How To Prepare For Behavioral Based Interview – Tips & Tricks

It’s no secret that the job market is competitive. That’s why it’s so important to be well-prepared for your upcoming behavioural-based interview. In this blog article, we’ll explore the behavioral interview pros and cons, as well as provide tips and tricks to help you ace it!

What to expect in a behavioral interview?

When starting for a behavioural based interview preparation, it is important to first understand what this type of interview entails. Unlike traditional interviews which largely focus on your past experiences and accomplishments, behavioural-based interviews seek to assess your ability to handle specific situations that may arise in the workplace. 

As such, you will be asked questions about how you have reacted to and handled various challenges in the past.

To properly prepare for a behavioural-based interview, it is therefore essential that you take some time to reflect on your past behaviour in various work-related scenarios. Think about times when you had to deal with difficult customers, handle a high-pressure project, or solve an unexpected problem. 

For each scenario, consider what you did and why, what could have been done differently, and what the outcome was. Answering these types of questions honestly and thoughtfully will give you the best chance of impressing during a behavioural-based interview.

How do you ace a behavioral interview?

Preparation is key for any interview, but especially for a behavioral interview. In a behavioural interview, the interviewer will ask questions about your past behaviour to gain insights into how you might act in future situations. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to answer these types of questions honestly and thoughtfully.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a behavioral interview:

  • Be aware of the skills and qualities the employer is looking for. Make sure you can think of examples from your past that demonstrate these skills and qualities.
  • Review common behavioral interview questions and practice your answers out loud.
  • Think about how you want to present yourself during the interview. It is important, to be honest, but also to paint yourself in the best light possible.
  • Try to relax and be yourself during the interview. The interviewer is not trying to trap you, so just take your time and answer each question as best you can.

What are strengths and weaknesses of using behavioral interview questions?

Behavioural interview pros and cons have been hotly debated in recent years. Proponents argue that behavioural interviewing is the best predictor of future job performance, while opponents counter that the technique can be biased and lead to information overload. The bottom line is that there are pros and cons to behavioural interviews, and organizations should carefully consider whether the approach is right for them.

Behavioural interviewing focuses on uncovering an applicant’s past behaviour to predict future success. The logic is that how a person has behaved in the past is likely to be indicative of how they will behave in the future. For example, if an applicant has consistently been late for work, they will likely continue to be late if hired.

The biggest advantage of behavioural interviews is that they can provide insights into an applicant’s true character and work habits. 

By delving into specific examples of past behaviour, you can get a much better sense of who an applicant is than you would from traditional interviews alone. This can be especially helpful when trying to assess soft skills like teamwork or customer service.

However, behavioral interviews also have some disadvantages. 

One potential downside is that applicants may try to relate their answers to what they think you want to hear, rather than giving honest responses. 

Additionally, behavioral interviews can take substantially more time than other types of interviews, and skilful interviewers are required to properly administer them. Finally, there is always the risk of information overload – with so much focus.

How do you pass a behaviour interview?

So what exactly is a behavioral interview? 

Simply put, it is an interview in which the interviewer asks you questions about your past behaviour to get a sense of how you would behave in future situations. 

Behavioural interviews are often used by employers to assess whether or not a candidate is a good fit for their organization.

To prepare for a behavioral interview, it is important to first reflect on your past experiences and think about times when you have demonstrated different skills or behaviours. For each behaviour or skill, ask yourself: 

  • What was the situation? 
  • What did I do? 
  • What was the result? 

Answering these questions will help you be better prepared to discuss your experiences during the interview.

How to answer common STAR interview questions?

Some common STAR behavioural interview questions and answers for freshers might include:

  • Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer/client? 
  • Can you describe a time when you had to manage a complex project? 
  • Can you tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond to meet someone’s needs?

When answering these questions, be sure to use specific examples and detail what exactly you did in each situation. 

The STAR interview questions are a great way to prepare for your next interview. These questions will help you to assess your skills and abilities concerning the job you are applying for. They will also allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving ability and how you would handle certain situations. The STAR questions are designed to test your:

  • Situational Awareness – This question assesses your ability to identify and understand the key issues in a given situation. You will need to be able to identify the main problem and then provide a solution.
  • Task Management – This question assesses your ability to manage tasks effectively. You will need to be able to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively and meet deadlines.
  • Analytical Skills – This question assesses your ability to analyze data and information. You will need to be able to interpret data, identify trends and make predictions.
  • Research Skills – This question assesses your ability to conduct research effectively. You will need to be able to find relevant information, critically evaluate sources and conclude your research.
  • Communication Skills – This question assesses your ability to communicate effectively. You will need to be able to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely, regardless of the medium used.

Here is an example of STAR interview question and how you might answer it:

  • Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer.

In my previous job as a customer service representative, I sometimes had to deal with angry or upset customers. One time, I had a customer who was very unhappy with her purchase and threatened to never shop at our store again. I stayed calm and listened to her concerns. I then offered her a solution that satisfied her and she ended up making another purchase. As a result of diffusing the situation, I was able to retain a valuable customer.

Summing up

Behavioral-based interviews are becoming increasingly popular as a way to screen candidates. In these types of interviews, the interviewer will ask the candidate questions about past behaviour to gauge their suitability for the role. Preparation is key to doing well in behavioural-based interviews, and there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re ready. First, it’s important to understand the format of the interview and what types of questions you can expect. Next, take some time to reflect on your past behaviour and identify examples that showcase your skills and qualifications. Finally, practice responding to questions out loud so that you’re comfortable with the format and able to give confident persuasive answers. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to acing your behavioural-based interview.