So, you landed the interview with your dream company, now what!? Chances are you will be asked to participate in a behavioral interview. This might sound like a scary interview process but don’t fear! We are here to shed light on what a behavioral interview is and why it’s important. 

Before we go too much further, I want to remind you, interviewing isn’t just for the company. Interviewing is also for you, it’s your chance to learn about the organization, the job, the team, and the culture… ultimately deciding if this really is your dream company. Let’s dive in and look at how you can use behavioral interviewing to your advantage! 

Why are Behavorial Interviews the best type of interview?

A behavioral interview can be a great way to interview. As a candidate, it provides an opportunity to showcase skills and experience. A behavioral interview typically asks questions about past behavior in specific situations, allowing the candidate to provide concrete examples of their skills and experience. These types of questions also give you a sneak peek into the types of challenges and situations that might arise at the interviewing company. 

Behavioral interviewing allows you to demonstrate how you will fit into the team. Behavioral interview questions often focus on traits and qualities that are important for the job or company culture, giving the candidate an opportunity to show how they align with these values. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the culture of the company and the type of team environment you would be joining. 

When using behavioral interviewing techniques, companies can make a better hiring decision based on skills, past behavior, and overall fit. This means that you will have a chance to showcase more than just your skill knowledge. Behavioral interview questions are designed to elicit specific examples of behavior, making it easier for the interviewer to assess the candidate objectively based on their responses. Because behavioral interviews focus on past behavior rather than hypothetical scenarios, they can help reduce the impact of unconscious biases that may influence the interviewer’s decision-making.

The best reason for participating in a behavioral interview… it can lead to better job satisfaction. By using behavioral interview questions to assess a candidate’s fit, employers are more likely to hire candidates who are well-suited to the job and company culture. This can lead to better job satisfaction and a higher likelihood of long-term success in the role.

How to prepare for a Behavioral Interview?

You can use a behavioral interview to your advantage by preparing ahead of time and demonstrating their skills and experience through specific examples. Here are some tips for using a behavioral interview to your advantage:

• Understand the job requirements: Review the job description and research the company to understand the skills and traits that are important for the role.
• Prepare examples: Think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills and traits. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
• Show your problem-solving skills: Behavioral interview questions often focus on how you have solved problems in the past. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and how you approach challenges.
• Use metrics to quantify your achievements: When describing your results, use metrics whenever possible to quantify your achievements. This can help you demonstrate the impact you have had in previous roles.
• Be honest and authentic: While it’s important to prepare ahead of time, it’s also important to be honest and authentic in your responses. Don’t try to provide answers that you think the interviewer wants to hear. Be yourself and let your personality shine through.
• Listen carefully to the questions: Listen carefully to the questions and make sure you understand what the interviewer is asking. If you’re not sure, ask for clarification.
• During the interview, practice active listening by paying attention to the interviewer’s body language and tone of voice. This can help you better understand their expectations and tailor your responses accordingly.

By using these tips, a candidate can use a behavioral interview to their advantage and demonstrate their skills and experience in the best possible light.

A behavioral interview can be good for you because it provides an opportunity to showcase your skills and experience, demonstrate your fit, and increase your chances of making a successful transition to the new role. It also gives you insight into the company culture, the management style of your potential new leader, and a solid sense of how you will feel working for the organization.