Prepping for a Behavioral Interview

[Anonymous]

Any tips? I have my list of interviewers, two panels of 6 people each. I want to be sure I'm doing the right stuff to prep, so would appreicate any BTDT insights. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Behavioral interview questions usually start with "tell me about a time when you..." so just think about good stories from your past experience that show you in a good light. Built or led a team, solved a problem that others had been stimied by, faced an ethical dilemma, etc.

[Anonymous]

Search Google for sample questions. Be ready with examples from past experiences. Have a handy phrase to insert to buy time while you think, like "good question...."

[Anonymous]

S
O
A
R

Situation
Obstacle
Action
Result

Situation: My boss told me I was a moron
Obstacle: He was the moron
Action: I made it clear to his superiors he was the moron
Result: I am now the boss

But you know, more positive than that

[Anonymous]

I've done behavioral interviews for a few different jobs (ironically, the most challenging one was for Starbucks). 15:12 is spot on with SOAR.

Here's a list of questions I've been asked (or approximations of them) - hopefully it helps you brainstorm situations you've faced at work you can talk about.

Tell me about a time you solved a problem you were facing at work.
Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a co-worker.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work.
Tell me about a time you had to "coach" a co-worker or underling.
Tell me about a time you disagreed with a superior or co-worker.
Tell me about a time you felt a co-worker was not acting appropriately at work.
Tell me about a time you went out of your way to help a co-worker or client.
Tell me about a time you faced a crisis/emergency situation at work.

I find the questions generally are not very "leading", so it is up to you to supply the information that they are really looking for (how you were proactive and solved them problem). Stick to the SOAR thing best you can and should be fine. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the responses! I had heard of the SOAR apporach and will do that, but I also appreciate PP's sample questions. I will work with these and search for others. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

Whatever you do, don't give examples from your personal life. Don't talk badly about a boss/manager (unless they were committing a crime and you discovered it or something). Don't say "I don't know".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:S
O
A
R

Situation
Obstacle
Action
Result

Situation: My boss told me I was a moron
Obstacle: He was the moron
Action: I made it clear to his superiors he was the moron
Result: I am now the boss

But you know, more positive than that

funny (and helpful)