HOW TO ACE A BEHAVIOURAL INTERVIEW Luke Pellegrini Blake Dawson Graduate Consultant
A behavioural interview aims to draw out examples of your involvement and contribution, working on the philosophy that "past behaviour is the best predictor of future performance". What your interviewers are looking for is a graduate who is enthusiastic and engaging, can communicate well, has a range of experiences to draw from and inspires confidence. Handling a behavioural interview is quite simple. There are many potential competencies but if you prepare some examples of your experience in teamwork, leadership, client service and problem solving, you should have a great foundation for a successful behavioural interview. When people are nervous they tend to "waffle-on" and go around in circles, so remember to be specific with your examples. Think of past occasions where you have demonstrated these skills and really focus on drawing out your specific involvement. Don't be afraid to use work, sporting, cultural or university examples and avoid using the same examples for each question.
To keep on track, break your answers down into the following sequence: S = Situation – describe a specific situation or task A = Action – what action did you take? Keep the focus on what you did, even if it was a team project/effort R = Result – what was the result of your actions? What did you accomplish and learn? Remember to always make eye contact with your interviewer/s and give a firm and confident handshake at the beginning and end of your interview. Try to develop some rapport with your interviewer early on as they attempt to break the ice and calm your nerves with some light conversation. Your interviewers are most likely asking the same or similar questions to a number of candidates, so avoid "cookie-cutter" answers. That means no "my weakness is that I'm a perfectionist!". Surprisingly, what you think is the "right answer" will often be the wrong answer. Honesty and originality is infinitely preferable to predictability. Finally, practice, practice, practice! Find a friend or family member and have them ask you questions and work through your answers.
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THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Behavioural interviews really aren't that scary; all they require is a little bit of preparation and practice.