How To Answer Behavioral Interview Questions

Behavioral Interview Questions

When you go in for a job interview, there are a wide variety of questions you might have to come up with an answer for. Of those different interview question types, behavioral interview questions are one of the biggest. If you’re trying to answer behavioral or situational interview questions in a way that makes a recruiter think about how you would be a great addition to their team, here’s what you need to know.

What Are Behavioral Interview Questions?

Behavioral interview questions show that you know how to handle a wide variety of situations. In any job, you’re going to run into challenging situations, and it’s up to you to learn how to manage those situations effectively. Behavioral interview questions try to get to the heart of your past experiences, asking how you have dealt with difficult situations. For example, a behavioral interview question might be, “What is an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision that your team might not have agreed with?” It delves into your past behavior, typically looking at how you carried yourself at a previous job. These questions can help a hiring manager see how you would act in a similar situation.

What Skills Should You Showcase in Behavioral Interview Questions?

There are many soft skills that behavioral interview questions and answers can help you showcase. Here are a few skills you should be looking to show off through these types of questions:

• Teamwork
• Problem-solving skills
• Adaptability
• Prioritization skills
• Time management
• Communication skills
• Decision-making skills
• Ability to work with tight deadlines
• Project management

When you’re thinking about your interview answers, come up with specific examples that show off these skills. Look at the job description and your work experience for information regarding the specific skills that you should be highlighting.