One of our loyal readers called in yesterday asking what a behavioral interview is and how to prepare for one.  Pyramid Consulting Group is currently staffing the following positions which will involve a behavioral interview.

  • Banquet Steward
  • Pub Server Assistant
  • Cooks
  • Lobby Attendant/Overnight Cleaners
  • Bellman/Valet
  • Front Desk
  • Conference Services Aides

*These positions are located in Westchester County – just in case you or a friend are interested…

 

This mode of interviewing is popular because it provides foresight into future performance by looking back and assessing past performance. 

 

The familiar questions asked in your typical interview like, “Tell me about yourself,” and “What are some of your strengths and weaknesses,” are only “surface questions.”

The questions you experience in a behavioral interview are more along the lines of:

“Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.”

“Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone’s opinion.”

 

As you can tell from the difference in the questions above, the two interviews vary in preparation and honesty.  Vague answers won’t suffice for these probing questions.   

Preparing for this type of interview is similar to a traditional interview aside from the following bullet points that you should practice and script before your interview:

 

  • List “circumstances” and “situations” that are relatable to probing interview questions. For example practice questions involving a time when you demonstrated or experienced struggle, leadership, overcoming challenges, ect.
  • Be familiar with the SAR Technique.  When interviewing apply this strategy to describing your professional experiences.

 

S – Situation – describe the problem you experienced at the start of your story

A – Action – explain the action you took to overcome this challenge

R – Results – list the beneficial results of your actions

 

*spend more time on the A & R – This is where the depth of your personality will shine through to the interviewer.

 

We hope these steps and tips help in your next interview. 

 

Have you ever experienced a behavioral interview? How did it go? What are your thoughts and advice for candidates interviewing today?