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The Empuls Glossary

Glossary of Human Resources Management and Employee Benefit Terms

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Behavioral Interview

Behavioral interviews are based on the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. Instead of hypothetical questions like "How would you handle a difficult situation?", behavioral interviewers ask questions like "Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully resolved a conflict with a colleague?" These questions require candidates to draw upon specific experiences from their past to demonstrate relevant skills and competencies.

What is a behavioral interview?

A behavioral interview is a type of job interview where the interviewer asks questions about your past behavior in specific situations. The premise behind behavioral interviews is that past behavior is a good predictor of future behavior.  

These questions are designed to assess how you've handled certain situations in the past and how you might approach similar situations in the future. Instead of hypothetical questions like "How would you handle a difficult customer?", behavioral interview questions typically begin with phrases like "Tell me about a time when..." or "Give me an example of...".

How to answer behavioral interview questions?

When answering behavioral interview questions, it's important to use the STAR method:

  • Situation: Describe the context or situation you were in.
  • Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you were faced with.
  • Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation or task.
  • Result: Share the outcome of your actions and any lessons learned.

By following this structure, you provide a clear and structured response that highlights your abilities and experiences.

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What are behavioral interview questions?

Behavioral interview questions typically focus on your past experiences, skills, and behaviors. Examples of behavioral interview questions include:

  • "Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure."
  • "Give me an example of a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a coworker."
  • "Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline."

These questions are designed to elicit specific examples from your past that demonstrate relevant skills and competencies.

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Behavioral Interviews

What are behavioral questions in interviews?

Behavioral questions in interviews are those that prompt candidates to provide examples of past behavior in specific situations. These questions are designed to assess a candidate's skills, competencies, and fit for the role based on their past experiences. Behavioral questions often focus on areas such as problem-solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.

What is a behavioral-based interview?

A behavioral-based interview is a structured interview technique that focuses on gathering specific examples of past behavior from candidates. Instead of asking hypothetical questions, interviewers ask candidates to provide real-life examples of how they've handled various situations in the past.  

The premise is that past behavior is a reliable indicator of future performance, so these interviews aim to assess candidates' ability to demonstrate relevant skills and competencies.

What is the STAR Method?

To effectively answer behavioral interview questions, it's crucial to structure your responses using the STAR method:

  • Situation: Describe the context or situation you were in.
  • Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you faced.
  • Action: Detail the actions you took to address the situation.
  • Result: Summarize the outcomes or results of your actions.

What are some of the strategic preparation tips?

Some preparation tips for behavioral interviews are as follows:

  • Research common behavioral questions: Familiarize yourself with common behavioral interview questions related to teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and other relevant competencies.
  • Analyze your experiences: Reflect on your past experiences, both professionally and personally, and identify specific instances that demonstrate your skills and abilities.
  • Craft compelling stories: Develop concise yet detailed stories that showcase your strengths and achievements. Ensure each story aligns with the STAR method.
  • Quantify results where possible: Whenever feasible, quantify the results of your actions using metrics or numbers. This adds credibility to your achievements.
  • Practice, practice, practice: Practice answering behavioral interview questions aloud, either with a friend, or family member, or in front of a mirror. Rehearse until your responses sound natural and confident.

What to do during the behavioral interview?

Do the following when the behavioral interview is taken:

  • Listen carefully: Pay close attention to the interviewer's questions and make sure you understand what they're asking before responding.
  • Be specific: Provide concrete examples and avoid speaking in generalities. The more specific and detailed your responses, the more convincing they will be.
  • Stay positive: Even when discussing challenging situations, maintain a positive tone and focus on the lessons learned or the positive outcomes achieved.
  • Engage with the interviewer: Establish rapport with the interviewer by maintaining good eye contact, nodding attentively, and using positive body language.

How to ace a behavioral interview?

To ace a behavioral interview, consider the following tips:

  • Thoroughly prepare by identifying relevant examples from your past experiences.
  • Use the STAR method to structure your responses for clarity and coherence.
  • Be specific and provide detailed examples that demonstrate your skills and competencies.
  • Tailor your responses to the job description and company culture.
  • Be honest and authentic in your answers, avoiding exaggeration or fabrication.
  • Practice active listening and ask clarifying questions if needed.
  • Follow up with thoughtful questions or reflections to further demonstrate your interest and suitability for the role.
  • Lastly, maintain a positive attitude and confident demeanor throughout the interview process.

Employee pulse surveys:

These are short surveys that can be sent frequently to check what your employees think about an issue quickly. The survey comprises fewer questions (not more than 10) to get the information quickly. These can be administered at regular intervals (monthly/weekly/quarterly).

One-on-one meetings:

Having periodic, hour-long meetings for an informal chat with every team member is an excellent way to get a true sense of what’s happening with them. Since it is a safe and private conversation, it helps you get better details about an issue.

eNPS:

eNPS (employee Net Promoter score) is one of the simplest yet effective ways to assess your employee's opinion of your company. It includes one intriguing question that gauges loyalty. An example of eNPS questions include: How likely are you to recommend our company to others? Employees respond to the eNPS survey on a scale of 1-10, where 10 denotes they are ‘highly likely’ to recommend the company and 1 signifies they are ‘highly unlikely’ to recommend it.

Based on the responses, employees can be placed in three different categories:

  • Promoters
    Employees who have responded positively or agreed.
  • Detractors
    Employees who have reacted negatively or disagreed.
  • Passives
    Employees who have stayed neutral with their responses.

How to prepare for a behavioral interview?

To prepare for a behavioral interview, follow these steps:

  • Review the job description and identify key skills and competencies required for the role.
  • Reflect on your past experiences and identify examples that demonstrate your skills and abilities.
  • Practice answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR method.
  • Rehearse your responses aloud to ensure clarity and coherence.
  • Seek feedback from a mentor, friend, or career coach to refine your answers.
  • Research the company and its culture to tailor your responses accordingly.

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