How can you quickly learn new skills in a behavioral interview?

1 Identify the skill gaps

The first step is to identify the skill gaps that you need to fill in order to answer the behavioral interview questions effectively. You can do this by reviewing the job description, researching the company and its culture, and analyzing the common behavioral questions for your industry or function. For example, if you are applying for a sales role, you might expect questions about your negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills. If you feel that you lack experience or confidence in any of these areas, you should prioritize learning them before the interview.

2 Use online resources

The second step is to use online resources to learn new skills in a fast and convenient way. There are many websites, platforms, and courses that offer free or affordable access to high-quality content and instruction on various topics and skills. You can choose the ones that suit your learning style, level, and goals. For example, you can use YouTube videos, podcasts, blogs, or articles to get an overview of a skill or concept. You can use online courses, webinars, or tutorials to get more in-depth and interactive learning. You can use online quizzes, tests, or exercises to practice and assess your progress.

3 Apply the skills to real or hypothetical scenarios

The third step is to apply the skills that you have learned to real or hypothetical scenarios that are relevant for the behavioral interview questions. This will help you consolidate your learning, improve your recall, and demonstrate your ability to use the skills in practice. You can do this by finding examples from your own work history, volunteer experience, or personal projects that showcase the skills that you want to highlight. You can also create hypothetical scenarios based on the job description, the company's values, or the industry's trends and challenges. You can then use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide specific and measurable evidence of your skills.

4 Seek feedback and improve

The fourth step is to seek feedback and improve your skills and answers based on the input that you receive. You can do this by asking a friend, a mentor, a coach, or a professional to review your answers and give you constructive criticism and suggestions. You can also use online tools, such as mock interview platforms, feedback apps, or AI assistants, to get instant and personalized feedback on your performance. You can then use the feedback to identify your strengths and weaknesses, refine your answers, and polish your skills.

5 Be honest and humble

The fifth step is to be honest and humble about your skills and learning process during the behavioral interview. You don't have to pretend that you know everything or that you have mastered a skill that you have just learned. You can admit that you are still learning, that you have faced challenges, or that you have made mistakes. However, you should also emphasize how you have overcome those difficulties, how you have learned from your failures, and how you have improved your skills. You should also show enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn more and grow. This will demonstrate your integrity, resilience, and potential to the interviewer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?