Most interviews focus on behavioral questions. When answering these questions, you want to tailor your past experiences to align with the desired skillsets or qualities of the position you are interviewing for. At NEP Consulting, we will help you focus on developing responses that are effective, engaging, and best position you to a potential employer.
For reference, below are general guidelines and a detailed example for answering behavioral questions.
The best way to prepare for behavioral questions is to come up with 3-6 stories that demonstrate at least two of the desired skillsets or qualities listed in the job description. Your answers to these behavioral questions should be approximately 1 minute.
When coming up with your stories, use the STAR method, shown below, to effectively communicate your ideas:
The below example could be used for a behavioral question on problem solving and teamwork.
Use the below template when brainstorming your 3-6 stories for behavioral interviews
Other behavioral questions you should be prepared to answer during an interview are:
- Tell me about yourself
- Why do you want to work in this industry?
- Why do you want to work at this company?
- What 3 adjectives would your peers/superiors/subordinates use to describe you?
- What are your 3 biggest strengths and weaknesses? [For weaknesses, focus on how you are improving them]
- At your previous jobs or internships, what feedback did you receive?
- What is the most important thing that is not on your resume?
- What is your proudest accomplishment?
- What is one current event that interests you and why?
- What questions do you have for me?