Here's how you can navigate behavioral-based interview questions.

Write up your stories in STAR format (including a metric - an actual number!) and study them like you’re studying for an exam. This will reduce your stress and make you feel way more ready for the day-of!

To navigate behavioral-based interview questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). First, describe a specific situation relevant to the question. Then, explain the task you were responsible for in that context. Detail the actions you took to address the task, focusing on your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Finally, highlight the results of your actions, emphasizing positive outcomes and what you learned. Practice common behavioral questions, tailor examples to the role, and ensure your responses are concise, structured, and demonstrate your competencies and experiences effectively.

Navigating behavioral-based interview questions involves using the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. For example, if asked about a time you successfully resolved a conflict, you would first describe the situation (S), such as a disagreement within a team. Next, outline the task (T), like the need to find a resolution to maintain productivity. Then, explain the action (A) you took, such as facilitating a mediation session. Finally, describe the result (R), such as improved team communication and a collaborative solution. This method helps structure your response, ensuring you provide a comprehensive answer that highlights your skills and experiences.

For these types of interview questions, it is important to explain your thought-process as opposed to just the answer or the outcome. You could use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to do this and show your rationale. Therefore, you provide a bit of context and the background of the situation. Explain your role or responsibility. Then you can highlight the action you took to solve the problem and then the result. This framework helps you to convey your thoughts and structure your responses clearly in the interview.

> Familiarize yourself with the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) method. > Structure your responses to clearly outline the context, your responsibility, what you did, and the outcome.

> Think about past experiences that best demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the job you’re applying for. > Identify the core competencies the interviewer is looking for and match them with your experiences.

> Rehearse your answers to common behavioral questions. > Get comfortable articulating your thoughts in a coherent and concise manner.

While staying relevant is important, it’s also important to show you’re human. If you have a single unrelated story that’s entertaining or shows who you are, people want to know who they are going to be working with. Don’t be afraid to show your personality.

> Choose examples that are directly related to the job requirements. > Avoid going off on tangents that don’t add value to your answer.

Your relevance will always be based on how well you'll be able to share the experiences and expertise you have, and have gained over the years. It is effortless to see if you are composing answers from nowhere rather than speaking from your heart. That is why being involved in the work we like is important. passion never betrays!

One of the best ways to be authentic in an interview is to share more personal stories. Stories aren’t just for the stage, they will always level up your communication. In your next interview, wrap otherwise vague answers in a story using descriptive and vivid details. Instead of: “Over the years I’ve led teams through a lot of obstacles. I view myself as being a get-it-done leader who rises to the challenge.” Frame it in a story, “In 2022 my team was facing losing a major client who was bringing in over a quarter of a million dollars in revenue. Being a get-it-done leader, I decided to try something new and we…”

The recruiter is a person too. People hire people they like. So be professional, but likable. Conversely, don't be overly familiar or act like you and the recruiter are old friends.

In my experience, behavioral interview questions allow you the opportunity to provide examples of your work, which creates authentic conversation. I don’t typically use the STAR method, I teach job seekers to use their resume as a guide for both the interview and create conversation by asking questions and gauging what qualities of this current role are similar to your previous roles. Asking questions is a simple way to calm yourself, identify with the interviewer and create authentic conversation.

Navigating a behavioral-based interview authentically involves showcasing your true self and sharing genuine experiences. In my personal journey, I’ve found that being authentic, whether at work or home, fosters trust and builds stronger connections. During the interview, listen carefully to the questions and respond with real examples from your experiences, highlighting your true reactions and feelings. Honesty about your strengths and areas for growth demonstrates self-awareness and integrity. Authenticity not only sets you apart but also ensures that the role and company culture are a good fit for your true self, paving the way for long-term success.

Always mention what you are capable of doing and what you have never done before, and be quick to mention how fast you are in new learning. This will show your eagerness to learn and to remain relevant in the new post. Be free and open-minded, relax and express yourself from your heart.

Learning how to be flexible in giving responses at interviews I believe is the most important skill to have assuming you know your stuff. This is because the interviewers will want to twist commonly asked questions a bit, since they typically don't manufacture new questions. They also know the standard answers but want to see you own your responses.

When I was a recruiter I only used behavior-based interview questions. What the recruiter is looking for is a story. "Tell me about a time when..." It doesn't have to be you having done that exact job previously, but rather your ability to articulate relevant similar skill sets and how you used them in the past in a related scenario.

With experience you can add more points to what you already mentioned and also be flexible to ask questions and seek answers as well.

If you don't have a story of something you've done in the past that highlights a relatable skill set to the position you are interviewing for, the worst thing you can do is say "this is what I would do". Just stop. The recruiter doesn't need a definition. They want to know that you have the skills to do the job. Be honest and say I can't think of a specific scenario, then ask how you could answer that question in a different way. And never be long-winded. Talking and talking and talking and hoping you'll say something that impresses the recruiter is also a no-go. Make your point articulately and professionally, then stop talking.

Be authentic. Do not fabricate or say anything about what you would do; if you have never been in that situation, be honest about it. Be factual with no fluff-you have to find the right balance.

Use the job description. How? Take a few bullet points regarding tasks, and think about example of your own work experience that relate to those. For example, it says “Communicate with stakeholders.” Think about a time when you have done this in your jobs, and give details of the situation itself. Write ?? 5 or more examples (one per task) and you have your ideas for different behavioral questions that might come up during the interview! Good luck ??

When faced with behavioral-based interview questions, leverage your experiences as a compass to guide your responses. Share specific examples that showcase your skills, achievements, and problem-solving abilities, painting a vivid picture of your capabilities. By aligning your answers with the employer's needs and demonstrating your suitability for the role, you'll navigate these questions with confidence and leave a lasting impression.