What do you do if a behavioral interview question catches you off guard?

Take a brief moment to gather your thoughts. A short pause is better than rushing into a disjointed response. If the question is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or for the interviewer to repeat the question. Use the STAR Method: Structure your answer using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) format, even if briefly, to provide a coherent response. Think of Relevant Examples: Quickly scan your experiences to find a relevant example that fits the question. If you can’t find a perfect match, choose a closely related scenario. Stay Honest and Positive: If you genuinely can’t think of a related experience, be honest about it and suggest how you would handle such a situation based on your skills and values.

I'd handle it using the STAR method: Pause: I'd take a brief moment to collect my thoughts before responding. Situation: I’d explain the context:I was once in a project team with a colleague who had difficulty accepting feedback. Task: I’d outline my responsibility:Our task was to deliver a joint presentation within a week. Action: I’d describe my approach:I set up a one-on-one meeting to discuss our ideas thoroughly. I made sure to listen actively to their input and then presented my suggestions in a way that highlighted how they aligned with their views. Result: I’d share the outcome:This approach not only improved our presentation, which was well-received by our superiors, but it also strengthened our working relationship moving forward.

1. Take a moment to compose yourself and maintain your composure. 2. Listen carefully to the question and ensure you understand it fully before responding. 3. Draw upon relevant examples from your past experiences, even if they are not directly related to the question. 4. Be honest and transparent in your response, acknowledging if you need a moment to gather your thoughts. 5. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response effectively, focusing on the specific situation, actions you took, and the outcomes achieved.

Keep in mind that this question is ultimately about finding out exactly how you react. In other words, what solutions you come up with and at least as important: how do you behave, what are your gestures and facial expressions, how can you deal with the stress that the question has triggered in you. Be aware that at this point it's often not about the answer to the question, but about testing your reactions and deliberately putting yourself in a situation that triggers tension in you. So try to stay calm and take small steps towards the problem and share your thoughts about it.

I adapt my past experiences to the situation. This way, the panel is able to judge my versatility and agility in coping under different circumstances.

When faced with a question that doesn't directly align with your past experiences, adapt relevant scenarios to fit the question. For instance, if asked about experience in international project management which you may lack, you could discuss a project where you coordinated with international suppliers or colleagues remotely. Demonstrating calm under pressure is key. In one interview, I was unexpectedly asked to critique the interviewer's company's recent project. Instead of showing discomfort, I maintained a composed demeanor, critically reviewed the project's public outcomes, and provided constructive feedback, thereby showcasing my analytical skills and ability to handle sensitive situations tactfully.