Behavioral Interviewing
Behavioral interviewing is an interviewing technique that helps employers
predict how a candidate will perform on the job and fit into the organization. The theory behind
these questions is that the most accurate predictor of future performance is past behavior in a
similar situation. By finding out what actions you took and/or how you reacted in past situations,
the employer gets a sense for how you will probably respond to circumstances in the position they
are considering you for.
Why do Employers use Behavioral Interviewing?
This technique provides employers with objective information that they don't get from a
traditional interview question. For example, if an employer asks, "Do you work well with people
from diverse cultures?" your response will most likely be "yes." If the employer says, "Tell me
about a time when you had to work with people from diverse cultures," you will respond with a story
about a situation where this was the case. The employer will then be able to judge for him/herself
whether you actually do perform well, according to his/her standards. This also gives you the opportunity
to prove by example that you can handle the task at hand.
How to Answer
Your answers to behavioral interview questions need to be specific and detailed.
Listen carefully to what the interviewer asks so that you can give an answer that's relevant to the question. If you are unsure, ask for clarification.
You can use examples from either school or work.
Tell a story about something you've done, or talk about an event you were involved in.
Structure your answers in three parts:
1. Begin by briefly describing the situation
2. Detail what action you took
3. State the result (this should be a positive one, if not, discuss what you learned from the situation)
For examples of Behavioral Interview Questions, click here.
Updated: 06/2007
