Define “behavioral interview questions.”

Behavioral interview questions are designed to elicit responses from candidates that provide concrete examples of their past behavior in specific situations. The premise behind behavioral interviewing is that past behavior is the best predictor of future performance in similar contexts. By asking candidates to share real-life experiences and how they handled various challenges or opportunities, interviewers can gauge essential competencies, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills.

This approach allows interviewers to assess not only what candidates might do hypothetically but also how they have actually responded to situations in the past. The focus is on drawing out detailed accounts of experiences rather than theoretical responses or technical skills, making it an effective strategy for understanding a candidate’s suitability for a role based on evidence of their behavior.