You’re preparing for a behavioral interview. What are the most important skills to showcase?

1 Use the STAR method

The STAR method is a simple framework to structure your answers to behavioral questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. You start by describing the context and the challenge you faced, then you explain what you did to overcome it, and finally you highlight the outcome and the impact of your actions. The STAR method helps you to be clear, concise, and focused on the skills that matter for the role.

2 Choose relevant examples

You don't have to limit yourself to work-related examples, but you should choose situations that demonstrate the skills that are most important for the role you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a management consulting position, you might want to show how you handled complex data analysis, delivered persuasive presentations, collaborated with diverse stakeholders, or led a team through a change initiative. You can use examples from your previous jobs, internships, projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities.

3 Practice your stories

Before the interview, prepare a list of potential behavioral questions and think of several examples that you can use to answer them. You can use online resources, such as Glassdoor or CareerCup, to find common questions for management consulting roles. You can also ask your network or mentors for advice on what to expect. Once you have your examples, practice telling them out loud using the STAR method. You can record yourself, ask for feedback from a friend, or use a mock interview service to improve your delivery.

4 Be honest and positive

One of the most important things to remember in a behavioral interview is to be honest and positive. Don't make up or exaggerate your stories, as the interviewer might ask you follow-up questions or check your references. Don't blame others or criticize your previous employers, as this might reflect poorly on your professionalism and attitude. Instead, focus on what you learned from your experiences, how you improved your skills, and how you contributed to your team and organization.

5 Show enthusiasm and curiosity

Finally, don't forget to show enthusiasm and curiosity for the role and the company. Behavioral interviews are not only about your past performance, but also about your fit for the culture and the values of the organization. You can demonstrate your interest by asking insightful questions, expressing your excitement for the opportunity, and showing how your skills align with the goals and challenges of the role. You can also use behavioral questions as a chance to learn more about the company and the expectations of the interviewer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?