How to Prepare for a Behavioral Interview

Behavioral interviews are based on one simple premise: past behavior predicts future performance. Here's how to prepare.

The STAR Method

• Situation: Set the context briefly.
• Task: What was your specific responsibility?
• Action: What did YOU specifically do? (Most important.)
• Result: What happened? Quantify if possible.

The 10 Scenarios to Prepare

1. A time you handled a difficult coworker or conflict
2. A time you failed and what you learned
3. A time you exceeded expectations
4. A time you adapted to a major change
5. A time you took initiative without being asked
6. A time you managed competing priorities
7. A time you led a team or project
8. A time you had to give difficult feedback
9. A time you disagreed with your manager
10. A time you learned something quickly

Tips for Strong Answers

• Use "I" not "we" — the interviewer wants to know YOUR contribution.
• Be specific. "I increased sales by 22%" beats "I helped grow revenue."
• Keep answers to 2-3 minutes. Practice them out loud.