Best Practices for Answering Behavioral Interview Questions Online

Navigating behavioral interview questions in a virtual setting can be challenging. This guide will provide you with essential best practices and practical examples to help you shine during your next remote job interview.
By Taylor

Understanding Behavioral Interview Questions

Behavioral interview questions are designed to assess how you’ve handled situations in the past. Employers ask these questions to predict how you’ll behave in future scenarios. Common examples include:

  • “Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work.”
  • “Describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team.”

In a virtual setting, you need to convey your answers clearly and confidently. Here are some best practices to help you succeed.

1. Prepare Your Answers Using the STAR Method

The STAR method helps structure your responses in a clear way:

  • Situation: Describe the context.
  • Task: Explain your responsibility.
  • Action: Detail the steps you took.
  • Result: Share the outcome.

Example:

Question: “Can you tell me about a time you had to manage a tight deadline?”

  • Situation: “In my previous job as a project coordinator, we had a major deadline for a client presentation that was moved up by two weeks.”
  • Task: “As the lead on the project, it was my responsibility to ensure the team stayed on track and met the new deadline.”
  • Action: “I organized daily check-ins, delegated tasks based on team members’ strengths, and utilized project management software to track progress.”
  • Result: “We not only met the deadline but received positive feedback from the client, leading to a follow-up project.”

2. Test Your Tech Beforehand

Technical issues can disrupt your flow during an interview. Here’s how to prepare:

  • Ensure your internet connection is stable.
  • Check that your camera and microphone are functioning properly.
  • Familiarize yourself with the video conferencing platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.).

Quick Tip:

Do a mock interview with a friend to simulate the real experience. This will help you feel more comfortable with the technology.

3. Maintain Eye Contact and Body Language

In a virtual setting, body language and eye contact can be less intuitive. Here’s how to convey confidence:

  • Look directly into the camera while speaking, not at the screen.
  • Sit up straight and use hand gestures naturally to emphasize points.

Example:

When discussing your accomplishments, lean slightly forward to show engagement. This small gesture can make a big difference in how you are perceived.

4. Practice Active Listening

Listening is just as important in a virtual interview. To show you’re engaged:

  • Nod occasionally to indicate understanding.
  • Use verbal affirmations like “That’s a great question!” or “I see what you mean.”

Example:

If the interviewer asks a follow-up question, repeat part of it back to them to show you’re paying attention: “I appreciate that question about teamwork; I actually have a specific example in mind.”

5. Follow Up with Thank You Notes

After the interview, send a thank you email. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the position and reflect on a key point from the interview.

Quick Example:

Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity

“Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] position with you today. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed]. I’m excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to [Company’s goal or project].

Best regards,
[Your Name]”

By following these best practices and using the STAR method to prepare your answers, you’ll feel more confident and ready to impress during your next virtual interview!