Many companies use a technique known as behavioral interviewing to get a better feel for the skills candidates like you bring to the table. Mastering the behavioral interview is crucial for candidates looking to impress potential employers and secure job offers. These interviews assess your past behavior and experiences to predict your future performance. Here are some tips to help candidates excel in behavioral interviews.
How Can You Master a Behavioral Interview?
Understand the STAR Method
STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method helps structure your responses clearly and concisely.
- Situation/Task: Describe your situation and the specific task or challenge you faced.
- Action: Explain the steps you took to address the situation or task. Be sure to emphasize your role and responsibilities.
- Result: Share the outcomes of your actions, including any quantifiable achievements or lessons learned.
Review the Job Description
Carefully read the job posting and identify the essential skills, qualifications, and competencies the employer is looking for. Tailor your responses to the specific requirements and responsibilities outlined in the job description. When you speak their language, you give yourself an advantage over your competition.
Prepare Stories
Storytelling is a vital part of how we communicate. Consider specific examples from your past experiences demonstrating the skills and qualities the employer is seeking. Select stories that showcase your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, leadership, communication, adaptability, and other relevant competencies.
Use Diverse Examples
Try to draw from various situations, including work, volunteer, academic, or personal experiences. This demonstrates your versatility and adaptability. While you always want to keep the information relevant, the more ways you can show how you benefit the company, the better.
Quantify Achievements
Whenever possible, quantify the results of your actions. For instance, “I increased sales by 20% in six months” is more impactful than “I improved sales.” The best way to do this is to track your achievements as they happen so you can review them before your next interview.
Are you prepared for your next interview?
Contact the team at Recruiting in Motion.
