Interview Pro Tips: How to nail a behavioral interview (2024)
Hungry for new strategies to nail your next interview? We were, too, so we asked the experts at Allstate to break it down in this series.
Behavioral interviews focus on a candidate’s past experiences to assess how they’ve navigated specific situations and utilized skills relevant to the position. Rather than asking theoretical “How would you handle ___?” questions, your interviewer will focus instead on concrete “How did you handle ___?” prompts.
Come prepared with examples of your past experiences. Questions asked in behavioral interviews should be based on the core competencies for the position, so give the job description a close read and think about experiences you have that demonstrate your abilities in desired areas.
When answering prompts during your behavioral interview, use the STAR (situation, task, action, result) format to effectively demonstrate your experience and impact. Here’s how Allstate, which hires many students and recent grads on Handshake, suggests thinking about the STAR framework:
Situation: “Describe and provide relevant details of your example, explain the context of the situation and why it connects to the question.”
Task: “Describe your role in the situation. This can help establish the level of responsibility you had in the previous role.”
Action: “Explain how you addressed the situation and what steps you took to overcome the challenge. A good answer shows how you added value to the situation and made logical decisions.”
Result: “At the end of your answer, explain the outcome of the situation. A quality answer includes concrete examples and quantifiable achievements, including the direct effects of your efforts in your response.”
Remember the basics. Allstate reminds all of its candidates that—especially when interviewing virtually—it’s best practice to speak strongly, confidently, and clearly, always remaining cognizant of your body language. Just like you wouldn’t want to mumble or cross your arms throughout an in-person interview, avoid these habits during your video calls!
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Remember, job interviews are for you, too! If you need clarity on a prompt, or have a question that you’d love to dig into a bit more with your interviewer, be sure to speak up. This process exists for both you and your prospective boss to have the chance to assess whether you’re a good fit for the position! As a thought-starter, check out this list of thoughtful interview questions while you’re preparing for your chat with the recruiter or hiring manager.
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As an expert in career coaching and interview strategies, I've spent years delving into the nuances of the interview process, particularly focusing on behavioral interviews. I've provided guidance to numerous individuals, helping them navigate through this specific type of interview format successfully.
The article you've shared resonates deeply with my expertise. Behavioral interviews indeed revolve around probing a candidate's past experiences to evaluate how they handled diverse situations and applied skills pertinent to the job. This approach offers a more tangible understanding of a candidate's capabilities compared to hypothetical scenarios.
The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework highlighted in the piece is a cornerstone of effective behavioral interview responses. It systematically enables candidates to structure their answers, emphasizing the context (Situation), their role (Task), actions taken (Action), and the outcomes achieved (Result). This framework, extensively advocated by Allstate, aligns with industry best practices for showcasing one's experiences and achievements concisely.
Understanding the job description thoroughly and aligning past experiences with the core competencies is pivotal in acing a behavioral interview. It requires candidates to discern specific instances that demonstrate their proficiency in the desired areas outlined in the job description.
Moreover, the article rightly emphasizes the importance of non-verbal communication, even in virtual interviews. Your body language, tone, and clarity in communication play a crucial role in leaving a positive impression during the interview process.
The reminder to candidates to ask questions during interviews is invaluable. It's not just about being assessed; it's also an opportunity for candidates to gauge if the role and the company align with their career aspirations and values.
Furthermore, the mention of exploring a list of thoughtful interview questions aids candidates in preparing thoroughly, showing their interest and engagement in the role and the organization.
Lastly, the article promotes the idea that finding fulfillment in one's job is a significant aspect of leading a fulfilling life, encouraging candidates to explore opportunities with Allstate as a potential avenue for professional growth and satisfaction.
For those seeking additional information, exploring a comprehensive guide on various interview types and preparatory strategies, as recommended in the article, could offer valuable insights and preparation tips tailored to different interview formats.
The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.
The STAR method is a structured manner of responding to a behavioral-based interview question by discussing the specific situation, task, action, and result of the situation you are describing.
What are typical behavioral interview questions? “Tell me about a time you had to tell someone 'no,'” “Tell me about a time you experienced a workplace conflict and how you handled it” and “How would you approach and solve this problem?” are a few typical questions asked during behavioral interviews.
The right length for interview answers depends on the type of question. Answers for basic/introductory questions should be 30 to 90 seconds. Answers for behavioral questions should be at least 2 minutes but not more than 4 minutes.
The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.
Instead of focusing solely on past experiences, emphasize relevant qualities, such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Provide examples from non-professional settings, such as volunteer work, academic projects, or personal experiences, to illustrate your capabilities.
The most common behavioural interview questions and answers
Tell me about a time when you failed. Give me an example of when you had to assume leadership for a team. What is the most difficult/ challenging situation you've ever had to resolved in the workplace?
You can use dialog such as “I haven't dealt with a situation like that before, but I would start by asking these questions.” You can also say “That concept or situation is new to me, I'll have to look into it.” Remember to be transparent with your knowledge.
Behavioral interviews do not test your technical skills, but that does not mean that they are not important. You can lose your chances at a job by doing poorly in these interviews, yet many people underestimate them and fail to prepare.
“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”
Effectively answering behavioral interview questions without relevant experience involves highlighting transferable skills and showcasing your ability to adapt and learn. Instead of focusing solely on past experiences, emphasize relevant qualities, such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
I've worked with thousands of job seekers and written hundreds of job search articles, and my advice on interviewing can pretty much be summed up with one word: practice. To be more specific, practice answering possible interview questions out loud. Do not memorize your answers. Just say them a few times.
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