Behavioural Interview Questions are a common feature in the recruitment process of many companies. Unlike traditional interviews that focus on a candidate’s qualifications and experience, Behavioural Interview Questions are designed to elicit specific examples of past behaviour that can provide insight into how the candidate will perform in the future.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to prepare for and answer Behavioural Interview Questions so that you can ace your next job interview.
What are Behavioural Interview Questions?
Definition and Examples
Behavioural Interview Questions are a type of interview question that focuses on a candidate’s past behaviour in order to predict their future performance.
Examples of behavioural interview questions include “Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem under pressure,” or “Give me an example of how you handle conflicts with your colleagues.”
Types of Behavioural Interview Questions
There are several different types of behavioural interview questions, including situational questions, experience-based questions, and competency-based questions.
Situational questions ask candidates how they would handle hypothetical scenarios, while experience-based questions ask for specific examples from a candidate’s past. Competency-based questions assess a candidate’s skills, knowledge, and behaviours.
Why do Employers use Behavioural Interview Questions?
Benefits for Employers
Employers use behavioural interview questions to assess a candidate’s potential for success in a specific role. These questions allow employers to see how a candidate has behaved in the past and can help to predict how they might behave in the future.
Behavioural interview questions also allow employers to evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and overall fit with the company culture.
What Employers are Looking for in Your Answers
Employers are looking for specific details and examples in your answers to behavioural questions. They want to see how you have handled situations in the past, and how you might apply those skills to the job at hand.
Employers are also looking for evidence of key competencies, such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
How to Prepare for Behavioural Interview Questions
Research the Company and Job Description
To prepare for behavioural questions, it’s important to research the company and the job description thoroughly. This can help you to identify key competencies and behaviours that are important for the role.
Prepare Examples of Relevant Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate key competencies and behaviours. Use the STAR method to structure your answers, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
This method helps you to provide a clear and structured answer.
Common Behavioural Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Tell me About a Time When…
This is a common behavioural interview question that asks for a specific example from your past. To answer this question effectively, use the STAR method to structure your answer, and provide specific details and results.
Give me an Example of…
Similar to the “Tell me about a time when” question, this question asks for a specific example from your past. Use the STAR method to structure your answer and be sure to provide specific details about the situation, task, action, and result.
How did You Handle a Difficult Situation?
This question is designed to assess your problem-solving skills and your ability to handle difficult situations. To answer this question effectively, provide a specific example of a difficult situation you faced in the past, and describe how you handled it.
Be sure to provide specific details about the actions you took and the results you achieved.
Examples of Successful Behavioural Interview Responses
STAR Method for Answering Behavioural Interview Questions
Using the STAR method to structure your answers can help you to provide a clear and concise response to behavioural interview questions. This method helps you to provide a specific example of a situation, describe the task or challenge you faced, explain the actions you took, and describe the results you achieved.
Use Specific Details and Results
When answering behavioural interview questions, it’s important to use specific details and results to illustrate your points. This helps to make your answers more concrete and demonstrates your ability to apply your skills and experience to specific situations. Using specific details and results also helps to make your answers more memorable and impactful.
Concluding Thoughts
Behavioural interview questions are a powerful tool for employers to assess a candidate’s potential for success. By understanding what behavioural interview questions are, why employers use them, and how to prepare for and answer them, job seekers can increase their chances of acing the job interview and landing the job of their dreams.
Remember to use the STAR method, provide specific details and results, and be honest about your experiences and limitations. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to acing your next job interview.
