Behavioral Interviewing is a technique used by employers to evaluate a candidate’s past behavior in specific situations as a predictor of future performance. Instead of focusing on hypothetical scenarios, behavioral interviewing involves asking the candidate to provide examples of how they handled actual situations in previous roles. These questions often start with phrases like, “Tell me about a time when…” or “Give an example of how you…”
For instance, an interviewer might ask, “Can you describe a time when you faced a significant challenge at work and how you overcame it?” The candidate’s response gives insight into their problem-solving skills, ability to handle stress, and overall approach to challenges.
Behavioral interviewing is particularly effective for assessing skills such as teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and communication. By focusing on real-life examples, employers can gain a more accurate understanding of how a candidate is likely to behave in similar situations in the future.
Related Terms:
Situational Judgement Test (SJT)