Behavioral interviewing is generally very different from traditional interviews that focus more on straightforward answers. Behavioral interview probes how the interviewee behaved in certain employed based situations. The purpose is to determine what your future behavior pattern will be based on your past in terms of employment. The rule is simple; past performances forecast your future performances.
The questions in behavioral interviewing are more specific, more pointed and more probing compared to traditional interviews:
- Give us an example of a goal you accomplished and explain how you accomplished it.
- Have you delivered above and beyond the call of duty? If you have, explain how and when.
- Describe an occasion when you applied logic to solve a problem. Were you successful or unsuccessful? Explain how.
- What is your reaction when your schedule is interrupted? Give us an example of your deal with it.
- Was there a situation when you had to convince a team to work on a project they were not thrilled about? Explain what strategy you applied.
- Describe a time when you took an unpopular decision and explain how you implemented it.
- Explain how you work effectively under pressure.
- These questions most likely come with a follow up. You must also be prepared to answer about what you did, what was your reaction, what did you feel during the situation and other such probes.
How to Prepare
The best way to prepare for a behavioral interview is to refresh your memory about all past employment experiences. Especially those special occasions where you dealt with projects, implemented team work, aced in difficult situations and so on. Having the facts in order in your memory will help you to frame better responses.