Identifying and Answering Behavioral Questions

Behavioral interview questions usually start by stating one of the following, so use these as clues to help you recognize this type of questioning:

• Tell me about a time…
• Give me an example…
• Discuss a time…
• Describe a recent situation…
• Walk me through a situation…

Once you have identified that it is a behavior based question, refer to your “Key Career Accomplishments/Challenges” notes that you created to start pulling together your STAR response.

• What is a STAR response?
• Situation: Describe the Situation
• Task: Explain Task or Problem
• Action: Describe the Specific Action You Took
• Result: Give Specific Consequences
• By answering a question using STAR, it will help ensure that you completely describe your answer and will “paint the picture” to your interviewer.

Notes on Behavioral Based Responses:

• Think specific
• Don’t say “usually, always, or never”
• Say “I” (this is your personal story you are sharing)
• Be prepared for negative questions
• Was the result positive? Measurable?
• Be concise – Train your internal clock to give a one to two minute response, at that point wrap up your answer. This will allow your interviewer to ask follow-up questions while still fresh in their minds with the limited interview time available.