Behavioural interviews are the most feared but the most important part of a job selection process as they delve into past behaviours to help predict future success in a role. So, why are they so feared, and how do you overcome your nerves to master this type of interview?

What is a behavioural interview?

First, let’s begin with a definition. Behavioural interviews are a type of job interview where the interviewer asks questions about how you have behaved in specific situations in the past.

What is the purpose of behavioural interviews?

The purpose of a behavioural interview is to understand your skills, abilities, and traits based on your past experiences and actions in other workplaces or situations. It’s an ideal way to predict your future performance.

In a behavioural interview, the questions are designed to prompt you to provide detailed responses about your past behaviours and actions. It’s an excellent way to avoid hypothetical or theoretical responses which may not match your work behaviours.

The core idea of the behavioural interview (and your responses) is that past behaviour is a reliable predictor of future behaviour. By asking about specific situations you have encountered in your workplace, the interviewer gains a clearer understanding of how you will navigate challenges, solve problems, work individually and as part of a team, and determine if you have the crucial skills that are relevant to that particular job.

What type of questions will I be asked?

The phrases you’ll often encounter during a behavioural interview typically begin with “Tell me about a time when …’ or ‘Can you provide an example of …’, prompting you to share a specific experience you’ve encountered.

When asked these types of questions, it’s vital to provide as much detail as possible to describe that particular situation, the action you took, and the outcome. The STAR method is a great framework for structuring your responses to these types of behavioural interviews.

Your responses tell potential employers a lot about your competency, interpersonal skills, adaptability, problem-solving ability and leadership potential and many other qualities relevant to a particular role. It’s real-life examples that will help you demonstrate how you handle various work-related situations and challenges.

Preparing for behavioural interviews

So, you have an upcoming interview and want to know how to prepare for these behavioural questions. How do you prepare? First, you’ll need to reflect on your past experiences and identify any relevant examples that relate to the role you’re applying for.

You should practice your responses to potential questions in a structured and concise way. A great way to pre-empt what might be asked is to review the job description and identify the core skills and competencies the employer is seeking. Be sure to demonstrate the impact of your actions and the results you achieved in your previous role, and highlight any relevant transferable skills.

You can incorporate storytelling techniques to keep the interviewer engaged. Basically, this involves revealing the facts, creating a narrative, and then restating the facts (however, this is a blog unto itself).

You should also research and ask thoughtful questions about the values, culture and team dynamics of the company. Understanding and incorporating the company’s culture and values into your responses show enthusiasm and genuine interest in the organisation.

Do you have a mentor? This person is preferably someone with knowledge of the industry or company you’re seeking to gain employment. They can help you rehearse for an interview. Their feedback on how you handle behavioural questions will be valuable.

Body language and communication tips

Once you’ve rehearsed your responses to potential behavioural questions, it’s time to turn your attention to non-verbal communication. Make sure you maintain good eye contact and have good posture, which demonstrates confidence in yourself. You should also show engagement by using positive and assertive language and active listening skills. Don’t forget to smile and nod!

Final tips for success

If there’s ever a time to dress for success, it’s at the interview. Make sure you’re wearing suitable attire that’s clean, ironed and fits you well. Depending on the job, keep make-up, jewellery and strong fragrances to a minimum.

Finally, arrive early and have some prepared questions to ask the interviewer at the end of your interview. Follow up in a few days with a thank-you email or note.

Remember, the goal of a behavioural interview is to provide proof of your abilities and aptitude for the role. You’ll need to show this based on your past behaviours. So, emphasise relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills. You will boost your chances of making a good impression and winning the job!