Behavioral interviews

Definition

Behavioral interviews are a type of job interview that focuses on how candidates have handled specific situations in the past to predict their future behavior in similar scenarios. This technique assumes that past performance is the best indicator of future performance, emphasizing the candidate's experiences and actions over hypothetical questions. This method often involves asking candidates to provide concrete examples of their skills, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities in real-life situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Behavioral interviews typically include questions that start with phrases like 'Tell me about a time when...' or 'Give me an example of...'.
2. These interviews aim to uncover a candidate's soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and adaptability through real-life examples.
3. Employers often use behavioral interviews to assess cultural fit within the organization based on how candidates have previously interacted with colleagues and handled challenges.
4. Research shows that behavioral interviews can lead to better hiring decisions, as they provide insights into a candidate’s thought processes and behaviors in specific situations.
5. Candidates should prepare for behavioral interviews by identifying relevant past experiences and practicing their responses using the STAR method.

Review Questions

• How do behavioral interviews differ from traditional interviewing methods?
  • Behavioral interviews focus on a candidate's past experiences to predict future behavior, while traditional interviews may rely more on hypothetical questions or general discussions about skills. In a behavioral interview, questions are structured to elicit specific examples of how candidates have handled situations before, emphasizing their practical skills and decision-making processes. This approach allows employers to assess not just qualifications but also how well candidates might fit into the company culture.
• What role does the STAR method play in preparing for a behavioral interview?
  • The STAR method is crucial for effectively answering behavioral interview questions. By structuring responses around the Situation, Task, Action, and Result, candidates can clearly convey their experiences and demonstrate how they navigated challenges. This structured approach helps candidates stay focused and provide comprehensive answers that highlight their skills and abilities in specific contexts. Using the STAR method can significantly enhance a candidate's chances of making a positive impression during the interview.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral interviews in predicting job performance compared to other interviewing techniques.
  • Behavioral interviews have been shown to be more effective than traditional interviewing techniques in predicting job performance because they rely on actual past behavior rather than hypothetical scenarios. Studies indicate that candidates' responses in behavioral interviews correlate strongly with their future job performance, as these interviews focus on concrete examples rather than generalizations. This effectiveness stems from the assumption that past behavior is a reliable predictor of future behavior, making behavioral interviews a valuable tool for employers looking to make informed hiring decisions.

Related terms

STAR Method: A structured technique used to answer behavioral interview questions by outlining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result of a particular experience.

Competency-Based Interviewing: An interviewing technique that assesses specific competencies required for the job by asking about past behaviors related to those competencies.

Situational Interview: An interview format where candidates are asked how they would handle hypothetical situations, contrasting with behavioral interviews which focus on past experiences.