What’s the best way to prepare for a behavioral interview without overpreparing?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

This may seem like overkill, but I have an excel with all my projects, relevant skills learned, and how they relate to typical behavioral questions (e.g., difficult client, challenging problem, data driven recommendation). It’s more work up front, but easy to maintain and really helpful

likesmarthelpful

OP - you compete with people who are doing this, so at the least you should do what SC1 is suggesting!

I put together a list of common questions and outline answers/examples for each

like

Just overprepare, assuming you really want the job. It is simpler than trying to define and optimize for not overpreparing.

like

Be a mature well-adjusted adult.

like

I have answers for each type of behavioral question in bullet point format so I highlight the points I want to make with conversational language in between each point. That way it sounds natural.

like

Identify the common scenarios asked about (complexity, managing without authority, risk, recovering from failure, critical feedback, etc.) come up with unique talking points for each using the STAR method. Prep for a few curveballs.

Also, take notes while you’re interviewing about what questions they’re asking you. Often, the questions indicate internal dysfunction or toxicity. They are signaling with the questions they ask about the environment you’ll face. It’s important for you to make sure it’s a fit for environment you want to work in.

I also have a running list of experiences in STAR format. I’d rather over prepare than not. It’s the worst feeling leaving an interview knowing you could have done better if you prepped differently. Moral of the story…over prepare and leave it all on the table! 🤙🏼😊

Related Posts

Have an interview with Elliot management, anyone down to talk about what you know about the firm/ experiences?

likesmart

I am the part of operations and I want to switch my position from srm to other in the same operations department.

For which positions can I apply? Any suggestions

Welcoming any feed back on my resume. I have been applying to supply chain roles (primarily planning and procurement) since May and have not received any interviews. Would love to hear any recommendations on what is missing and/or what kind of roles I should steer toward based on my experience. Thanks and happy holidays!

Post Photo
likeuplifting

on the way to an interview this morning eating a sandwich. I walked past a homeless man who had a stray cat perched on his lap. He asked for a bite of sandwich to feed them both as they hadn’t eaten in days. I gave the whole sandwich over and headed off to the interview. As I got to the interview room there was a large executive chair facing away from me. The chair turned and on top was a mirror. When looking in the mirror I could see the cat. I am the cat. Truly inspirational when you work hard

likefunny

Anyone work at Apple and could share best practices for their presentations? I have a one slide presentation based final interview tomorrow.

like

What type of interview will be there for 2.5 year experienced candidate from Data engineering domain to Tableau/Snowflake.
Will they take it as general or specific to our work experience/primary skill.

Hi

It's important - I got data analyst offer in Designboxed. But i am in doubt because.
1.Interviewer didn't ask any technical questions. I had only one interview.
2. Evening itself I got call that i was selected and ready to discuss salary.
3. Last year it was under IT raid because of pro particular political party


Anyone know about this?

like
like

Currently working at EY and recently promoted Senior looking to switch into a Business Transformation consulting role. Could anyone provide some insights on the day to day, as we as the interview process? Thank you very much.

like

I got a offer from HCL.

I have given joining date of my previous company with a difference of 1 week and submitted joining form.

Will there be any issue in BGV.

I am worried about it.

Can anyone please suggest what I can do at this point.

I cleared tech round of tesco now i have behavioural round can someone please help me and guide me what to do in that round what kind of question i can expect?

like

Hi,

I am currently interviewing for Sr. Product Owner role at Maersk which is ideally Level 5 role. However, during the interview I was suggested a Level 4 role due to less number of years of experience. Can anybody suggest

What is going to be position/title for Level 4 Product Management.
Also, what salary bracket does Level 4 fall into?

likesmart

Can someone please take a look at my resume

Post Photo
like

I’m thinking of applying for a sales role at Salesforce, but there are so many roles that meet my experience. I don’t want to apply for a bunch of positions, and no one is replying to me for a conversation on LinkedIn. Would anyone here be willing to give me some advice/guidance?

like

Hello, we've recently started a community focused on FAANG Interview preps. Wondering what kind of content people might be interested to see in such communities.

like

Bain & Company A Business Analyst with 2+ years of experience. Looking for job opportunities abroad in Bain & Company. Skills include data research, analysis, visualization, writing PoVs, primary research (interview &surveys), market analysis etc.

Open to Canada, Australia, UK, Switz and flexible with other places too.

Please let me know if anyone can refer me! Would like to help you out in someway too :)

like

Accenture Can someone give me an idea of what an L9 vs L10 salary would look like for AFS Cyber? 1.5ish YOE, final interview coming up. Thank you!

like

How long should I have to wait before applying for a transfer to abroad job in USA in the same company? Currently on a contract role as risk investigator L3 in Amazon

like

More Posts

Damn this is dead. How sad is that

like

My bf has asked me to help him quit the ecigs and told me he’ll probably hide them from me but he wants me to take them. So I have for the past week. He really only keeps them in his pocket, 1 drawer

What are the safest areas to live in Atlanta, where you would want to be as a twenty-something? Like fun things to do, can walk to things maybe. Any thoughts?

like

What is a reasonable rent increase %

like
like

I came from a consulting background in tax credits and incentives. I went into finance to pass the time on my non compete clause from my previous firm, but now I have an interview at EY and I’m not sure if I want to give up the work life balance. Any advice?

Have over 6 years Private chef experience, looking for work.

like

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wishing you a successful year full of health, wealth, love and prosperity!

like

Why is my Starbucks latte $6.5 bucks all of a sudden 😭😭😭

likefunny

Looking for a remote/hybrid job working on Global Information Reporting (FATCA/CRS). Prefer to be in house. In the NYC/NJ/CT area. I would appreciate any leads. Thanks!!

like

What would be an ideal pay package for an Operations Manager at Syngene/GSK/Pfizer for someone with 10yrs work exp? And what grade does it fall under?

Hi

Is there any vaccancy in Accenture (Bangalore Location) for Semi-Qualified CA (Articleship if done from Deloitte)?
If there is any kindly let me know.

like

I am looking for a 2bhk near bagmane constellation park anyone who wants to rent a flat together feel free to reach out.

Are we going to get yearend adjustment

Any ab circuit recommendations?

like

Any advice from ex-Consultants here on how to prepare for interviews for a Strategy Analyst position at Visa Inc?

like

Anyone works for shields health solutions? Any insights?

like

Is a 12 month probationary period common ? I haven’t dealt with it heard of one longer than 3 months …. TIA!

like

Additional Posts in Consulting Exit Opportunities

Anyone interview for the Groeth Marketing team at Facebook? Would appreciate any pointers!

like

Speaking with a recruiter at Cognizant tomorrow about a manager role in the Banking and Financial Services practice. Thoughts on the company / role and any insight on salary ranges?

like

Anyone have some good resources they can send me to learn more about exiting to corporate strategy?

like

Best HC Plan offered by Deloitte for someone who sees multiple specialists and has a large number of recurring prescriptions?

like

How long do you work at new firm before you boomerang back to your old firm ? Let’s assume the plan is to go back to previous employer with a better pay and title

helpful

Slalom 🐠: I interviewed with a team in SF in January and was dinged. I now have another interview with a different team in the SF office. Do I bring up my previous discussions? How, when? Cont.

like

For various reasons, I can't really change jobs for about 2 more years, but I really want to change and I'm so eager that I'm already preparing and studying and watching job descriptions come and go lol.

Do you think there are any jobs that would wait for me such that I could apply / interview for them starting now / soon and the hiring process time + waiting-for-me time = 2 years? Just getting so antsy sitting on my hands here 😭

like

Should I be worried about exiting from a senior associate at kpmg to an associate in strategy in industry? They stated they are hiring associates based on 2 - 4 years experience and I have 2.5 years

like

Anyone know if any Tech/FAANG companies hiring in Sourcing and Supply Chain management roles?

like

Does studying for top consulting firms’ case interviews help in any way for interviews with other firms (e.g., FAANG case interviews) ?

like

Anyone out there from Tesla willing to refer? TIA!

like

Does anyone know of good NYC headhunters for early career consultants (2 years out of undergrad)?

like

About to start my first PM job! Any tips to be prepared and ramp up quickly? Books to read, courses to take, etc.. any tips are appreciated! Currently in ops consulting. No tech background.

like

Deloitte Fish - how much quant is there in your experienced hire cases?

like

Looking for my next opportunity in DC and want to know who will hire?
7 years of experience doing s&o, business transformation, and human capital consulting for big 4’s - most recently freelancing.

like

Is there a way to tell what levels are at AWS? I was contacted about a Senior Practice Manager role? B4 equivalent?

like

Feels like consulting haven’t grown my skills. With two years being an analyst and recently promoted to consultant, I cannot apply to any positions outside as I haven’t learnt anything.

like

Hedge fund or VC route?

like

What are the best consulting firms to have a clear path to exit into big tech?

likefunny

Interviewed for dreamy job in dream city last week. Got a ton of buy signs from everyone I met with, especially CEO & CTO. HR said they would reach out early this week but I haven’t heard back yet

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal