Here's how you can ace behavioral interview questions in a job interview.

Remember, interviewers aren't just listening to what you did, they're feeling the impact of your story. The way you make them feel is what will stick long after the interview ends. For example, I once coached a candidate who was preparing for a leadership role. He had a great story about turning around a struggling team, but the first time he told it, the narrative felt flat... more like a checklist of tasks and results. We reworked it by focusing on how he felt during the process: the pressure, the doubt, and the eventual pride in the team's success. This emotional depth made the story to stand out, when you connect on that human level, you don't only show what you did but who you are and the value you bring.

If you use STAR, great, but other methods (CARL, PAR, SOARA, ...) also work well. The key is to have a structure for sharing your career stories and then practice. Don't memorize.

For example, if you're applying for a project management role, think of a time when you managed a project with tight deadlines and limited resources. Reflect on how you planned, delegated tasks, and communicated with your team. Consider the specific actions you took to keep the project on track, how you handled obstacles, and the results you achieved. This deep reflection allows you to clearly articulate how your experience aligns with the demands of the role, showing the interviewer your capability to handle similar situations in the future.

Tailor your examples to the job you're interviewing for by selecting situations that directly relate to the key skills and responsibilities mentioned in the job description. For instance, if the role requires strong leadership, choose a scenario where you effectively led a team, overcame challenges, and achieved successful outcomes. By aligning your examples with the specific needs of the job, you demonstrate to the interviewer that your experience is not only relevant but also valuable to their organization.

If you have access to software like Big Interview or Spark Hire, take advantage of it, and practice your responses. If not, and you're preparing for virtual interviews, do practice interviews online with a friend or record yourself.

Being authentic during an interview means sharing real experiences and genuine insights. When discussing past challenges or achievements, be honest about what you faced and how you handled it, even if the outcome wasn’t perfect. Authenticity builds trust with the interviewer and helps them see your true character and capabilities. For example, if asked about teamwork, talk about a real project where you played a significant role, including the challenges you encountered and what you learned from the experience. Authenticity shows self-awareness and credibility.

I strongly believe that authenticity is the key to acing behavioral interview questions. Real experiences and genuine stories not only showcase your true skills and character but also build trust and connection with the interviewer. In a world where polished answers can sometimes feel rehearsed, being authentic sets you apart and leaves a lasting, positive impression. Remember, it’s your unique journey that makes you the best fit for the role.

Authenticity is very important. You should be yourself just as much as you would want the company to represent its true self. One of my biggest pet peeves as an interviewer is when someone is not truthful with their development areas. For example, if an interviewer asks you to identify a weakness please don't say "My weakness is that I work to hard to put the company before others in my life". That feels icky. Rather say something like, "I am keenly aware that I personalize constructive feedback and I let it get me down at first. I am working on this and I still appreciate feedback, but I know that I need to rebound more quickly." Self-awareness is refreshing! Remember its okay to pause and reflect first.

Learn from feedback after practicing your responses to behavioral interview questions. Whether it's from a mentor, a career coach, or through self-reflection after mock interviews, understanding how you can improve is crucial. For example, if feedback suggests you need to be more concise or specific, refine your stories to hit the key points more effectively. Continuous learning and adjustment will help you build confidence and improve your performance in actual interviews.