3 Types of Interview Questions

Summary

In this video, Sara walks viewers through the three main types of interview questions: general format, technical, and behavioral. She explains the common nature of general interview questions that assess background and fit, the industry-specific nature of technical questions, and the personal insights sought through behavioral questions. Sara emphasizes the importance of using the SAR (Situation, Action, Result) method to effectively answer behavioral questions. The video provides essential interview tips to help candidates prepare and succeed by understanding the structure and expectations behind each type of question.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are three main types of interview questions: general format questions, technical questions, and behavioral questions.
• 😀 General format questions are the most common and focus on background and fit, such as 'Tell me about yourself' and 'What are your strengths and weaknesses?'
• 😀 Technical questions test your knowledge and expertise in a specific subject matter relevant to the role you're applying for.
• 😀 Technical questions may involve industry-specific concepts, like defining working capital for finance roles or discussing marketing strategies for marketing roles.
• 😀 To prepare for technical questions, study the relevant material and practice answering specific questions in the area you're interviewing for.
• 😀 Behavioral questions aim to assess your personality, character, and how you would react in certain work situations.
• 😀 Behavioral questions often follow the format of 'Tell me about a time when...' and are focused on real-life situations, such as conflict resolution or leadership.
• 😀 The STAR method (Situation, Action, Result) is a recommended approach to answering behavioral questions effectively.
• 😀 In the STAR method, briefly describe the situation, outline three actions you took, and then explain the result or outcome.
• 😀 Behavioral questions are designed to predict future behavior based on your past actions in similar situations.
• 😀 Although there are no right or wrong answers to behavioral questions, interviewers expect you to demonstrate structured and thoughtful responses.

Q & A

What are the three main types of interview questions mentioned in the script?

The three main types of interview questions mentioned are: general format interview questions, technical questions, and behavioral questions.

Can you give examples of general format interview questions?

Examples of general format interview questions include: 'Tell me about yourself,' 'What are your strengths and weaknesses,' 'Why do you think you're a good fit for this job?' and 'Tell us about your background or walk me through your resume.'

What is the purpose of technical interview questions?

Technical interview questions are designed to test your expertise and knowledge specific to the role and industry you're interviewing for. For example, a finance role may ask about working capital or the impact of buying equipment on financial statements, while a marketing role might inquire about the components of a marketing plan.

How can one prepare for technical questions during an interview?

To prepare for technical questions, you should study the specific materials related to the job and role. This involves reading relevant books, materials, and practicing to ensure you're ready for questions that have right or wrong answers.

What are behavioral interview questions aimed at assessing?

Behavioral interview questions are designed to assess your character, personality, and how you might behave in certain situations at work. They are based on the idea that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.

What is the format of behavioral interview questions?

Behavioral interview questions typically ask for specific examples, such as: 'Tell me about a time when you handled a difficult situation,' or 'Describe a time you had to meet a tight deadline.' These questions are situational and ask for real-life examples of how you've acted in the past.

How should you structure your answers to behavioral interview questions?

You should structure your answers using the SAR formula: Situation, Action, Result. Briefly describe the situation, outline the actions you took (usually three key actions), and then explain the result or outcome of those actions.

Why is it important to give specific examples in response to behavioral questions?

Providing specific examples helps interviewers understand how you've handled challenges or situations in the past, giving them insight into how you might behave in future scenarios. It makes your responses more tangible and relatable.

What should you avoid when answering behavioral interview questions?

You should avoid being vague or providing irrelevant answers. Stick to concrete examples, and make sure you clearly describe the situation, actions, and results in a structured way, ideally following the SAR formula.

What are some common mistakes candidates make in behavioral interviews?

Common mistakes include not fully explaining the situation, giving too many actions (which can confuse the interviewer), or failing to tie the result back to the initial problem or goal. Additionally, candidates sometimes don't provide enough context to make their example clear.