How to Ace Your Behavioral Job Interview
Behavioral job interviews are one of the best ways for employers to learn more about a potential employee than their resume can tell them. This in-depth conversation provides employers with insights on a candidate's motivations, problem-solving skills and self-awareness.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Making a good first impression is key in any job interview, but especially in a behavioral job interview. That's why it's important to spend time beforehand researching the company, the job and what type of questions you'll likely be asked. Then, come up with thoughtful answers that demonstrate your knowledge and capabilities. Doing this legwork beforehand will help you appear more confident and prepared in the actual interview.
Ask Thought-Provoking Questions
Employers prefer candidates who are genuinely curious and eager to learn more about the company. Asking insightful and thought-provoking questions shows the interviewer that not only are you interested in the position, but you're also well-informed on how the company works. Strive to come up with questions that go beyond the standard "What will I be doing?" or "What's your company culture like?"
Focus on Your Positive Experiences
Behavioral interviews seek to identify how you've dealt with certain situations in the past. It's important to think of examples of times in your career when you've made positive contributions or solved difficult problems. Going into the interview with these success stories in mind will help you articulate your abilities clearly and with enthusiasm.
Listen and Provide Clarification
It isn't enough to just talk about your successes; to ace your behavioral job interview, you must be effective listeners. If you're given can a complex or confusing question, be sure to ask the interviewer for clarification before answering. Doing so will signal that you're invested in understanding the question and aren't just attempting to give a canned response.
Think Critically
Behavioral job interviews also require you to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving. Employers want to know that you can think through a problem or situation and come up with a plausible solution. Be prepared to reason through a given scenario and explain to the interviewer how you would come to a particular decision or conclusion.
Position Yourself as a Leader
At the end of the day, employers are choosing someone they believe could be worth investing in. One of the best ways to stand out and show leadership potential is to demonstrate a clear passion for the job. Brighten the room with your enthusiasm and confidence, and leave your interviewer confident that you'd be a great addition to the team.
Follow Up
Finally, don't forget to follow up with your interviewer after the job interview. To highlight your interest and enthusiasm for the position, send a thank-you note to your interviewer. This will make them remember you and show that you are professional and appreciative, both great traits to have on your job-seeking journey.