Blog Post: The Behavioral Or Situational Interview

There are several types of interviews. One of the most common is the Behavioral Interview or Situational Interview. This is when the interviewer or hiring manager asks open ended questions designed to flesh out how you act or behave in a variety of situations.

Behavioral interviews use passed experience to predict future behavior. For example: "Tell me about a passed work situation that involves a conflict that you had to solve between two parties. How were you able to do so?" The interviewer is trying to see how you have handled real life situations in the past.

To prepare for your interview think back on situations where you have truly showcased your talents, whether that be leadership, conflict management, ability to keep your cool under pressure, etc. Employers want to see how you will handle situations as part of your team. Having examples, real examples not fictional, prepared ahead of time will take the pressure off of thinking on the spot.

Some possible behavioral based questions:

 

 Describe the process you use to create goals.

 Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to agree with you. 

 Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.

 Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to convince others to do things your way.

 Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy you didn't believe in.

Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.

Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your flexibility.

Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic to solve a problem. 

Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get the job done.

Give me an example of when you were asked to motivate others.

Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.

Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.

Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize your tasks.

Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision and what the outcome was.

What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.

Tell me about the most difficult decision you've ever had to make.

Give me an example of a time when failed.

Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took a leadership role. 

Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker and how you made them happy.

Being prepared for these types of questions will help you answer with confidence and authority. Take time to answer these questions but keep them in an outline in your mind. Something to pull out on the spot when asked by the hiring managers.Good Luck!