First, let's clarify what is a behavioral interview. Basically, this kind of technique occurs when an interviewer asks questions that try to get an idea of how to behave in different situations. For example, instead of asking how to handle stress, the interviewer may asks that of the name of a particularly stressful project, which may cause stress, and what you did for managing it.
In a behavioral interview, you will be given a lot of hypothetical questions, or are asked to recall specific situations. Here are some tips on how to perform well in a behavioral interview.
1) Be careful not to be too detailed: When someone asks you to tell a story, you can make a common mistake: to provide a little too much detail in an effort to give context. When in an interview, it is easy to make the same mistake.
Let's say the interviewer asks you to remember a really complex project work. Be careful not to slip into the validation of the complexity of the project.
You can lose the listener in this way, and come across as long-winded and disorganized. Try to keep your verbal responses to no more than three minutes and establish the situation in just a few sentences.
2) Focus on positive actions and results they have been created: Always keep in mind that the interviewer is trying to evaluate and how to perform and react at work. Whatever the questions may be, be sure to put the emphasis on the positive things you did and the things you did to impact and contribute to business.
Make sure you are clear on what has helped to highlight not only the enormity of the project. In an interview, it's okay to talk about yourself a bit more than usual. After all, you're marketing yourself, not necessarily to the big company that used to work for or in great things you achieved.
3) Do not hesitate to change your answer: If you are asked to respond to a situation that has not been, then modify the response. You can say something like, "Although I have not been in that exact situation, I went through something similar. I would share a little about that."
4) Do not exaggerate: Be realistic and grounded to answer your questions. You do not have to come across as Superman to show how you behave in various situations.
People exaggerate, especially in an interview, usually easily recognizable. Keep it real, and focus on the positive. Your answers will be better received that way.
5) Do not forget to ask questions or seek clarification: As in any interview, be sure to engage your interviewer through questions and seek clarifications due to which you can buy some time to think a little more about how you want to answer any question.
6) Prepare and Practice: Finally, go to the interview prepared. One thing you can do to prepare for a behavioral interview is to think about the job requirements for the position to which you are applying.
If, for example, the position requires that you have experience doing audits, and then list some real examples of the audits it has performed. Are the people at the top of the mind, and be willing to focus on how we can discuss these experiences.
Practice talking about some of your accomplishments. Be sure to have measurable outcomes in the top of the mind, too. Doing some homework and listing out some of this information before an interview you will be better prepared to handle questions that come your way.
These are just some tips on how to succeed in a job interview based on behavior. Always go to an interview prepared and safe as possible, and remember to be yourself - that is your own professionalism.
