A type of job interview that focuses on how a candidate has behaved in specific situations in the past. The idea is that past behaviors can predict future performance. Candidates are asked to describe situations they’ve encountered and how they handled them.
Behavioral Interview
Introduction to Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral interviews are an insightful tool employed by recruiters to understand a candidate’s past behavior as an indicator of future performance. The Society for Human Resource Management offers a detailed explanation of behavioral interviews.
Defining Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral interviews focus on a candidate’s past actions to predict their future behavior. Rather than focusing on hypothetical situations, the interviewee shares real-life scenarios demonstrating their skills and competencies.
The STAR Method in Behavioral Interviews
A common technique used in behavioral interviews is the STAR method, an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This resource from the University of Leeds Careers Centre provides more information on the STAR method.
Understanding the STAR Method
The STAR method provides a systematic approach to answering behavioral interview questions. It prompts candidates to present a comprehensive account of a specific past experience, the associated tasks, the action they took, and the eventual result.
Conducting Behavioral Interviews
Implementing behavioral interviews into your recruitment process can offer significant benefits.
Creating Effective Behavioral Interview Questions
Creating effective questions that align with the job requirements can help elicit comprehensive responses. The Balance Careers provides a guide on crafting effective behavioral interview questions.
The Interview Process
Inform candidates about the interview’s format and what is expected. Active listening and encouraging candidates to provide details can result in a more effective interview.
Evaluating Behavioral Interview Results
After the interview, evaluate the candidate’s responses based on predefined criteria. This approach aids in maintaining objectivity and fairness in the selection process.
The Significance of Behavioral Interviews in Workforce Development
Behavioral interviews contribute significantly to workforce development by helping organizations select candidates with the right skillset and cultural fit. Further benefits of behavioral interviews are discussed in this Forbes article.
Conclusion
Behavioral interviews serve as an efficient hiring tool, providing a deeper understanding of a candidate’s competencies and potential. By learning the nuances of these interviews and their effective implementation, organizations can ensure a more streamlined hiring process, leading to the development of a well-aligned and high-performing workforce.
