Practice Behavioral Interview Questions Out Loud
Behavioral questions are the most common type of interview question and the ones most candidates prepare for least effectively. Reading your answer is completely different from saying it out loud under mild pressure. The only way to get good at behavioral questions is to practice saying the answers, not just writing them.
Behavioral questions are the most common type of interview question and the ones most candidates prepare for least effectively. Reading your answer is completely different from saying it out loud under mild pressure. The only way to get good at behavioral questions is to practice saying the answers, not just writing them.
Step by Step
Review your list of behavioral questions from Week 2 Pull up the questions you researched and the answer plans you wrote.
Practice each answer using the STAR format Situation: Briefly set the context. Where were you working and what was the situation? Task: What was your specific responsibility in that situation? Action: What did you specifically do? This is the most important part. Be specific about your actions, not the team's. Result: What happened as a result of your actions? Include numbers wherever possible.
Say each answer out loud Do not read from your notes. Look up and speak naturally. Record yourself on your phone for at least 3 answers and listen back critically. Ask yourself:
Did I stay focused or ramble?
Did I say "um" or "like" excessively?
Did I clearly explain my specific contribution?
Did I get to a specific result?
Did it take between 1 and 2 minutes?
Redo any answers that ran over 2 minutes or felt unclear Most behavioral answers should be between 90 seconds and 2 minutes. Anything longer risks losing the interviewer.
Focus extra attention on the layoff question Practice your answer to "Why were you laid off?" until it sounds completely matter-of-fact and calm. It should take no more than 2 to 3 sentences. Something like: "The company went through a significant restructuring that resulted in my entire department being eliminated. It was a difficult situation but I have a great deal of respect for what I accomplished there and I am genuinely excited about what comes next."
Tips for success
Practice with another person if at all possible. Even a friend or family member who knows nothing about your industry can give you useful feedback on whether your answers are clear and compelling.
The goal is not to memorize a script. It is to know your stories well enough that you can tell them naturally in any order the interviewer asks for them.
Layoff questions are handled best with brevity and calm. The more matter-of-fact you are the less weight the interviewer gives it.