A behavioral job interview is a type of interview where the interviewer asks questions about past experiences and behaviors to assess how a candidate might perform in a particular job. It focuses on gathering information about the candidate’s skills, abilities, and character traits based on their previous actions and reactions. Here are some key steps to effectively conduct a behavioral job interview:

Prepare in Advance

Before the interview, review the job description and identify the key skills and qualities required for the position. Create a list of behavioral questions that will help you evaluate these attributes in candidates.

Start with Icebreaker Questions

Begin the interview with some warm-up questions to make the candidate comfortable and build rapport. This helps to create an open and relaxed environment, encouraging the candidate to share their experiences more freely.

Use the STAR Technique

Structuring questions around the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) framework allows candidates to provide detailed responses. Ask candidates to describe specific situations, the tasks they were assigned, the actions they took, and the results they achieved. This approach provides a clear structure for their responses and enables you to assess their competencies effectively.

Seek Specific Examples

Ask candidates to provide specific examples from their previous work experiences to illustrate their skills and behaviors. Encourage them to go beyond generalizations and provide details about their responsibilities, challenges faced, and how they overcame them.

Probing and Follow-up Questions

Ask follow-up questions to gain a deeper understanding of the candidate’s thought process and decision-making skills. Probing questions can help clarify ambiguous responses or request additional information about a particular situation or action.

Active Listening

Pay close attention to the candidate’s responses, observing both verbal and non-verbal cues. Maintain eye contact, nod to show understanding, and ask for clarification when needed. Active listening demonstrates your interest and helps you assess the candidate more accurately.

Evaluate Key Competencies

Identify the critical competencies required for the job, such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Craft questions that specifically address these competencies to assess the candidate’s suitability.

Take Notes

During the interview, take notes on the candidate’s responses, including specific examples and key points. These notes will help you compare and evaluate candidates later.

Assess Cultural Fit

In addition to evaluating skills and experiences, assess how well candidates align with the organization’s values and culture. Ask questions that gauge their ability to work in a team, handle conflicts, and adapt to different work environments.

Provide an Opportunity for Questions: At the end of the interview, give candidates an opportunity to ask questions about the role or company. Their questions can provide insights into their level of interest, preparation, and understanding of the job requirements.

A well-executed behavioral job interview can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s past behaviors and help predict their future performance, ultimately leading to better hiring decisions.

If you are looking for people who can make your business more productive, give Winston Resources a call. We thoroughly evaluate all of our job candidates to find the right one for you.