Acing Behavioral Interview Questions: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: Setting the Stage

Navigating behavioral interview questions can feel like walking through a minefield. But with the right preparation, you can turn these questions into opportunities to showcase your skills and personality. We'll go step-by-step through common questions and how to answer them like a pro.

The Wisdom of Lazlo Block

Lazlo Block, the former SVP of HR at Google, provides us with a treasure trove of advice in his insightful article. Let's distill his wisdom:

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

• Anticipate Questions: Lazlo suggests that you can predict about 90% of the questions you'll encounter. So why not prepare answers in advance?

• Write Down Answers: Don't just think about your answers; write them down. It might feel cumbersome, but this etches the information into your brain.

• Three Flavors of Each Answer: Create three different yet equally compelling answers for each question. If one story doesn't resonate with an interviewer, you have two more arrows in your quiver.

The "How": Crafting Your Answer

You know what to say, but how should you say it? Here's where communication skills come into play.

The STAR Approach

• Situation: Describe the context in which you found yourself.
• Task: Explain the task you had to complete.
• Action: Detail the actions you took.
• Result: Share the results of those actions.

Why STAR?

The STAR approach provides a structured way to narrate your experiences. It showcases not just what you did, but how you did it, helping you exhibit organized thought, clear communication, and a flair for storytelling.

Remember, an interview is not just about proving that you can do the job. It's also about showing that you're the kind of person others will want to work with. And what better way to do that than to share compelling stories that highlight your skills and experiences?