What is a behavioral interview skill?

A behavioral interview skill refers to a specific soft skill or ability that is evaluated during a behavioral interview. These skills are essential for success in the workplace and typically focus on how candidates have handled past situations in a professional setting. Unlike technical skills, which involve specific knowledge or tasks, behavioral skills are more about interpersonal interactions, problem-solving, and how someone approaches work and challenges.

Behavioral interview skills are assessed by asking candidates to describe real-life situations where they demonstrated these abilities. The candidate's past behavior is seen as an indicator of how they will perform in the future. Below are some key behavioral interview skills that are often evaluated:

1. Communication Skills

Definition: The ability to clearly and effectively share information, ideas, and feedback with others.

• Example Question: "Can you tell me about a time when you had to explain a complex concept to a colleague or customer?"
• Why It Matters: Strong communication skills ensure that a candidate can collaborate effectively, avoid misunderstandings, and contribute to team success.

2. Teamwork and Collaboration

Definition: The ability to work cooperatively with others toward a common goal.

• Example Question: "Describe a time when you worked with a team to achieve a goal. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?"
• Why It Matters: Most roles require working in teams, and this skill shows how well candidates can contribute, handle conflict, and collaborate.

3. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to analyze a situation, identify challenges, and develop solutions.

• Example Question: "Can you give an example of a difficult problem you faced at work and how you solved it?"
• Why It Matters: Employers need individuals who can think critically and come up with creative solutions to challenges, especially in dynamic and complex environments.

4. Adaptability and Flexibility

Definition: The ability to adjust to new circumstances, changes, or unexpected challenges.

• Example Question: "Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work. How did you handle it?"
• Why It Matters: The ability to adapt is essential in fast-paced industries where priorities and conditions can shift quickly.

5. Leadership and Initiative

Definition: The ability to take charge of situations, guide others, and make decisions when necessary.

• Example Question: "Can you describe a time when you took initiative to improve a process or lead a project?"
• Why It Matters: Leadership skills are crucial not only for managers but also for any employee who needs to motivate, influence, or guide others.

6. Conflict Resolution

Definition: The ability to manage disagreements or conflicts between individuals or teams constructively.

• Example Question: "Describe a time when you had a disagreement with a colleague. How did you resolve it?"
• Why It Matters: Conflict is inevitable in the workplace, and how a candidate handles it reflects their emotional intelligence and ability to maintain healthy working relationships.

7. Time Management and Prioritization

Definition: The ability to manage tasks efficiently, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

• Example Question: "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple deadlines?"
• Why It Matters: Effective time management is critical in roles that require juggling multiple responsibilities or working under tight deadlines.

8. Decision-Making

Definition: The ability to make sound decisions based on available information, especially in challenging situations.

• Example Question: "Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. What was the outcome?"
• Why It Matters: Employers want employees who can make well-thought-out decisions, even when under pressure or faced with uncertainty.

9. Work Ethic and Reliability

Definition: A commitment to doing one’s best work consistently, taking responsibility, and being dependable.

• Example Question: "Can you give an example of a time when you went above and beyond to complete a task?"
• Why It Matters: Employers look for candidates who are reliable, responsible, and take pride in their work.

10. Emotional Intelligence

Definition: The ability to understand and manage your own emotions and recognize and influence the emotions of others.

• Example Question: "Describe a time when you had to deal with a stressful situation at work. How did you handle it?"
• Why It Matters: Emotional intelligence is crucial for maintaining good relationships, managing stress, and working well in team environments.

Conclusion

A behavioral interview skill is a soft skill that employers assess by asking candidates to provide specific examples of how they've demonstrated that ability in past work situations. By evaluating these skills, employers can determine whether a candidate has the interpersonal and problem-solving abilities necessary to succeed in the role and contribute positively to the company culture.

Common skills evaluated in behavioral interviews include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, conflict resolution, and more. To prepare, candidates should reflect on their past experiences and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure their answers effectively, demonstrating these key behavioral skills in action.