What are behavioral interview questions for?

Behavioral interview questions are designed to assess a candidate's past experiences and actions to predict their future behavior in the workplace. These questions focus on evaluating key skills like teamwork, problem-solving, communication, leadership, and adaptability, which are essential for success in most roles.

Real-world example

Imagine you're applying for a software engineering job. A behavioral question like "Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a teammate and how you resolved it" helps the interviewer understand how you handle interpersonal challenges. Your response shows your ability to collaborate, communicate, and maintain professionalism.

Why behavioral interview questions are important

1. Evaluate soft skills

Behavioral questions help assess skills that aren’t technical but crucial for success:

• Communication: Can you express ideas and listen effectively?
• Teamwork: Can you collaborate well with others?
• Adaptability: Can you handle change and unexpected challenges?

2. Understand problem-solving abilities

These questions reveal how you approach challenges and find solutions. For example:

• "Describe a situation where you had to solve a complex problem under time pressure."

3. Assess cultural fit

Behavioral questions can help determine whether your values and working style align with the company’s culture. For example:

• "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a project."

4. Predict future performance

By understanding how you handled situations in the past, interviewers can predict how you might perform in similar scenarios at their organization.

Common behavioral interview question themes

1. Teamwork

• "Can you give an example of a successful team project and your contribution?"
• "Describe a time when you had to work with someone with a different working style."

2. Leadership

• "Tell me about a time you led a team through a difficult situation."
• "Describe how you motivated your team during a challenging project."

3. Conflict resolution

• "Give an example of a conflict with a colleague and how you resolved it."
• "Describe a disagreement with your manager and how you handled it."

4. Problem-solving

• "Tell me about a time you faced an unexpected obstacle and how you overcame it."
• "Describe a situation where you had to make a tough decision with limited information."

5. Adaptability

• "How did you handle a significant change at work?"
• "Tell me about a time when you had to learn a new skill quickly."

How to prepare for behavioral questions

1. Use the STAR method: Structure your answers by explaining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
2. Reflect on past experiences: Identify examples that demonstrate key skills like leadership, communication, and adaptability.
3. Practice concise storytelling: Ensure your responses are clear, relevant, and focused.

Recommended resources

For mastering behavioral interviews, consider:

• Grokking Modern Behavioral Interview to prepare for common scenarios.
• 5 Common Interview Mistakes to avoid pitfalls during interviews.
• Grokking Tech Salary Negotiations to prepare for post-interview discussions.

Behavioral interviews are your chance to showcase your personality, values, and work ethic. Practicing these questions ensures you stand out as a thoughtful and prepared candidate.