Tell me about a time when you...aced your interview 😉

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Ah, behavioral interviews. The bane of every job seeker's existence.

Just when you thought you had your resume polished to perfection and your power suit pressed, along comes the dreaded "Tell me about a time when..." question.

But don’t be scared – we're going to cover them in today’s issue of the Launchpad. Buckle up butter cup!

Pure questions…

Picture this: You're sitting in an interview, palms sweaty, knees weak, arms heavy (thanks, Eminem).

The interviewer leans forward, a glint in their eye, and asks, "Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work."

Suddenly, your mind goes blank. Was there ever a time you faced a challenge? Have you ever even worked before? Who are you, and how did you get here?

Don't worry, we've all been there. Pure questions in behavioral interviews are like pop quizzes for adults - unexpected, nerve-wracking, and somehow always about that one thing you forgot to study.

But with the right approach, you can still perform well and answer these questions with confidence. I’ll show you how.

Why employers use pure questions (It’s not simply to make you squirm in your seat)

You might wonder why employers insist on torturing us with these questions.

Well, it's not (just) for their sadistic pleasure.

Pure questions serve a few important purposes:

Number 1: They allow employers to peek into your past behavior, which is apparently a better predictor of future performance than your ability to recite the company's mission statement.

Number 2: They give you a chance to brag about your accomplishments without seeming like you're bragging. It's like humble-bragging, but HR-approved.

Number 3: They help employers gauge your ability to think on your feet and communicate effectively. Because nothing says "I'm great under pressure" like sweating profusely while trying to remember if you've ever actually solved a problem at work.

How to identify them

Pure questions are like chameleons - they can blend in, but once you know what to look for, they're easy to spot.

Here are some telltale signs:

🔍 They often start with phrases like "Tell me about a time when..." or "Can you give an example of..."

🔍 They're usually asking about a specific situation or experience from your past.

🔍 They make you wish you had kept a detailed diary of every work-related thing you've ever done.

If you hear any of these, congratulations! You've just encountered a pure question in its natural habitat.

The STAR++ Method: Your Secret Weapon

Now that you can identify these questions, it's time to learn how to tackle them.

Enter the STAR++ method, the Swiss Army knife of interview techniques.

STAR++ stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result, Plus learning, Plus growth.

It's like the extended director's cut of the original STAR method, with bonus features that'll make your interviewer's eyes light up like they've just discovered free coffee in the break room.

Here's how to use it:

Situation: Set the scene. Where were you? What was happening? Was it a dark and stormy night? (Probably not relevant for most work situations, but you never know.)

Task: What was your role? What were you responsible for? Try to make it sound more impressive than "I was responsible for not falling asleep in meetings."

Action: What did you actually do? Be specific, and try to avoid saying "I panicked and asked Google."

Result: What happened because of your actions? Ideally, something positive. If not, well... that's what the next two steps are for.

Plus Learning: What did you learn from this experience? "I learned that coffee is essential for morning meetings" is not the answer they're looking for.

Plus Growth: How have you applied this learning since then? Show them you're not just learning, you're evolving. Like a Pokemon, but in a professional setting.

Practicing your responses

Now that you know the formula, it's time to practice.

And by practice, I mean talk to yourself in the mirror until your roommate starts to worry about your sanity.

Here are some tips:

Record yourself. Yes, it's painful to watch, but it's less painful than bombing an interview.

Time yourself. Aim for 3-5 minutes per answer. Any longer and you risk the interviewer falling asleep or ordering lunch before you finish.

Practice with a friend. Preferably one who won't laugh at your serious "work voice."

Key metrics for self-evaluation

After you've practiced, it's time for some self-reflection.

Ask yourself:

Did I actually answer the question, or did I just talk about how great I am for five minutes?

Did I use "I" instead of "we"? This isn't a royal interview, after all.

Did I show growth and learning, or did I just brag about how I single-handedly saved the company?

Would I hire myself based on this answer? If not, maybe it's time for more practice (or a career change).

What’s your best, worst, or funniest interview story?

Let us know, either in the comment of this newsletter, or by emailing me directly at [email protected]. You may even get featured in an upcoming issue!

Subject: "Tell me about a time when..." you aced your interview 😉

Synopsis:

Struggling with behavioral interview questions? This article unveils strategies for mastering "pure questions." Discover the STAR++ method, learn why employers use these questions, and boost your interview confidence. Get ready to ace your next interview!