How do behavioral questions primarily differ in orientation from situational questions regarding past experience?

Answer

Behavioral questions are past-oriented, asking what you did, while situational questions are future-oriented, asking how you would respond hypothetically.

Behavioral and situational questions are the two most empirically supported types used in interviews, but they target different temporal perspectives. Behavioral questions operate on the assumption that past behavior predicts future conduct; thus, they are past-oriented, requiring the candidate to recount specific actions taken in previous real-life jobs or situations. Conversely, situational questions are future-oriented; they present a hypothetical scenario and ask the candidate to describe the course of action they *would* take. This difference makes situational questions useful for comparing candidates on identical hypothetical problems, even if they lack direct past experience in that specific area.

How do behavioral questions primarily differ in orientation from situational questions regarding past experience?

#Videos

Stand Out in a Job Interview | The Harvard Business Review Guide

Related Questions

What fundamental purpose defines the initial job interview conversation for both parties involved?What is mandatory preparation bedrock for the candidate during the pre-interview phase?What is the standard recommended arrival time for an in-person meeting during the pre-interview logistics management?When applying the STAR method for behavioral questions, what specific element should be dedicated a portion of the 'Result' to demonstrate a continuous learning mindset?How do behavioral questions primarily differ in orientation from situational questions regarding past experience?Following introductions and small talk, what is the usual next step in the predictable shape of the core interview conversation?What action is considered essential in the post-interview phase that reiterates interest and provides context?According to research comparing interview structures, which type is significantly more accurate as a predictor of future job performance?How does interview anxiety often manifest as a noticeable nonverbal behavior that interviewers consistently observe?When asking pointed, thoughtful questions near the conclusion, what topic demonstrates genuine interest in immediate contribution better than asking generally about company culture?
jobcareerprocesshiringinterview