What's the best way to prepare for a behavioral interview? How can you get ready to explain what you did and why you did it during a job interview, especially when you don't know exactly what questions you'll be asked.
How to Prepare for a Behavioral Interview
You're not going to know what type of interview questions you will be asked until you're in the interview room, so review both traditional interview questions and behavioral interview questions.
Think About How You'll Respond
While you're reviewing the questions, since you don't know exactly what questions you will be asked, consider some situations you have dealt with at work or projects you have worked on. You may be able to use them to help frame responses.
Prepare example that illustrate times when you have successfully solved problems or performed memorably. Also, prepare examples where you have dealt with difficult or challenging situations, because you will probably be asked about negative situations as well as positive ones.
The examples will be useful to help you respond meaningfully during a behavioral interview.
Review the Job Posting
If you have a job description for the position, review it. If not, review the job listing. You may be able to get an idea of behavioral characteristics the company is seeking from reading the job description and position requirements.
Review Company Specific Interview Questions
Glassdoor.com's Interview Questions and Reviews section has a goldmine of information for job seekers. You can find out what candidates for the positions you are interviewing for were asked and get advice on how tough the interview was.
If the company you're interviewing with is listed, take a look at the interview questions other applicants have been asked and frame responses, just in case you're asked the same questions.
More About Behavioral Job Interviews
Here's more information on behavioral job interviews, including behavioral job interview questions, how to prepare for a behavioral interviews, and techniques and strategies for acing a behavioral job interview.
Interview Articles and Advice
