Introduction
Behavior-Based Interviewing has become a milestone in the hiring process of many companies.
It is based on the logic that past performance in similar situations is the most accurate predictor of future performance.
Therefore, the questions asked in the behavioral-based interview are probing questions that require specific examples from the interviewee’s past experiences.
When preparing for a behavioral based interview, it is crucial to carefully consider your responses to potential questions.
This article offers guidance on some commonly asked behavioral interview questions and the appropriate way to answer them.
By preparing ahead of time, you can present your best self during the interview.
The Importance of Preparing for a Behavioral Based Interview
Before delving into specific questions, it is necessary to understand the importance of preparation in a behavioral based interview.
In this type of interview, the interviewer is evaluating your behavior, attitude, technical knowledge, and other professional qualities.
Therefore, what you choose to say and what you choose to omit is just as significant as the content of your response.
Behavioral-Based Interviewing: A Step-by-Step Guide
To understand behavioral-based interviewing, it is important to know the process involved in it.
The following is a step-by-step guide for answering behavioral-based interview questions:
1. Identifying Skills and Behaviors Required
Firstly, the employer determines the skills and behaviors that are necessary for the job. They will probably ask specific questions to see if you possess those skills. Therefore, it is important to review the job description carefully and list those skills required for the said job.
2. Preparation for Behavioral-Based Interview
Secondly, it is important to identify past situations in which you have faced or practiced the skills required.
Refreshing your memory regarding your performance in previous jobs on the desired behaviors is a must. Your performance may be proved in many ways.
Think about past activities, team involvements and tough work experience.
3. Responding to Behavioral-Based Interview Questions
Thirdly, in the behavioral-based interview, it is important to listen carefully to the question, ask for clarification if necessary, and give a complete answer.
Based on the situation the interviewer will choose, tell a work-related story for a few minutes. In the interview, your response needs to be precise and detailed.
Specify a situation that relates to the question, not a general one. Briefly explain the case, what you did and why you decided to do that and describe the positive result and your lesson learned.
4. Framing your Answer – Structure The STAR
Fourthly, it is important to frame your answer in a four-step process, which called STAR:
Situation, Task, Action, Result, and then Lesson learned.
This helps to give a clear picture of how you handled the situation and what you learned from it.
Analyzing your Answer
Finally, the interviewer can interfere by asking follow-up questions in order to clarify some aspects, such as:
“Why did you decide that way?”
“What was the decision process?” or “What was the reaction of other team members?”
Asking these questions, the interviewer would want you to give him an in-depth analysis of the situation.
Choosing Examples for Behavioral-Based Interviewing
It is important to choose the right examples while answering behavioral-based interview questions.
Here are some tips for choosing the right examples:
1. Success Stories: Pick those cases you’re really proud of your performance, as you may be more confident in describing these, such as problems you solved or a successful initiation you took.
2. Don’t Complicate: An interview is not the place to speech about controversial events or those tough stories that you were not performed at your perfection.
You may bring a complex situation, however, close the story with a lesson learned.
3. Show Confidence: Always show that you’ve studied the situation, completely aware of your behavior, and that you are confident about your analysis.
Best Sample of Behavioral-Based Interview Questions
Here are some examples of behavioral-based interview questions that are commonly asked:
1. Leadership Skills: Give me an example of a situation in which you have exhibited good leadership skills.
2. Going Above and Beyond: Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond the call of your duty in order to get a job done.
3. Dealing with Difficult Customers: Tell me about a situation in which you had to deal with a very rude/irate/upset customer.
4. Setting and Achieving Goals: Give me an example of a work goal that you had set and how you’ve reached it.
5. Effective Communication: Tell me about a time in which you had to use your communication skills in order to convince someone or to communicate an important message/point across.
To help you prepare, let’s explore some common behavioral interview questions and the recommended responses.
a.) Working with Colleagues
One of the behavioral interview questions that can be difficult to answer is about working with colleagues.
The interviewer is not necessarily looking for information about your loyalty or camaraderie. Instead, they are interested in knowing whether you can complete assignments in a responsible and amicable manner.
Therefore, you should aim to demonstrate that you are a responsible colleague who can become a natural leader with the appropriate support.
b.) Handling Pressure Situations
Another critical question is how you handle pressure situations. Companies seek individuals who can handle pressure and perform well under stress.
Therefore, your response should convey that you are willing and able to handle any pressure situation that may arise in the workplace.
c.) Using Judgment, Logic, or Interaction
You may also be asked to provide an example of a specific time when you used your judgment, logic, or interaction to solve a problem in your professional life.
It is an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills and demonstrate your ability to think critically and logically.
d.) Achieving Personal Goals
Another common question is whether you have set personal goals in your professional life and whether you have achieved them.
Your answer should reflect your determination, commitment, and focus on achieving your objectives.
e.) Presentation Skills
You might be asked to give an example of when your presentation skills have influenced the decisions of your colleagues or superiors.
Use this opportunity to describe how you introduced and implemented your ideas with facts and practical reasoning.
f.) Working Beyond Job Profile
Another potential question is when you worked beyond your job profile to achieve something for the company.
Your answer should highlight your willingness to take on additional responsibilities and your ability to work effectively with others to accomplish a shared goal.
g.) Hobbies and Likes and Dislikes
Finally, you might be asked about your hobbies, likes, and dislikes.
When responding to this question, be careful not to be judgmental about others. Instead, focus on describing your genuine interests and activities. Avoid giving superficial hobbies, likes, and dislikes, as these can be easily recognized and come across as clichéd.
Conclusion,
In summary, behavioral based interviews can be challenging, but by preparing ahead of time, you can ensure that you present your best self to the interviewer. Remember that the interviewer is evaluating your behavior, attitude, technical knowledge, and other professional qualities, so choose your responses carefully. By following the advice in this article, you can impress the interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job.