Situational and Behavioural Interview Questions for Freshers (with Sample Answers)

Landing your first job interview as a fresher can feel overwhelming. Beyond the typical “Tell me about yourself” or “Why should we hire you?”, many employers in Ireland will ask situational and behavioural interview questions.

These questions don’t just test your knowledge — they show how you act under pressure, solve problems, and work with others. If you’ve never had a full-time role before, don’t worry: you can use examples from university, part-time jobs, projects, or extracurricular activities.

What Are Situational and Behavioural Interview Questions?

• Situational questions put you in a hypothetical scenario (e.g., “What would you do if you had a tight deadline and a team member wasn’t cooperating?”).
• Behavioural questions focus on your past experiences (e.g., “Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team”).

The best way to answer is with the STAR method:

• Situation – set the context.
• Task – explain your role.
• Action – describe what you did.
• Result – share the outcome.

Common Situational & Behavioural Questions for Freshers (with Sample Answers)

Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team.
During a university project, I worked with three classmates to deliver a group presentation. I coordinated our research, delegated sections, and helped a teammate struggling with formatting. We submitted on time and received top marks, which showed me how communication and support can make a big difference.

Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline.
In my part-time retail job, we were short-staffed before a busy weekend sale. I stayed late to help finish stock preparation and reorganised tasks so we worked more efficiently. Everything was ready in time, and the manager praised our teamwork under pressure.

Give an example of how you handled a conflict.
Two society members disagreed about an event plan. I arranged a short meeting where each person explained their viewpoint. We combined the best of both ideas and the event went smoothly. It taught me to focus on solutions rather than sides.

What would you do if you were asked to take on a task you had never done before?
I would start by clarifying the requirements, then research independently or ask a colleague for guidance. I’m confident in my ability to learn quickly, as shown when I trained myself on Excel for a college assignment.

Tell me about a time you showed leadership.
As class rep, I gathered feedback from students and presented it to the department head. This helped secure additional tutorial hours before exams. It made me realise leadership is about listening as much as speaking.

How have you managed multiple responsibilities at once?
During exam season, I balanced revision with part-time shifts. I created a timetable and set small daily goals, which kept me on track. This experience improved my time management and self-discipline.

Describe a situation where you had to solve a problem creatively.
At a charity fundraiser, our microphone failed. I suggested moving the speakers closer and projecting my voice to keep the event going. We raised the expected amount despite the setback.

What would you do if you received critical feedback from a manager or lecturer?
I’d listen carefully, thank them for the feedback, and ask for specific suggestions to improve. For example, when a lecturer said my essay lacked structure, I reworked my outline and scored higher in the next assignment.

Tips for Freshers Answering Situational & Behavioural Questions

• Use real examples from university, part-time work, sports, or volunteering.
• Keep answers concise – no long stories, focus on STAR.
• Show positivity – even if the result wasn’t perfect, highlight what you learned.
• Practice out loud – it’s easier to recall your examples under pressure if you’ve said them before.

Related Resources

• See our full guide: Common Interview Questions for Freshers
• Learn how to answer: Why Should We Hire You? – Freshers Guide
• Browse opportunities: Part-Time Jobs in Ireland