Think about the last time you worked on a project, solved a problem, helped someone, or handled a challenge. Chances are you can tell a story about what happened.

That is exactly what employers are looking for in behavioral interviews.

Behavioral interview questions are questions that ask about something you have done in the past, such as:

Tell me about a time you worked on a team.
Describe a challenge you faced and how you handled it.
Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.
Give me an example of how you dealt with a difficult situation.

Why do employers ask these questions?

Because your past behavior often provides clues about how you might perform in future situations. Instead of asking, "What would you do?" employers often ask, "What did you do?"

The good news is that you don't have to make up perfect answers on the spot.

You can prepare by learning a simple framework called STAR.

What Does STAR Stand For?

STAR stands for:

Situation

What was happening?

Task

What responsibility, challenge, or goal did you have?

Action

What specific steps did you take?

Result

What happened because of your actions?

Using STAR helps you tell a clear, organized story that is easy for employers to follow.