Behavioral Interview Prep 2024

Behavioral interviews

Are you nervous about your upcoming job interview? Don't worry, you're not alone. Interviews can be scary, especially when you're facing behavioral questions. But here's the good news: with the right prep, you can ace your interview and land that job at your dream company.

What is a behavioral interview?

A behavioral interview is a type of job interview where the interviewer asks you about past situations to understand how you might handle similar challenges in the future. Instead of asking hypothetical questions, they want to hear real examples of your behavior and skills. This approach helps employers get a better idea of how you work and if you'd be a good fit for their team.

Common behavioral interview questions

Here are some questions you might face in a behavioral interview:

1. Tell me about a time you worked on a team project.
2. Describe a situation where you had to solve a difficult problem.
3. Have you ever had to deal with a challenging coworker? How did you handle it?
4. Give an example of a goal you reached and how you achieved it.
5. Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work and how you fixed it.
6. Can you describe a situation where you had to adapt to a big change at work?
7. Have you ever had to persuade someone to see things your way? How did you do it?
8. Tell me about a time when you had to work under a tight deadline.

How to prepare for a behavioral interview

Research common questions

Start by looking up typical behavioral interview questions for your industry. This will help you think of good examples from your past experiences and be prepared for any curveballs the interviewer might throw you. Make a list of these questions and start brainstorming potential answers.

Use the STAR method

The STAR method is a great way to structure your answers:

• Situation: Describe the context
• Task: Explain what you needed to do
• Action: Detail the steps you took
• Result: Share the outcome

Here's an example using the STAR method:

Practice with a friend

Ask a friend or family member to do a mock interview with you. This can help you feel more comfortable and improve your answers. Give them a list of common behavioral questions and ask for honest feedback on your responses. Pay attention to your body language and tone of voice during these practice sessions.

Prepare relevant examples

Think about your past jobs, volunteer work, or school projects. Come up with stories that show your skills and how you've handled different situations. Also take some time to research the company you're applying for and try to figure out how some of your experience might apply to this company. Try to have at least 5-7 strong examples that you can adapt to various questions. Make sure these stories highlight your problem-solving skills, teamwork, leadership, and ability to handle pressure.

Stay calm and positive

Take deep breaths and try to relax during the interview. Remember, the interviewer wants to get to know you and see how you'd fit in the job. If you need a moment to think about a question, it's okay to say, "That's a great question. Let me think about a good example for a moment."

Prepare for tricky questions

While most interviewers are not out to stump you on purpose, there are times where they may throw some tricky questions your way. Some common examples are:

• Why do you you want to work here?
• Tell me about yourself.
• Can you explain this gap in your employment?

Tips for answering behavioral questions

1. Be specific: Use real examples and details. Instead of saying "I'm good at solving problems," share a story that shows how you solved a specific problem.

2. Keep it recent: Try to use examples from the last 1-2 years if possible. Recent experiences are usually more relevant to employers.

3. Be honest: Don't make up stories or exaggerate. Interviewers can often tell when you're not being truthful.

4. Stay focused: Keep your answers clear and on-topic. It's easy to ramble when telling a story, so practice keeping your responses concise.

5. Show growth: If you're talking about a mistake, explain what you learned from it. Employers want to see that you can learn and improve from challenges.

6. Quantify results when possible: If you can include numbers or percentages to show the impact of your actions, that can make your answer more powerful.

7. Tailor your examples: Try to choose stories that relate to the job you're applying for. If you're interviewing for a leadership role, focus on examples where you've led teams or projects.

What to do after the interview

After your behavioral interview:

1. Send a thank-you note to the interviewer within 24 hours. This shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their mind.

2. Think about what went well and what you could improve. Make notes for future interviews.

3. Follow up if you don't hear back within the timeframe they gave you. A polite email checking on the status of your application is usually appropriate.

4. Reflect on the questions they asked. This can give you insight into what's important to the company and help you decide if it's a good fit for you.

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are some things not to do in a behavioral interview:

• Don't give vague answers. Always provide specific examples.
• Avoid blaming others in your stories. Focus on your actions and what you learned.
• Don't speak negatively about past employers. Stay professional and positive.
• Try not to use the same example for every question. Show your diverse experiences.
• Don't forget to explain the results of your actions. The outcome is a crucial part of your story.
• Avoid using "we" too much. While teamwork is important, the interviewer wants to know what you did specifically.

Preparing for faith-based behavioral interviews

If you're interviewing for a Christian tech job, you might get questions about your faith or values. Here are some tips:

1. Be honest about your beliefs and experiences. Authenticity is key in faith-based organizations.

2. Think about how your faith influences your work. Prepare examples of how you've integrated your beliefs into your professional life.

3. Prepare examples of how you've lived out your values in past jobs. This could include stories of ethical decision-making or serving others.

4. Consider how you'd handle ethical dilemmas in a faith-based workplace. Many Christian employers want to see that your values align with their mission.

5. Be prepared to discuss how you balance your faith with respect for diverse viewpoints in the workplace.

Remember, many Christian employers want to see how your faith aligns with their mission. They're looking for candidates who can contribute both professionally and spiritually to their organization.

Conclusion

By following these tips and putting in the effort to prepare, you'll be ready to shine in your next behavioral interview. Whether you're applying for a tech job in a secular company or a faith-based organization, these strategies will help you present your best self.

Learn more about Christian jobs that intersect with technology at Christian Tech Jobs. Whether you're exploring careers in faith-based organizations, hiring Christian talent, or seeking to combine your tech skills with your spiritual values, find your path in a place where technology and faith meet.