You have finally landed that much-awaited interview, and you think you are good to go. However, you find out that it is no ordinary interview; it is a behavioral one. Your heart begins to race, and panic sets in as you realize that you have zero idea what a behavioral interview is or how to prepare for it. Worry less, as we have got you covered – in this article, we will provide you with insightful tips preparing for behavioral interview.
What is a Behavioral Interview?
First off, let us address what a behavioral interview is. Unlike other interviews that focus on your technical skills or experience, behavioral interviews concentrate on your past behaviors and how they shape your ability for the job. The interviewer will ask questions that delve into your work ethics, your approach to problem-solving, how you handle stress, and how you have resolved conflicts in the past.
How to Prepare for a Behavioral Interview?
1. Research the Company
Before you step into the interview room, it is vital that you conduct thorough research on the company you are interviewing with. Find out their culture, their mission, and what they stand for. Study their website, read their reports and press releases, and check out what the media is saying about them. Being familiar with the company shows that you are proactive and can help you tailor your responses to the interviewer’s questions better.
2. Study the Job Description
As earlier mentioned, behavioral interviews are all about how you fit the job and deliver the required results. To ace the interview, you must know the skills and competencies required for the job. Evaluate yourself against the job description and identify the areas where you fall short. This will prepare you for questions like “What are your weaknesses?” or “How do you handle things you are not familiar with?”
3. Prepare and Practice Possible Behavioral Questions and Answers
Preparing and practicing your responses to possible behavioral questions is one of the essential things to do before the interview. An interview is supposed to be interactive, but if you are caught off-guard with questions, it could leave a bad impression. Take time to think about specific scenarios in your past that align with the job requirement and behavioral question the interviewer might ask. Practice your response to these questions with a friend or family member to boost your confidence.
4. Develop a STAR or PAR Response Technique
In a behavioral interview, you must provide specific examples of how you demonstrated the required skills or behaviors in your previous roles. Using the STAR or PAR technique will help you communicate these examples effectively. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, while PAR stands for Problem, Action, and Result.
Conclusion:
Preparing for a behavioral interview involves being acquainted with the company, evaluating yourself against the job description, preparing and practicing specific behavioral questions and answers, and developing a STAR or PAR response technique. By taking these steps, you would have proven to the interviewer that you are a good fit for the role, ready to make an impact, and most importantly, an excellent candidate for the job.
