What is a Behavioral Based Interview? A Comprehensive Guide & Definition

In the world of job interviews, a behavioral based interview is gaining popularity among employers and recruiters as an effective method to evaluate a candidate’s potential performance. This approach goes beyond the traditional set of questions, focusing on how the candidate has handled specific situations in the past, providing valuable insights into their problem-solving abilities, interpersonal skills, and overall adaptability.

The core principle of the behavioral based interview is the belief that a candidate’s past behavior is the best predictor of their future performance. This means that instead of merely asking about their qualifications and experience, interviewers delve deeper into the candidate’s thought process, asking for examples of how they tackled challenges, resolved conflicts, or achieved goals in previous roles.

Designed to assess a candidate’s competencies and soft skills, a behavioral based interview enables employers to gauge if a candidate will be the right fit for their organization’s culture and work environment. By understanding this interview format, both job seekers and employers can improve their chances of finding the right match and achieve success in their professional partnership.

What Is a Behavioral Based Interview?

A behavioral based interview (also known as a behavioral interview) is a popular job interviewing technique used by employers to assess a candidate’s past behavior, experiences, and skills. This method focuses on how candidates have previously handled specific situations in the workplace that are relevant to the job they are applying for. The primary objective of a behavioral-based interview is to predict future job performance based on a candidate’s past experiences.

During a behavioral interview, employers ask open-ended questions that require candidates to provide specific examples of their work experiences. Questions often begin with phrases such as, “Tell me about a time when…” or “Describe a situation where…”. The idea is to gather as much relevant information as possible about the candidate’s background and how they have dealt with various challenges.

Behavioral interviewing is based on the principle that past behavior is a strong predictor of future behavior. It assumes that if a candidate has successfully navigated similar situations in the past, they are more likely to do so again in the future. This technique helps employers to identify candidates who possess the necessary competencies, attitudes, and problem-solving abilities for a particular job.

Some common topics employers may explore in a behavioral-based interview include:

• Conflict resolution
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Adaptability to change
• Leadership abilities
• Time management and organization
• Decision-making and problem-solving

To prepare for a behavioral interview, candidates should find ways to draw connections between their past experiences and the job requirements. This can be done by:

• Reviewing the job posting and identifying specific competencies required for the role.
• Reflecting on past experiences to identify instances where those competencies were demonstrated.
• Preparing concise, yet detailed answers for potential behavioral interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

By adopting this interviewing technique, employers can better assess a candidate’s ability to handle real-world scenarios and make informed hiring decisions.

Purpose and Benefits of Behavioral Interviews

Behavioral interviews are designed to assess job candidates based on their past performance and experiences. By asking questions related to how candidates handled specific situations in the past, hiring managers can get a better sense of how they may perform in the future.

One of the main benefits of behavioral interviews is their effectiveness in evaluating soft skills. These skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, are essential for employees to excel in the workplace. Since past performance often predicts future performance, behavioral interviews provide a reliable method for assessing these skills in job candidates.

In addition, behavioral interviews help hiring managers to understand how candidates approach challenges, make decisions, and adapt to new situations. This can prove invaluable when selecting the right person for a specific role or team dynamic. Some advantages of this approach include:

• Identifying candidates with strong problem-solving abilities
• Assessing adaptability and flexibility in the face of change
• Evaluating communication styles and their effectiveness in specific contexts
• Determining a candidate’s teamwork capabilities and experience working with diverse teams

Behavioral interviews can also help to reduce bias in the hiring process, since they focus on real-life experiences and behaviors rather than subjective impressions. By utilizing consistent and structured questions, hiring managers can make comparisons between candidates more easily and fairly.

In summary, behavioral interviews serve a crucial role in identifying job candidates with the right mix of skills, experiences, and qualities needed for success. By evaluating past performance and focusing on soft skills, hiring managers can make informed decisions that lead to stronger teams and better overall performance for their organizations.

Types of Behavioral Interview Questions

Leadership and Teamwork

Behavioral interview questions often focus on past experiences that demonstrate your leadership and teamwork skills. Interviewers may ask you to describe a situation where you had to lead a team, resolve a conflict, or motivate team members. Some common questions related to leadership and teamwork might include:

• Tell me about a time when you had to lead a team through a difficult situation.
• Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict between team members.
• Give an example of a time when you had to motivate a team to achieve a goal.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential in most roles. Behavioral interview questions can assess your ability to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing. Interviewers may ask you to describe a situation where you had to explain complex information, present an idea, or persuade someone. Some sample communication and interpersonal skills questions may include:

• Can you share an example of a time when you had to explain complex information to someone?
• Describe a situation where you had to present an idea to a group of people.
• Tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone to see things your way.

Problem Solving and Time Management

Behavioral interview questions related to problem-solving and time management aim to understand your ability to analyze problems, devise solutions, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. You may be asked about specific situations where you faced a challenge and how you resolved it. Some common problem-solving and time management questions might include:

• Can you describe a situation where you had to identify and solve a problem?
• Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks to meet a deadline.
• Give an example of a situation where you had to resolve an issue under time pressure.

Adaptability and Stress Management

Another important aspect of behavioral interview questions is evaluating your adaptability and stress management skills. Interviewers may want to understand how you handle change, cope with stressful situations, and learn from your experiences. Some sample adaptability and stress management questions may include:

• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work.
• Can you share a situation where you had to manage stress in your professional life?
• Tell me about a time when you learned from a mistake.

Integrity and Customer Service

Behavioral interview questions related to integrity and customer service aim to assess your commitment to ethical behavior and providing excellent service to customers or clients. You may be asked to describe situations where you managed sensitive information, made ethical decisions, or resolved customer issues. Some sample integrity and customer service questions could include:

• Describe a situation where you had to handle sensitive information responsibly.
• Can you share a time when you made an ethical decision in the workplace?
• Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond to provide outstanding customer service.

The STAR Method

The STAR Method is a common technique used during behavioral-based interviews to help job candidates effectively share their experiences and problem-solving abilities. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method provides a structured approach to answering interview questions, allowing candidates to demonstrate their skills and competencies.

• Situation: Before discussing the details, start by providing context for the situation you faced. Describe the specific circumstances in which you found yourself and why it was challenging or difficult.
  
• Task: Next, explain the task or objective you were assigned or that you set for yourself in response to the situation. This might be a goal, a responsibility, or a challenge you needed to navigate.
  
• Action: Describe the specific actions you took or strategies you employed to address the task, overcome challenges, or solve the problem. Focus on your part, showcasing your ownership, and contribution to the solutions.
  
• Results: Finally, detail the outcomes that resulted from your actions—quantify the benefits or improvements whenever possible. Highlight your success or lessons learned during the process.
  

When using the STAR Method, it’s important to:

1. Be specific and concise in each step, providing clear examples.
2. Demonstrate transferable skills, relating your past experiences to the job you’re interviewing for.
3. Practice your responses to common behavioral interview questions, ensuring you depict yourself in the best possible light.

Overall, the STAR Method enables candidates to effectively communicate their experiences and skills, making it an invaluable approach for both job-seekers and interviewers alike.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One common mistake candidates make during behavioral-based interviews is not providing specific examples to illustrate their capabilities. To avoid this, practice describing detailed situations from your past experiences that demonstrate your strengths and how you have dealt with your weaknesses.

Another mistake is being unprepared for the interview. To overcome this, invest time in preparation by researching the company and the role you are applying for. Make a list of potential questions and practice answering them. This helps in being ready for a range of topics during the interview.

Failing to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) is another common mistake. Make sure to use this technique when answering questions to provide a structured and complete response.

Making a Strong Impression

A behavioral-based interview focuses on how you have previously handled various work situations. To make a strong impression, it is essential to know the job description and tailor your responses accordingly. Understand the key competencies the employer is seeking, and provide specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in those areas.

Pay attention to detail when describing your past experiences. Give a clear and concise account of the situation, your actions, and the outcome.

Follow-Up and Evaluation

During a behavioral-based interview, follow-up questions play a significant role in assessing a candidate’s suitability for the position. These questions allow the interviewer to delve deeper into the applicant’s experience and better understand their thought process and decision-making abilities.

For instance, if an applicant describes a situation where they utilized their written communication skills to resolve a conflict, a hiring manager might ask follow-up questions to gather more context about the situation like, “How did you approach crafting your message?” or “What was the outcome?”.

Understanding the position requirements is crucial during the evaluation process. Hiring managers should compare an applicant’s past behavior and experiences with the skills needed for the role. This could involve reviewing the applicant’s problem-solving abilities or their ability to adapt to change. A table could be employed to track the candidate’s qualifications and compare them against the job requirements. For example:

Position Requirement	Candidate’s Experience
Problem-solving	Successful conflict resolution
Adaptability	Managed major project changes

The hiring manager should also assess the candidate’s written communication abilities, as it is often an essential skill in the workplace. Clarify if the applicant has experience drafting professional emails, reports, or proposals. Additionally, consider whether the candidate can concisely convey complex information to various stakeholders.

It is necessary for the hiring manager to remain neutral and clear in their evaluation, avoiding any bias or assumptions about the applicant. By focusing on behavior-based interview questions and following up with relevant inquiries, evaluators can gain valuable insights into a candidate’s fit for the position. As a result, they can make informed decisions throughout the hiring process.

Comparing With Traditional Interviews

Traditional interviews typically focus on a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and personality. These interviews might involve asking candidates about their education, work history, and general skills. They may also inquire about how a candidate would handle certain hypothetical situations. However, traditional interviews may not effectively assess how a candidate would perform in a specific role, as they can be influenced by a candidate’s presentation skills, interview nerves, or even bias from the interviewer.

Behavioral-based interviews, on the other hand, focus on assessing how a candidate has performed in specific situations in their previous roles. These types of interviews are designed to gather evidence of behaviors, skills, and experiences that are directly relevant to the job for which the candidate is being considered. By asking for examples of past behaviors, interviewers can gather data to better predict how a candidate will perform in the role.

	Traditional Interviews	Behavioral-Based Interviews
Focus	Qualifications, experience, personality	Past behavior in specific situations
Predictive Value	Can be influenced by presentation & biases	Better predictor of on-the-job performance
Approach	Hypothetical situations & general questions	Specific examples from past experiences

In summary, traditional interviews may not be as effective as behavioral-based interviews in predicting future job performance. By using behavioral-based interviews, employers can gain a more accurate understanding of a candidate’s abilities and how they have demonstrated them in real-life situations. This approach can help reduce bias and lead to better hiring decisions.