How to Answer Behavioral Interview QuestionsMay 17th, 2007
In the 1980’s, industrial psychologist Dr. Tom Janz introduced a method of interviewing called the “Behavioral Interview.” Research shows that this interviewing style is extremely effective, and as such, it has rapidly increased in popularity. The premise is that the best predictor of future behavior is your past behavior.
Whether you are on a job hunt, or are planning to interview someone, it is important to know how to accurate prepare for answering behavioral questions. This guide is designed to teach you the basic structure for answering these increasingly common interview questions.
Behavioral Interview Tips and Tactics
When developing a behavioral interview, employers consider the types of soft skills that will be needed for the position. When preparing for this type of interview, a job seeker should consider all these skills as well. By keeping these important traits in mind, a candidate can successfully prepare for any amount of questioning. Preparing for behavior interviews will also help you answer more tradition interview questions.
To properly answer a behavioral interview question, there is a three step process referred to as “STAR”.
1. The Situation or Task you were in
2. Action that you took
3. Result of that action
Behavioral Interview Example
Question: “Describe a situation where you have had to deal with a difficult person.”
Answer: “I was transfered to a new project at my previous company to replace a beloved member of the team. My new team leader exhibited hostility towards me and I found myself left out of vital communications and meetings. After a few weeks, I was able to talk her into a one on one meeting. When laid out all of the key objectives for the team, the previous employees role in meeting those objectives, and then discussed goals that I could set to make sure I was able to serve as a quality replacement. In our discussion, we also identified a few underlying issues with management that she had been carrying around with her. In uncovering all of these sentiments, she was able to clearly define her situation and achieve an understanding with her supervisors. In the end, the entire team morale improved, I was able to exceed my goals and the company itself became more profitable from our teams increased performance.”
Want more? Check out our Complete List of Behavioral Interview Questions.
Have any experiences you would like to share with others? Share your tips and suggestions in the comments below!
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[…] out our guide on how to answer behavioral interview questions, and then use this list as a “study guide” of sorts to make sure you are as prepared as […]
May 21st, 2007 at 10:41 am
hi
can you please send me the answers of all the behavioral questions with situation n examples
September 20th, 2007 at 2:07 am
how do you answer Describe a situation where you have had to deal with a difficult person.” If you never encountered one.
September 26th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
can you please send me the answers of all the behavioral questions with situation and examples
October 12th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Well, there are interesting questions but it is very difficult for answer. If you have guideline for answer, could you please send me those the answer.
Thank you in advance.
October 25th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Could you please send me the answers the the questions. I would like to see if I am on track.
Thanks for your consideration.
October 25th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
can you please send me the answers of all the behavioral questions with situation and examples
November 4th, 2007 at 10:27 am
interview for a realestate sales…………………… can you please send me the the guide line of the question that says : what is your skills ? and how can i sell my self to the interviewer ?
please help me in building a paragraph of a good speach
November 13th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Thankyou so much for all your helpful information. I recently bombed out on a behavioural interview after getting nearly all the way through an extensive selection process for a position as a customs officer. Could you advise me of how to answer questions relating to a law enforcement position and exhibit the personality traits they want? I know I can do the job but they thought I was too caring and would not be firm enough with people. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated as I would like to try again for the position. Cheers. Michelle.
January 1st, 2008 at 12:22 am
Thank you so much for sharing all the information.Could you please send me the answers the the questions. I would like to know if I am in the right diresction.
February 19th, 2008 at 3:51 am