’ cultures into my teaching is by using authentic materials and resources related to the country of interest. For example,

Situation. Two weeks ago, I taught a group of adult learners interested in learning English for travel purposes. They requested to learn more about different countries and cultures, especially those they planned to visit.
Task. My task was to teach the students vocabulary and expressions for traveling in English, as well as some cultural information and tips about different countries and cultures.
Action. I decided to use authentic materials and resources related to the country they want to visit, like Las Vegas, as part of my teaching materials. For example, I used brochures, maps, videos, photos, and articles about it as a travel destination. In addition, I used some examples of Las Vegas food, music, art, literature, and history as topics for discussion and practice. Besides, I invited a guest speaker through Skype, a native English speaker from Las Vegas, to share his experiences and insights with the students.
Result. The result was very positive and successful. The students were very interested and engaged in the lesson. Also, they learned some useful vocabulary and expressions for traveling in English, as well as some cultural information and tips about Las Vegas. Besides, they developed their intercultural competence and awareness by comparing and contrasting their culture with other countries’ cultures.

In conclusion, behavioral or situational questions are a powerful and effective way to assess your suitability and potential for the job and the company. They can help you showcase your skills, abilities, behaviors, and values and fit realistically and convincingly.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Also, you can check our YouTube videos for interview Q&A, job-related, inspirational, and motivational videos. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the next one. Best of luck with your job hunt!