Have you ever been asked to describe a time when you faced a challenging situation or had to work collaboratively with a team? If so, you’ve encountered a behavioral interview question. Behavioral interviews are becoming increasingly popular among hiring managers because they help assess a candidate’s ability to handle real-life scenarios. This type of interview can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. But with the right preparation, you can ace it! In this post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for a behavioral interview and give you tips on how to shine during the process.
1. Understand the company and job requirements:
Before going to the interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of the company’s values and mission, as well as the job description. Look up the company’s website, social media accounts, and recent news to get a better idea of their vision. Also, carefully read the job description, noting the required skills and qualifications. This will help you frame your answers, keep you aligned with the company’s goals, and display your fit for the role.
2. Practice your storytelling:
Behavioral interview questions usually begin with “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give me an example of…”. To be prepared, you should compile a list of stories from your professional and personal life that highlight certain qualities like problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, or resilience. The stories should be concise, relevant, and have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Also, practice telling the stories in a conversational tone and use specific details to demonstrate your expertise.
3. Use the STAR method:
The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is a popular framework for answering behavioral interview questions. It helps you structure your answers in a logical and effective way. To use STAR, describe the Situation or Task you faced, the Actions you took to tackle it, and the Results you achieved. For example, a STAR response to a question about a time you dealt with a difficult customer could be:
Situation: We had a customer complaint about a faulty product they had purchased.
Task: My task was to investigate the issue and find a solution.
Action: I listened to the customer’s concerns, conducted research on similar complaints, and involved the technical team to identify the root cause of the problem.
Result: We were able to fix the product, apologize to the customer, and got a positive customer review.
4. Be authentic and positive:
Hiring managers are not only looking for your skills but also your personality and attitude. During the interview, be yourself, and showcase your enthusiasm for the job and company. Avoid giving generic answers or making negative comments about your past or present employer. Remember, your goal is to convey a sense of professionalism, positivity, and confidence.
5. Ask questions:
At the end of the interview, the interviewer will usually ask if you have any questions. Take this opportunity to ask well-researched and thoughtful questions about the company, the role, and the culture. This not only shows that you’re interested in the job but also allows you to gather more information about the opportunity. Avoid asking questions that have already been answered during the interview or those that focus only on salary or benefits.
Conclusion:
Behavioral interviews can be a bit nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can turn them into a great opportunity to showcase your skills and experience. To prepare for a behavioral interview, do research on the company and job requirements, practice storytelling, use the STAR method, be authentic and positive, and ask relevant questions. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to ace your behavioral interview and land your dream job. Good luck!
