Behavioral Interview

Definition

A behavioral interview is a structured interviewing technique that focuses on a candidate's past experiences to predict their future performance in a specific role. By asking candidates to provide examples of how they handled situations in the past, employers gain insights into their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability. This method relies heavily on both verbal and non-verbal communication, as candidates must articulate their experiences clearly while also conveying confidence and honesty through their body language.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Behavioral interviews often include questions that start with phrases like 'Tell me about a time when...' or 'Give an example of...'.
2. Research shows that behavioral interviews can be more predictive of future job performance compared to traditional interview methods.
3. Candidates should prepare by reflecting on their past experiences and be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase their skills.
4. Both verbal communication (how well candidates articulate their experiences) and non-verbal cues (such as confidence and engagement) play a critical role in the effectiveness of a behavioral interview.
5. Interviewers often take notes during behavioral interviews to assess candidates' responses and help eliminate biases in the hiring process.

Review Questions

• How does the STAR method enhance the effectiveness of responses in behavioral interviews?
  • The STAR method enhances the effectiveness of responses by providing a clear framework for candidates to present their past experiences. By breaking down answers into Situation, Task, Action, and Result, candidates can deliver structured and comprehensive examples that demonstrate their skills and competencies. This method not only helps candidates stay focused but also allows interviewers to better evaluate their problem-solving abilities and overall fit for the role.
• Discuss the impact of verbal and non-verbal communication on a candidate's performance during a behavioral interview.
  • Verbal communication significantly impacts a candidate's performance as it reflects their ability to articulate thoughts clearly and effectively. Non-verbal communication also plays a critical role; body language, eye contact, and facial expressions can convey confidence, honesty, and engagement. Together, these forms of communication can influence an interviewer's perception of the candidate's suitability for the position, making it essential for candidates to be aware of both aspects while responding.
• Evaluate how behavioral interviews can lead to better hiring decisions compared to traditional interviewing methods.
  • Behavioral interviews can lead to better hiring decisions because they focus on actual past behaviors rather than hypothetical scenarios or general impressions. By assessing how candidates have handled real situations in previous roles, employers gain valuable insights into their problem-solving skills, interpersonal abilities, and adaptability under pressure. This evidence-based approach reduces the likelihood of bias and increases the chances of selecting candidates who will excel in their roles, ultimately enhancing team dynamics and overall organizational success.

Related terms

STAR Method: A technique used in behavioral interviews where candidates structure their responses by describing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result related to a specific experience.

Competency-based Interviewing: An interviewing approach that assesses a candidate's skills and competencies related to job performance, often using behavioral questions.

Non-verbal Communication: The process of conveying meaning without the use of words, which includes facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact.