Prepare for Behavioural Interview Questions

Employers often ask about values and behaviours through questions like, “Describe a time you worked as part of a team.” Prepare responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For instance, discuss a time you facilitated group harmony by incorporating Indigenous practices like yarning circles.

Here are 20 examples of behavioural interview responses using the STAR method:

• Customer Service: Resolved a dispute between two customers by applying Indigenous principles of mutual respect and understanding.

• Team Collaboration: Organised a yarning circle to address team conflicts and improve communication.

• Problem-Solving: Leveraged traditional ecological knowledge to identify a sustainable solution in an environmental project.

• Leadership: Mentored junior colleagues by sharing Indigenous leadership principles focused on collective success.

• Adaptability: Adjusted to new work practices by drawing on cultural resilience and storytelling.

• Community Engagement: Coordinated a workshop that integrated local Indigenous customs to build rapport with community members.

• Conflict Resolution: Mediated a workplace disagreement using storytelling to encourage empathy.

• Innovation: Developed a marketing campaign inspired by Indigenous art and culture, which increased customer engagement.

• Communication: Delivered a presentation incorporating cultural narratives to make the content relatable and engaging.

• Decision-Making: Sought advice from Elders to ensure a project respected cultural traditions and achieved buy-in from stakeholders.

• Time Management: Balanced multiple deadlines by prioritising tasks through collaborative planning methods.

• Creativity: Designed an Indigenous-themed event to celebrate cultural diversity within the workplace.

• Empathy: Supported a colleague by listening to their challenges and providing culturally informed advice.

• Team Building: Fostered unity by introducing a shared lunch featuring traditional Indigenous foods.

• Analytical Thinking: Conducted a risk assessment incorporating Indigenous land management techniques.

• Customer Relations: Improved client satisfaction by sharing cultural insights relevant to service delivery.

• Strategic Planning: Developed a long-term strategy for diversity and inclusion that reflected Indigenous values of respect and equity.

• Motivation: Inspired a team to achieve project goals by sharing stories of community resilience.

• Interpersonal Skills: Built strong relationships with clients by incorporating cultural protocols in meetings.

• Integrity: Advocated for ethical practices in a project, ensuring the protection of sacred sites.

A more more in-depth example:

Customer Service
Situation: Two customers were arguing over a product.
Task: Resolve the dispute peacefully.
Action: Applied Indigenous principles of mutual respect to mediate.
Result: Both customers felt heard and left satisfied.

Team Collaboration
Situation: A team was experiencing communication breakdowns.
Task: Rebuild trust and improve teamwork.
Action: Organised a yarning circle to encourage open dialogue.
Result: The team improved communication and worked better together.

Problem-Solving
Situation: An environmental project faced sustainability challenges.
Task: Find a sustainable solution.
Action: Leveraged traditional ecological knowledge to create a balanced approach.
Result: The project exceeded sustainability goals.

Leadership
Situation: Junior colleagues struggled with project tasks.
Task: Guide and mentor them.
Action: Shared Indigenous leadership principles focused on collective success.
Result: Improved team morale and task completion.

Adaptability
Situation: New processes were introduced in the workplace.
Task: Adapt quickly and support the team.
Action: Applied cultural resilience and storytelling to ease the transition.
Result: Adaptation was smooth, and team productivity increased.

Showcase Your Skills and Achievements

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to include:

• Relevant work experience and training.

• Volunteer work or community projects, showcasing leadership and initiative.

• Cultural contributions, such as events or workshops.

Take Advantage of Support Services

These organisations offer tailored resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers:

• Indigenous Jobs Australia

• CareerTrackers

• Supply Nation

Answering Questions About Values

When discussing your values, stay true to your identity while aligning with the organisation’s goals. For example:

Community Value:
“Community is at the heart of everything I do. I strive to support and work collaboratively with those around me, which aligns closely with your organisation’s values.”

Respect Value:
“Respect is core to my identity. It guides my interactions and helps foster collaboration and understanding in the workplace.”

Networking Tips

• Attend Indigenous networking events.

• Join professional associations in your field of interest.

• Seek mentorship to gain guidance and job referrals.

Seek Feedback to Grow

After interviews, ask for feedback to refine your approach. Demonstrating a willingness to learn shows employers that you’re committed to personal and professional growth.

Your journey is about showcasing your unique strengths, values, and cultural perspectives. Use these strategies to shine and land your next deadly role!