A specific interviewing technique that evaluates a candidate’s past behavior and experiences to predict their future performance in the role. Instead of relying on hypothetical questions, it focuses on concrete examples of how the candidate handled situations relevant to the job requirements.

Purpose:

• Gain insights into the candidate’s skills, problem-solving abilities, communication style, and decision-making process.
• Assess if the candidate’s past behaviors align with the company’s values and desired work ethic.
• Facilitate a more objective and consistent evaluation compared to traditional interviews.

Key elements:

• STAR approach: Questions use a structured format focused on Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Example: “Describe a time you faced a challenging situation with a client. What specific actions did you take, and what was the outcome?”
• Behavioral indicators: Interviewers analyze the candidate’s responses for indicators of specific skills and qualities, such as teamwork, leadership, or conflict resolution.
• Probing questions: Follow-up questions delve deeper into the candidate’s thoughts, motivations, and decision-making during their experiences.

Benefits:

• Provides a more accurate assessment of the candidate’s ability to perform the job.
• Reduces bias based on resumes or first impressions, focusing on relevant past actions.
• Promotes clear communication and transparency throughout the interview process.

Challenges:

• Requires interviewers to be trained in effectively using the STAR method and identifying relevant behavioral indicators.
• Candidates might need time to prepare and practice responding to behavioral questions effectively.

Preparation for candidates:

• Research the company and the specific role to understand the desired skills and behaviors.
• Reflect on past experiences and identify examples that showcase relevant skills and achievements.
• Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR approach, focusing on specifics and outcomes.
• Consider Public speaking courses or consulting speech coaches to guide communication and presentation skills.

Remember:

Behavioral interviews assess your ability to translate past experiences into future performance. By understanding the format, preparing relevant examples, and communicating effectively, you can showcase your qualifications and impress potential employers.