Mastering Behavioral Interviews: Ace Your Job Search

Understanding the One-on-One Interview

The most traditional job interview is a one-on-one meeting between a candidate and a supervisor or hiring manager. The interviewer will ask questions about the applicant's experience and skills, as well as their work history, availability, and the personal attributes the company is seeking in the person they will hire for the job.

What is a Behavioral Interview?

In a behavioral interview, an employer has already determined the skills needed for the position and will ask questions to assess if the candidate possesses those skills. Instead of asking how you would behave in a hypothetical scenario, they will ask how you did behave in a past situation.

Preparing for Behavioral Interview Questions

• Recall Recent Situations: Think about recent situations that demonstrate favorable behaviors or actions.
• Prepare Short Descriptions: Create concise descriptions for each situation. Be ready to provide more details if asked.
• Structure Your Stories: Ensure each story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Describe the situation, the task at hand, your actions, and the outcome or result.
• Highlight Positive Outcomes: Make sure the outcome or result reflects positively on you and your abilities.
• Be Honest: Authenticity is crucial. The interviewer will likely detect any inconsistencies or exaggerations.
• Be Specific: Avoid generalizations. Focus on specific events and your role in them.
• Vary Your Examples: Use a range of examples to showcase different skills and experiences.

The STAR Method: Your Key to Success

The STAR method is a structured way to respond to behavioral-based interview questions. It involves discussing the specific Situation, Task, Action, and Result of the situation you're describing.

Situation

Describe the specific situation you were in or the task you needed to accomplish. Provide enough detail for the interviewer to understand the context. Avoid generalized descriptions of past experiences.

Task

Explain the goal you were working toward within that situation.

Action

Describe the actions you took to address the situation. Provide an appropriate level of detail and keep the focus on your individual contributions. When discussing a project, clearly differentiate your actions from those of the team or group.

Result

Describe the outcome of your actions. Don't be shy about taking credit for your behavior. Ensure your answer highlights multiple positive results that stemmed from your actions.