Expanded Behavioral Interview Answer Format
Behavioral interviews have become a staple in modern hiring processes, as they delve into candidates’ past experiences and actions to assess their traits and abilities. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or SAR (Situation, Action, Result) method is widely recognized and effective for structuring responses in these interviews. It provides a clear framework for presenting one’s experiences. Based on my experience conducting and participating in behavioral interviews, I have identified two crucial pieces of information that can enhance responses: Context and Learnings. Including these elements, either as part of or in addition to the STAR format, can provide valuable insights. Towards the end of an interview, I often ask candidates the question, “Given the same scenario, what would you do differently?” This allows for an understanding of how the learnings can be applied back. In his book “Raising the Amazon Bar,” Eric Hudson also suggests touching on the long-term impact of actions, which I find further enriches the response. ...