How to Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions
By: Josh Furtado
Behavioral interview questions have become increasingly popular in the hiring process. These questions are designed to assess how candidates have handled specific situations in the past, providing insights into their skills, decision-making abilities, and fit within the company culture. In this article, we'll explore effective strategies to help you prepare for behavioral interview questions and stand out from the competition. So, let's dive in!
Understand the STAR Method:
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a helpful framework for answering behavioral interview questions. Familiarize yourself with this approach, as it provides a structured way to respond by describing the situation, the task at hand, the actions you took, and the results you achieved. This method ensures that your answers are organized, concise, and focused on showcasing your abilities.
2. Identify Common Behavioral Competencies:
While every company may have unique behavioral competencies they assess, there are some common themes that frequently come up. Examples include leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, communication, and conflict resolution. Identify these competencies for the specific role you're applying for and reflect on experiences from your past that demonstrate your proficiency in these areas.
3. Review Your Experiences:
Take time to review your professional experiences, paying particular attention to situations where you demonstrated the desired competencies. Think about projects you've led, challenges you've overcome, or times when you've collaborated effectively with a team. Prepare a list of these experiences, focusing on the ones that align most closely with the job requirements.
4. Practice with Mock Interviews:
To build confidence and refine your responses, practice with mock interviews. Enlist the help of a friend, family member, or sign up for a service like The Hired Path’s Mock Interview consultation to help you prepare for behavioral interview questions. Practice formulating concise and compelling answers using the STAR method. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and overall demeanor during the practice sessions.
5. Tailor Your Responses to the Company and Role:
While preparing for behavioral interview questions, keep the specific company and role in mind. Research the company culture, values, and mission. Tailor your answers to align with these aspects, emphasizing experiences that demonstrate how you would be a valuable addition to their team. Showcasing your knowledge of the company and your genuine enthusiasm for the role can set you apart from other candidates.
6. Prepare a Repertoire of Stories:
Compile a repertoire of stories from your past experiences that illustrate different behavioral competencies. These stories should be concise, engaging, and highlight your problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, or other relevant qualities. Practice telling these stories, ensuring that you convey the necessary details while keeping them succinct and impactful.
7. Reflect on Lessons Learned:
As you prepare for behavioral interview questions, reflect on the lessons learned from your past experiences. Consider how those experiences shaped your professional growth and what you would do differently now. Being able to discuss lessons learned demonstrates self-awareness, a growth mindset, and the ability to apply insights to future situations.
Preparing for behavioral interview questions requires thoughtful reflection, practice, and alignment with the specific company and role. Familiarize yourself with the STAR method, identify common behavioral competencies, and review your past experiences. Practice mock interviews, tailor your responses, and prepare a repertoire of compelling stories. By following these strategies, you'll be well-equipped to confidently navigate behavioral interview questions, showcasing your abilities and standing out as a top candidate. Best of luck on your interview journey!