Top business and career coaches from Forbes Coaches Council offer firsthand insights on leadership development & careers.
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about whether they will require situational examples. More and more companies are turning toward behavioral questions during an interview to get a good understanding of how a potential candidate will react under stress, pressure or when challenged.
According to a report by the University of Delaware, situational interview answers are 55% predictive of future on-the-job behavior. This can prove to be telling to an employer looking for an inside glimpse into what makes you tick and how you will perform in the role they have available.
Below, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council share the best way to prepare for situational interview questions. Here is what they recommend:
1. Identify Your Proudest Moments
The best interviewers don’t ask hypothetical questions. They aren’t looking for the textbook answer, they want to know about a real experience and how you handled it. Prepare by identifying some of your real life achievements, or situations that have taught you real lessons. Chances are you will be able to weave some of those examples into your responses to situational interview questions. – Kathy Bernhard, KFB Leadership Solutions
2. Research, Practice And Repeat
Start with research — different sectors and even different companies within the same sector will have distinctive interview tactics (situational questions and the overall format). Request preparation tips and insight from those who work/have worked at the company and research online. Grab a friend and practice the questions out loud, requesting feedback. Continue researching and practicing! – Emily Kapit, ReFresh Your Step, LLC
3. Learn The STAR Technique
Situational interview questions and your responses are designed with one thought in mind: Past performance is indicative of future behavior. As the interviewee, it is your job to share brief stories about how you have been successful in the past. A great way to do this is to utilize the STAR technique. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Leverage the technique and you’ll be a star. – Kenneth Johnson, East Coast Executives
4. Use The CPR Approach
In addition to using the STAR method, make sure your responses are (1) clear — they should be easy to follow, direct, and concise; (2) purposeful — be intentional when responding, focus on what they’re asking, and stay on track; (3) relevant — demonstrate why you are a good match and give concrete examples that can be directly tied to the position. – Kimberly A. Ferguson, K-Ferg Training
5. Write Down Your Answers
Writing down your answers to 12-15 questions in STAR format will prep you to answer any question at the interview. Writing it out forces you to spell out the whole story and review it to ensure you’ve fully answered the question. Be sure to share what you thought, considered, explored, not just what could be observed. Aim for a three-five-minute answer for each. – Jenn Lofgren, Incito Executive & Leadership Development