behavioral interview

Definition

An interview technique asking candidates to describe specific past situations rather than hypotheticals, based on the radical theory that past behavior predicts future performance. Questions always start with 'Tell me about a time when...'

Example Usage

The behavioral interview included questions like 'Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult stakeholder' to assess conflict resolution skills.

Origin

Developed by industrial psychologists in 1970s; popularized by selection consulting firms in 1980s-90s

Fun Fact

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is the standard framework both interviewers and candidates use to structure behavioral interview responses.

Source: Talent acquisition and selection methodology

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