Behavioural Interviews / Behavioural Questions
A behavioural question asks you to give an example from your real life where you demonstrated a skill in a particular context.
eg. Tell me about a time when...... you analysed multiple factors when making a decision.
You can use examples from work, study or even extracurricular activities. Research shows that past behaviour is a good predictor of future behaviour, and through your stories (examples), interviewers are listening for evidence of the competencies for the role.
Use the STAR or CARL framework when answering behavioural questions.
Situation: outline the context of your story (30 seconds)
Task: what were you required to do (20 seconds)
Action/Approach: what actions dd you take? (2-3 minutes)
- Use 'I' not 'we'
- your action should comprise 60%-80% of your answer, in a step-by-step format
- this is a section that really demonstrates the behaviours the interviewers are looking for.
Result: What was the impact of your action? (1 minute)
How others involved reacted to your actions, recognised your contribution etc.
Use the STAR or CARL framework when answering behavioural questions.
Context: outline the context of your story
Action: what you did to solve the problem, lead the group, advance the project
Response: how others involved reacted to your actions, recognised your contribution
Learning: what lessons you drew from all of this, and how you would do things differently in future as a result
TIP:
The Action is the main area where these behaviours can be identified.
A Step-by-step format in telling your story helps to keep you succinct and behaviour (action) based.
TIP: Write your STAR's down!
To prepare for behavioural questions, it's best to actually write down your examples in the STAR or CARL format, thinking of the competencies that might be required in the role. It will take
considerable time, but it is a most powerful way to be ready to present your experience. Written preparation ensures you include every important aspect of the story, and also uncovers weak
examples that don't demonstrate much assessable behaviour.