Behavioral-Based Interviewing

What are Behavioral-Based Interview Questions?

A method of interviewing that focuses on a candidate's past behavior to predict future performance. Behavioral-based interview questions ask candidates to describe how they handled specific situations in the past. This approach helps employers understand a candidate's experience and suitability for the role.

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Understanding Behavioral-Based Interview Questions

Behavioral-based interview questions are designed to assess a candidate's past behaviors and experiences to predict their future performance. These questions focus on specific situations and actions taken by the candidate, providing insights into their skills, competencies, and suitability for the role.

Types of Behavioral-Based Interview Questions

Common types of behavioral-based interview questions include:

  • Situation Questions: Ask candidates to describe specific situations they have encountered in their previous roles.
  • Task Questions: Focus on the tasks and responsibilities the candidate had in those situations.
  • Action Questions: Explore the actions the candidate took to address the situation or complete the task.
  • Result Questions: Examine the outcomes or results of the candidate's actions.

Examples of Behavioral-Based Interview Questions

Examples of behavioral-based interview questions include:

  • Teamwork: "Can you describe a time when you had to work closely with a team to achieve a goal? What was your role, and what was the outcome?"
  • Problem-Solving: "Tell me about a challenging problem you faced at work. How did you approach solving it, and what was the result?"
  • Communication: "Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex information to a non-expert audience. How did you ensure they understood?"
  • Leadership: "Give an example of a time when you had to lead a team through a difficult project. What strategies did you use, and what was the outcome?"
  • Adaptability: "Can you share an experience where you had to adapt to a significant change at work? How did you handle it?"

Benefits of Behavioral-Based Interview Questions

Behavioral-based interview questions offer several benefits:

  • Predict Future Performance: By examining past behaviors, employers can predict how candidates are likely to perform in similar situations.
  • Uncover Skills and Competencies: Provide insights into candidates' skills, competencies, and suitability for the role.
  • Structured Evaluation: Offer a structured and consistent approach to evaluating candidates, reducing biases and subjectivity.
  • Real-World Examples: Encourage candidates to provide specific, real-world examples of their experiences and achievements.

Conducting Effective Behavioral-Based Interviews

To conduct effective behavioral-based interviews, employers should:

  • Prepare Questions: Develop a list of behavioral-based interview questions tailored to the key competencies required for the role.
  • Use the STAR Method: Encourage candidates to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure their responses.
  • Listen Actively: Pay close attention to candidates' responses and ask follow-up questions to gain deeper insights.
  • Take Notes: Take detailed notes during the interview to capture key points and examples provided by the candidate.
  • Evaluate Consistently: Use a consistent evaluation framework to assess candidates' responses against the desired competencies.

Enhancing Recruitment with Behavioral-Based Interview Questions

Behavioral-based interview questions are a valuable tool for assessing candidates' suitability for a role. By focusing on past behaviors and experiences, employers can gain insights into candidates' skills and competencies, leading to more informed hiring decisions and successful recruitment outcomes.

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