Behavioral Interview Questions
Behavioral Interview Questions Introduction
Behaviour Questions can help employers check whether the candidate has the common competencies they are looking for. Competencies are the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that contribute to successful job performance. Examples of competencies include teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership, adaptability, and time management. Employers use behavioral interview questions to assess how candidates have demonstrated these competencies in their past experiences. The idea is that past behavior is a good predictor of future performance. By asking candidates to provide specific examples of how they have handled situations in the past, employers can gain insights into their skills, abilities, and potential fit for the role.Common behavior questions are:
- Tell me about yourself
- Give an example of a time where you were the lead on a difficult project.
- Describe your leadership skills.
- Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills.
Method to answer a behavior interview questions
Rules to follow:
- Keep it Professional - Provide a brief overview of past work and educational experiences that led you to where you are now
- Convey story of passion for the field/industry/org!
- Keep it Relevant - Provide a few relevant points that directly tie to the position and how you are qualified for it
- Specific past work experience, specific skills and strengths that would be valuable to the position/organization
- Keep it Concise - No more than 1 to 2 minutes!
Sample Question:
- Describe a situation where you took the initiative to lead a project or team. What was the outcome?
- Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision as a leader. How did you approach it, and what was the result?
- Can you give an example of how you motivated and inspired your team to achieve a common goal?
- Describe a situation where you had to manage a team through a challenging period. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
Sample Answer:
(S/T) I volunteered for (and was nominated the head of) a committee of 4 people tasked with investigating poor customer reviews.
(A) I analyzed reviews and discovered that customer wait times were the largest contributor to negative reviews. I then led brainstorming sessions with the committee to identify a solution.
(R) The solution was a change in workflow for mechanics. After implementing this solution, wait times dropped 18%.
How to negotiate job offers
Negotiating salary and job offers can feel intimidating, but AI can help by providing salary benchmarks, drafting persuasive negotiation emails, and practicing responses to counteroffers. Use AI as a research tool to understand market rates and as a coach to refine your negotiation strategy before speaking with an employer. The AI prompt could be found on the CDO AI Prompt Resources 2024-2025.
Interview FAQ
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How can I prepare before the interview?
- Research the company
- Determine location - make sure you know how to get there and/or have a quiet location ready for a virtual or phone interview
- Find out the names and titles of interviewers - look them up on LinkedIn
- Prepare your attire - professional vs business casual (know the organization culture)
- Make sure your resume is ready for further inspection (same applies to your portfolio)
- Develop 5 stories that show evidence of your most marketable and relevant skills/competencies
- Make it easy to say yes - define the timeline
- Develop list of references to leave with interviewer, if asked
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What can I do after interview?
- Send a thank you note to reiterate your skills and interest
- Take some time to relax and de-stress
- Reflect on your performance and learn from mistakes
- Stay in pursuit - follow up after 2 weeks/timeline discussed