Behavioral Interviews.

The STAR method is a structured approach used to answer behavioral interview questions by providing clear and concise examples from your past experiences. It helps you effectively communicate your skills, competencies, and accomplishments to potential employers. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here are the components in detail:

Situation (S):

Explain the specific situation you were in. Describe in a concise and clear overview of the circumstances you were facing. Let  the interviewer understand the background of the problem. Give relevant details to help the interviewer understand the situation.

Task (T):

What was the task or goal you were assigned to address? This helps the interviewer understand the specific challenge you needed to achieve.

Action (A):

Describe the actions you took to address the situation or accomplish the task. This is the core of your response so highlight your own contributions, skills, and decision-making abilities. Focus on what you did, how you did it, and why you chose that approach.
Result (R):

Explain the results of your efforts. Be sure to quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide a clear picture of your impact. Positive results and lessons learned are crucial components of this step.

The key to answering behavioral interview questions is to provide specific details, focus on your actions and decisions, and highlight the positive outcomes you achieved. Use these sample  answers to consider your own experiences and accomplishments for your potential responses.

Here’s a list of common behavioral interview questions along with sample answers using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method:

Tell me about a time when you had to meet a tight deadline.

• Situation/Task: During my last semester in grad school I was assigned a complex research project with a tight deadline.
• Action: I organized a detailed project plan, breaking down tasks and worked with my team to allocate responsibilities. I also communicated with my professor to clarify expectations and ensure we were on track.
• Result: Despite the challenge, we completed the project ahead of schedule. Our thorough planning and collaboration led to a successful presentation, and I received positive feedback from both my professor and peers.

Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member.

• Situation/Task: In a group project, we encountered a team member who frequently disagreed with our ideas and seemed uninterested in participating in the group.
• Action: I initiated a one-on-one conversation to understand their perspective and concerns. I actively listened and empathized, then suggested finding common ground and we worked to allocate tasks based on their strengths and interests.
• Result: By addressing the issue directly and finding ways to involve the team member in areas they were passionate about, their attitude shifted. We collaborated more effectively, and the project was a success.

Can you share an example of a time when you took initiative to solve a problem?

• Situation/Task: At my internship, I noticed a recurring issue with the efficiency of an administrative work process.
• Action: I researched best practices, proposed a streamlined approach, and presented it to my supervisor. I also offered to lead a departmental workshop to implement the changes.
• Result: The new process reduced workflow time by 20%, leading to improved productivity across departments. My initiative was recognized, and I was tasked with leading similar process improvement initiatives in the future.

How do you handle it when you’re faced with competing priorities?

• Situation/Task: During a particularly busy period, I had multiple assignments due simultaneously.
• Action: I assessed the importance of each task, then created a priority list. I communicated with my supervisor, set deadlines where necessary, and focused on one task at a time.
• Result: While it was challenging, I managed to complete all assignments on time and to a high standard. My ability to prioritize effectively helped maintain both my performance and my team’s overall productivity.

Describe a time when you had to lead a team to achieve a specific goal.

• Situation/Task: As part of a class project, I was designated the team leader responsible for coordinating efforts and ensuring successful project completion.
• Action: I held regular team meetings to discuss progress, identified team members’ strengths, and delegated tasks accordingly. I also encouraged open communication and addressed any obstacles promptly.
• Result: The project was completed ahead of schedule, and our team received the highest grade in the class. My approach fostered a collaborative and motivated team environment.

How do you handle constructive feedback from supervisors or colleagues?

• Situation/Task: In my previous role, I received feedback on improving my presentation skills.
• Action: I actively sought feedback by recording myself during practice sessions and analyzing areas for improvement. I also attended public speaking workshops to enhance my presentation skills.
• Result: Over time, my presentations became more interactive and effective. My colleagues noticed the improvement, and I was entrusted with presenting to clients, resulting in positive feedback and strengthened client relationships.

The key to answering challenging questions in a behavioral interview is to focus on your actions, the positive outcomes or lessons learned, and your ability to handle complex situations in a constructive manner. Use the STAR method to structure your responses effectively and showcase your skills and competencies.

Here are some examples of challenging behavioral interview questions that you might encounter and ways to approach them using the strategies mentioned earlier:

Can you describe a situation where you faced a major setback or failure? How did you handle it?

Focus on the lessons you learned and how you turned the setback into a learning experience. Discuss the actions you took to analyze the situation, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes based on your insights.
Tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a colleague or team member. How did you resolve it?

Emphasize your communication and conflict resolution skills. Describe how you approached the situation with empathy, actively listened to the other person’s perspective, and collaborated to find a solution that benefited both parties.

Have you ever been in a situation where you missed a deadline or fell short of a goal? How did you manage the situation?

Highlight your accountability and problem-solving abilities. Discuss how you took immediate action to address the issue, communicated transparently with stakeholders about the delay, and implemented measures to prevent similar challenges in the future. Do not put the blame on someone else.

Can you share an experience where you received critical feedback from a supervisor? How did you react and what steps did you take afterward?

>Demonstrate your openness to feedback and commitment to improvement. Explain how you initially responded to the feedback with an open mind, thanked your supervisor for their insights, and outlined the concrete actions you took to enhance your performance.

Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult person. How did you manage the situation and maintain a positive relationship?

Highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging interactions. Describe how you remained patient, actively listened to the individual’s concerns, and found effective solutions that met their needs while maintaining professionalism.

Challenging behavioral questions provide a way to demonstrate your ability to handle difficult situations and turn them into opportunities for growth. By approaching these questions strategically and authentically, you’ll leave a lasting impression on interviewers and show your readiness to tackle complex scenarios in a professional setting. Here’s some tips on how to help you navigate such questions effectively:

• Stay Calm, Composed, & Breathe

When confronted with a challenging question, take a moment to compose yourself. A brief pause allows you to gather your thoughts and respond in a well-organized manner. Maintaining your composure demonstrates your ability to handle pressure gracefully.

• Embrace the Learning Opportunity

Challenging questions often revolve around difficult situations, failures, or conflicts. Embrace them as opportunities to showcase your capacity for self-improvement and learning. Discuss how you identified areas for growth, adapted your approach, and learned from the experience.

• Focus on Positive Outcomes

Even in challenging situations, emphasize the positive outcomes. Highlight your ability to turn setbacks into learning opportunities, showing your resilience and determination. Demonstrate how you contributed to a solution or implemented changes that led to improvement.

• Show Accountability and Ownership

Take ownership of your role in the situation. Discuss how you took initiative to address the challenge, whether it involved seeking help, collaborating with others, or implementing new strategies. Emphasize your dedication to finding a resolution.

• Highlight Interpersonal Skills

Challenging questions often involve interactions with classmates, supervisors, or fellow colleagues. Emphasize your communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork skills. Explain how you worked through differences, maintained open communication, and fostered positive relationships.

• Maintain Professionalism

While discussing challenging situations, remain professional and avoid placing blame on others. Frame your response in a constructive manner, focusing on your actions and the steps you took to improve the situation.

• Be Authentic

Being yourself is key. Share your genuine experiences and emotions while highlighting your efforts to overcome challenges. Interviewers appreciate sincerity and your ability to connect on a personal level.

• How to Use the STAR Interview Response Technique
• STAR Interview Questions & Answers

Background / Relevant Experience & Why Our Firm

• Tell me about yourself & your background
• What makes you interested in our company?
• Walk me through your resume- what should I know about your experience?
• Why are you interested in healthcare consulting? What about it is most appealing to you?
• If I were to speak to your colleagues from your most recent internship (or friends in school), what would they say about you? What are the strengths and weaknesses they would share?
• In your opinion, what is your greatest personal achievement?
• Who are you outside of your job- what are your hobbies? How do you spend your time?
• Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Wins

• What type of person are you on a team- what role do you tend to play?
• What types of qualities do you think it takes to be a good team leader?
• What is one situation you were recently proud about at work or school?
• What was the best project you’ve ever been on- what made it a success?
• Tell me about a team project when you had to take charge – what was the outcome?

Challenges 

• Tell me about a time when you had to achieve a challenging objective or had to accomplish a goal that was outside of your comfort zone
• Describe a situation where you failed. What did you learn about yourself and how did you change as a result?
• Tell me about a time you struggled to meet a deadline. How did you manage your time to complete the assignment?
• Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult client. What did you learn from the experience? What would you do differently?
• Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a difficult person or say tensions between two people on your team. How did you handle it?
• Tell me about a time you disagreed with a decision that was made. How did you handle that situation?

Business/ Industry Acumen

• In your opinion, what makes a good consultant
• What do you see as some of the major issues facing the healthcare & life sciences industry? How do you think consulting firms can help to tackle this problem?
• How do you stay up to date on healthcare industry activities? What’s something you learned recently that was interesting?
• What makes you interested in healthcare consulting as opposed to other industries, like joining the pharma industry?