Preparing for an upcoming interview? One common means of preparation is by practicing your answers to standard interview questions. Employers, recruiters and hiring managers will ask a variety of questions, and many of these falls into two categories: standard and behavioral. When you understand what an employer is looking for, it will help you prepare the perfect answer.
What are standard vs. behavioral interview questions?
Standard interview questions are the types you’ll commonly be asked, such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Or “Why do you want to work here?” An interviewer is looking for a straightforward answer that helps them understand your qualifications for the job.
Behavioral interview questions are those designed to determine how you would behave in a professional situation based on how you’ve handled them in the past. This helps an interviewer understand if you have the right skills to do the job. Behavioral interview questions include:
- Describe a difficult coworker and how you approach them.
- Tell me about a time when you reached a goal and how you did it.
- How do you handle stressful situations at work?
- What strategies do you use for working efficiently under pressure?
Your answers to these questions will showcase your professional qualities and soft skills, which are important to the hiring process. They help an employer understand how you will be in the role and fit within the company culture.
Four ways to prepare for behavioral interview questions
Preparation is the key to success! Prepare for behavioral interview questions in the same way you’d prepare for standard interview questions:
1. Google “common behavioral interview questions.”
Build a list of 10-15. You’ll find that many ask similar types of questions, so by preparing 10-15, you’ll have an idea of how to answer any that are asked that you weren’t prepared for.
2. Practice your answers.
Write them down. Recite them in front of a mirror. Practice them with a friend or family member.
3. Answer the right way.
When you can, answer the questions with work situations, not personal situations. Show how you faced a problem, worked through a solution, and grew stronger at a result.
4. Tell a good story.
Everyone loves a story, and it makes you more memorable to the interviewer. Give details to paint a picture of the situation in your answer to the question.
Need support?
Getting ready for an interview can be stressful if you’re not sure how to get started. So, if you’re working with a recruiter, reach out to them for support and guidance. And if you’re in search of a recruiter, contact Inter-Connect. You can also check out our open jobs by visiting our job site.
