There are many different types of interviews. One popular method is called a behavioral interview, which allows employers to glean information about job candidates that goes beyond the traditional interview format.
The main purpose of a behavioral interview is to assess a job candidate based on their previous performance.
In this article, we will teach you everything you should know about this interview technique. Also, we’ll provide you with 5 tips on how to prepare for a behavioral interview so you can ace yours!
Chances are, you’ve probably sat through a behavioral interview without even realizing it.
A behavioral interview is a type of job interview in which the employer asks questions about your past behavior and experiences in order to determine if you have the skills and qualities necessary for the job.
This type of interview is different from traditional interviews, which focus more on your qualifications and future goals.
So, if you’ve ever been asked something like “Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker and how you resolved it,” you were asked a behavioral question.
Why do employers use behavioral interviews? Well, mostly because they are a very effective method to assess a candidate’s qualities, such as:
Behavioral questions usually focus on common work situations that most people have experienced at some point in their careers.
Some examples of common behavioral interview questions are:
Before your interview, it’s important to do your research on the company and the specific position you are applying for.
This way, you will be able to anticipate what kinds of questions the interviewer may ask and prepare some examples in advance.
In order to prepare for a behavioral interview, you need to be able to recall specific examples of times when you displayed the qualities and skills that the interviewer is looking for.
Think back to past projects, accomplishments, and challenges you have faced in your career. What did you do in those situations? How did you handle them? What was the result?
Preparing the answers in advance will help you answer your interviewer’s questions more easily.
When you are preparing your answers to behavioral questions, it can be helpful to use the STAR method.
This is a technique that will help you structure your answers so that they are clear and concise.
The STAR method stands for:
Read our blog on the STAR method and learn how to structure answers properly for all your interviews.
Once you have a good understanding of what behavioral interviews are and how to prepare for them, it’s time to start practicing.
If you can, find a friend or family member who can help you role-play. This way, you will get used to answering questions under pressure and in a way that is concise and to the point.
In a behavioral interview, the interviewer is looking to get to know you and your work style better.
They are not looking for you to give them the “right” answer, but rather they want to hear about your actual experiences. So, be open and honest in your answers, and don’t try to sugarcoat anything.
The key to acing a behavioral interview is preparation. There aren’t always right or wrong responses. These questions are meant to help the interviewer get to know the real you. So, the most important thing you should do is remain honest and practice structuring your responses in a way that presents what you truly have to offer.
Popcorn Recruiters is a recruitment agency with a significant difference: we’re border-less. Located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are in touch with ambitious and talented professionals across Europe. With a deep pool of IT and foreign-language speaking talent, our Popcorn Recruiters are leading the way to successful matches.
As a recruitment agency, our goal is not only to meet the needs and demands of our clients. We also look out for our candidates and make sure they find their ideal employer.
Once you apply to one of our open positions and join our talent network, we become your representatives – something like your personal agents.
First, we’ll have a chat (that is a brief prescreen interview) to get to know you better – your needs, skills, interests, and requirements. Then, we’ll match you with a company we know you’ll fit in with perfectly, help you prepare for the interviews, and help you land that job!
Sounds good? Drop your CV and we’ll get in touch