by Krista Tannahill

Created on: September 17, 2009

A behavioral based interview is a more in depth and detailed driven process than a regular or routine job interview.

The premise of a behavioral based interview is that a person's past performance is a predictor or indicator of a person's future performance. Therefore, the interview process is focused on a person's employment history and how he or she has behaved or responded in the workplace in certain situations.

Examples of Behavioral Based Interview Questions Include:

* "Tell me about a time you had to make a very difficult decision in the workplace."

* "Describe a situation where you disagreed with your boss or co-worker. How was the situation resolved?"

* "Explain a time when you had multiple projects on the go with very tight deadlines."

* "Tell me about a time when you had an issue or concern with a company policy. What was the policy and what did you do about it?"

* "Describe a time when you has to persuade your peers or direct reports to perform a job task or function in a different way than they were used to. How did you accomplish this?"

Most people will prepare for a behavioral interview using the S.T.A.R. strategy which includes an answer that outlines the situation that you experienced that is relevant to the question that was asked. The tasks that you were responsible for, the action you took and the resolution or outcome to the situation. Make sure that every answer you provide has a positive and influential resolution that was beneficial to you, your team or your employer.

Planning for Behavioral Based Interviews

* Identify career highlights, challenges and obstacles. Write them down in detail describing how you achieved the highlights and how you overcame challenges and obstacles successfully.
* Review your career and how you have successfully interacted with others, managed stress and dealt with difficult people.
* Look up behavioral interview questions on the internet and practice answering 5-8 different questions using the S.T.A.R. strategy.

The more you practice the more comfortable you will become and the better prepared you will be to answer the questions thoroughly and confidently.

Behavioral based interviews are becoming a more popular and widely used interviewing method for employers. Proper preparation and practice as well as an in depth personal review of your own employment history and experiences will allow you to perform exceptionally well in the interview process.

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