Surviving Behavioral Interview Questions

Today, you'll notice more and more employers are using behavioral questions during interviews. This is a method that is being used to figure out which candidates are fit for the job at hand. Some people have a hard time answering these questions because there's no wrong or right answer. Each position requires certain types of answers, which will make you more appealing to the employer. Your answers will give the employer insight into the type of worker you are. It will provide information about your personality, problem solving skills and whether you're a team player.

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Advice for Answering Behavioral Questions

One great tip that you should keep in mind during your interviews is to use an event or story for the questions that you are asked. Providing thorough examples as answers will better explain yourself in your answers. Sometimes, you may not have the experience that they are looking for, but you can describe a time when you had to solve a problem with a customer or come up with an idea, or whatever fits the question being asked. When telling your stories, try to use the SPARE strategy: situation, problem, action, result and experience (what you learned).



Make sure to listen to the questions carefully, so that you can accurately think up a time that pertains to it. Don't try to be something you're not and don't make up lies. Be yourself and try to make the most of the interview. Interviews can be pretty stressful, so make it as enjoyable as possible. You can even talk about experiences that didn't have an optimal outcome. You want to make sure that your stories have a purpose and that they flow smoothly. If needed, you should practice telling them before you go to the interview.

Types of Behavioral Questions

Here is a list of questions you may come across:

• Tell me about a time you were given specific instructions that you decided not to follow.
• How have you prepared for this interview?
• Tell me about a time where you felt you were criticized unfairly and why.
• What did you learn from your last boss?
• Give an example of a time you failed. How did you respond to it?
• Describe a project you initiated and completed.
• How do you react to criticism? Provide an example.
• What web site do you visit most frequently?
• How do you motivate the teams you are supervising?

If you can come up with honest answers with stories to back them, you could be well on your way to landing that job.

See the following articles for more information:

• 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
  
• The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
  
• How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
  
• How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
  
• How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question

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