Many of my clients voice frustrations with their performance when asked Behavioral-Situational questions. It is important to prepare for this style of questions. One of the most popular approaches is developing scenarios from past experiences using the STAR method: Situation; Task; Action; Result. Preparing for possible questions includes focusing on specific actions taken and the positive outcomes that were achieved.
The templates for common behavioral interview questions are available with a quick internet search. With this list, highlight possible questions that relate to the job or title you are going for. For each potential question, craft a story using the STAR method:
• Situation: Clearly describe the context and situation you faced;
• Task: Explain the specific goal you needed to achieve;
• Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation. Highlight your skills and decision-making process;
• Result: Describe the positive outcome achieved and the impact of your actions;
As in any interview when discussing challenging situations, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of your actions and the lessons learned. It is also important to be specific and to include data, if appropriate. When describing your actions and results, use concrete examples and numbers to demonstrate the effectiveness of your experiences.
I advise my clients to use clarifying questions if they are unsure about the interviewer’s question. It is important to provide a relevant response in context of their question. Tailor your stories to mesh with specific requirements and responsibilities of the role you are interviewing for. The use of an outline with your key points in preparation will help you answer the question directly, avoiding unnecessary details or rambling.
If this seems overwhelming, just start with 4-5 general, personal stories that you have dealt with and how you worked through the issue(s) and the results of your actions. Once you have applied the STAR method to these experiences, the process will be easier. Then you can expand to include other situations which could show your abilities. Many of my clients have 8-10 story examples that they use and then adapt to specific questions.
Once you are prepared with specific, relevant responses to the behavioral style questions the interview won’t seem so intimidating. Just be authentic and relay your experiences in a genuine manner. It will show your job readiness and adaptability!
By Phil Kimmi | Posted in General, Interview Coach, Interview Education
