When addressing experience gaps, what is the core strategy recommended instead of defaulting to a hypothetical construction?

Skill mapping to find an analogous situation

When candidates lack direct professional precedent for a behavioral question—often due to being new to the workforce or changing industries—the key strategy recommended is skill mapping. This involves identifying the underlying skill the interviewer is testing (e.g., leadership, time management) and then sourcing an analogous situation from any relevant part of life, such as academic projects or volunteer work, where that specific skill was clearly demonstrated. This proactive linking ensures evidence of past behavior is provided, which is always considered stronger than a hypothetical approach, although the latter is reserved as a last resort.