Behavioral interview tips

In a behavioral interview, the employer wants to not just know what you’ve done but also how you did it. How do you work with a team, resolve conflicts, and achieve your goals? The behavioral interview is your chance to provide more context around the points on your resume: by explaining how you’ve solved problems in the past, you’re showing the interviewer how you can overcome challenges in the future. Through telling your unique story, you can demonstrate your technical experience, intellectual curiosity, and passion for making a personal impact.

• Share experiences that illustrate your achievements and critical thinking skills
  
  During the interview, refer to the experiences and periods highlighted in your resume. This consistency helps the interviewer connect your past roles and responsibilities with the skills and competencies required for the position. It also helps to reinforce the authenticity of your narrative, making your responses more credible. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you’ve applied your abilities in real-world situations. This not only provides a clearer picture of your capabilities but can also make your responses more engaging and memorable.
  
  During the interview, refer to the experiences and periods highlighted in your resume. This consistency helps the interviewer connect your past roles and responsibilities with the skills and competencies required for the position at Deloitte. It also reinforces the authenticity of your narrative, making your responses more credible.
  
  
• Turning challenges into triumphs
  
  Every experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to your growth and development. When discussing past experiences, focus on the positive outcomes and the lessons learned. Even if the situation was difficult, highlight how you overcame the challenges and what you gained from the experience. Maintaining an optimistic tone demonstrates resilience and a forward-thinking attitude, qualities valued at Deloitte.
  
  
• Use this discussion to learn more about Deloitte
  
  The behavioral interview is a two-way street. While we assess your fit for the role, use this opportunity to learn more about Deloitte. Ask insightful questions about our culture, values, and the team you’ll be working with. This not only shows your genuine interest in the company but also helps you determine if Deloitte is the right fit for you.
  
  
• Use your time wisely
  
  The interview is your time to shine. Be mindful of the time and make sure you get your key points across. Structure your responses using the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to ensure your answers are clear, concise, and impactful. This method helps you stay focused and provides a comprehensive view of your experiences. Remember, in asking you to describe specific situations you’ve encountered in the past, the interviewer is looking to evaluate your track record of achievement, communication, leadership and teaming abilities, and aptitude for the role.
   

Behavioral interview questions decoded

Understanding typical behavioral interview questions can help you prepare and practice more effectively. “It can be difficult to keep your composure and go from one question to the next, so I’m a big proponent of doing mock interviews,” says Joel Pearson, senior campus recruiting specialist, Deloitte Services LP.

It can also be helpful to know what’s prompting the question; that is, what is the interviewer evaluating when they ask certain questions? See below for sample behavioral interview questions, along with what the recruiter may be trying to get to:

What the recruiter asks: 
Give me an example of a time when you were juggling a lot of responsibilities. How did you handle it?

What they want to know:
How you balance priorities

What the recruiter asks: 
Describe a time when you saw a problem and took the initiative to correct it.

What they want to know:
Your problem-solving process

What the recruiter asks: 
Tell me about a conflict you had with a team member. How did you handle it?

What they want to know:
How you lead and work with others

What the recruiter asks: 
Think of a time when you had to complete a rush project but didn’t have all the information you needed.

What they want to know:
How you deal with ambiguity
 

Additional examples of behavioral interview questions:

• Tell me about a time when you had to lead a project or team. What was the outcome?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change?

Conclusion

The behavioral interview is an important component of the recruiting process at Deloitte. It’s your chance to shine by showcasing your achievements, experiences, and the unique qualities that make you a fit for our team. By sharing personal experiences, focusing on the positives, and being authentic, you can make a lasting impression. Remember to use the STAR method to structure your responses and make the most of your time. Good luck, and we look forward to getting to know you better!

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Our recruitment process, from start to success. Hear from various Deloitte professionals as they share their advice on each step of the recruitment journey, from applying to interviewing and onboarding, and more. 

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