What is the best way to provide an example of taking initiative in a behavioral interview?

No one exists in a vacuum and I've never interviewed someone for a position in which they'll be working all alone. As such, my favorite victory stories start with, "me," but end with, "we." If you're illustrating how you took the initiative, my hope is that you'll land on how the Team benefitted.

In my view, best way to provide example of “driving an initiative “ - is to follow STAR method but along with that it’s also important to follow the below pointers. 1. Select the example of your work which is relevant to the position you are interviewing for. 2. Think of Impact V/S Activities while answering about results. Interviewers are interested to know how focused you were to create larger impact through your initiatives. 3. Talk about how your Organization was benefitted from your initiative and taken as best practices to implement in other team:region & how you helped others to be successful. 4. While describing “how” part, talk about your collaboration with other colleagues, Delegation, Data driven decision, reporting & progress.

In a behavioral interview, the best way to illustrate taking initiative is by sharing a specific, real-life example. Start by explaining the situation you faced, then describe the actions you took to go beyond your regular duties and make a positive impact. Be sure to highlight the results or outcomes of your initiative. For instance, you could talk about a project you spearheaded, a problem you proactively solved, or an opportunity you identified and pursued. The key is to demonstrate your proactive approach and show how it led to a positive outcome or contributed to the success of your team or organization.

Choosing a relevant example doesn't always mean it has to be professional experience. It can benefit you to draw from volunteer, extra-curricular, or academic experience as long as it's relevant. Think of transferrable skills in these other experiences and how it can apply to the role you're interviewing for.

Choose a few relevant examples that directly relate to the position you're applying for, but try not to frame your answer around something that would already be part of your responsibilities. You're not necessarily taking initiative if you're doing what you're supposed to. Frame your answer around: 1. A task or need from your company that was outside of everyone else's responsibilities, yet still needed to get done. 2. Identifying a problem and solving it on your own, or with others who have the right skills to work together on it. 3. Asking to take on a new project or responsibility outside of your typical scope of work. Always remember interviewing is a two way street - make sure to prepare questions for your interviewer too!

It's essential to review the job description thoroughly. Identify 4-6 key skills or responsibilities that are crucial for the position, and then draw upon relevant examples from your previous work experiences. Share how you've successfully performed similar tasks in the past and elaborate on the results achieved. This approach effectively demonstrates your capability to excel in the role, showcasing your relevant experience. Most interview questions are likely to revolve around the core skills and responsibilities outlined in the job description. Being ready to provide examples of how you not only met but exceeded expectations while embodying these traits will significantly strengthen your candidacy.

I often see Behavioural interview a chance where one can provide details regarding how s/he did justice with the role s/he was playing at that point in time. Moreover, one need not cite always winning moments instead one can also demonstrate the losing events and how these tough events transformed her/him as a better professional or person.

Selling your strengths is key! If you don't, who will?? - Be ready to break down your achievements – show them how and why you’ve excelled in your current role. - If possible, keep your strengths relevant to the position, brand, and sector you’re interviewing for. - Highlight any relevant soft skills, or skills you’ve developed outside of your current role – it’s all about enhancing their perception of you and your skillset. - Remember that the interviewer is looking for your good points – so show them!

Understanding the person interviewing you is key here. Your examples and impacts are only relevant if it's considered valuable to the person interviewing you. Remember, the company is not hiring you. The person interviewing you is. This is why I go back to my STAR process (noted in #1), this will help you gain the knowledge to know what the interviewing person finds valuable. Once you know, then you speak to those examples.

I cannot stress enough the importance of practicing your responses to interview questions, from your elevator pitch at the start of a call, to specific behavioral-based questions. Practice may not make you perfect, but it definitely will set you up for greater success and ease your nerves going into the interview. Aside from practicing different interview responses, if you’re having a virtual interview then it’s best to test your technology beforehand so that you do not run into any minor hiccups the day of. If you’re having an on-site interview, map out the location and parking, know how to enter to location, and who you should ask for upon arrival. Finalize the logistics ahead of time so you can focus on your time on interview prep.

You know you will have a phone call/interview? Congratulations, now it's time to talk by yourself in front of a mirror. No, seriously. The best way to prepare for an interview is to make sure you are prepared for anything they throw at you. Be ready for any questions and follow up question coming your way, exercise in front of a mirror to see how you come across as, smile, pretend you present a situation using the STAR method, and so on. I like to think of interviews as a chess match: If I do a move this way, how will they react? How will they follow up? Think of all the possibilities. You can never be too prepared for an interview.

Example: Prior to the interview, I meticulously practiced and refined my response using the STAR method, ensuring that my example about resolving a complex technical issue was clear and concise. I reviewed it for relevance and impact, then rehearsed it with a trusted colleague to receive valuable feedback on my delivery, tone, and body language. By keeping my response within the recommended one to two-minute range and anticipating potential follow-up questions, I was well-prepared to effectively showcase my problem-solving skills and adapt my answers as needed during the interview.

Lors d'un entretien comportemental, il est essentiel de démontrer votre prise d'initiative de manière efficace tout en étant confiant et enthousiaste. Un exemple pourrait être de mentionner une situation où vous aviez identifié un problème au sein de votre équipe et aviez pris l'initiative d'organiser des réunions régulières pour discuter des problèmes et trouver des solutions efficaces. Vous pouvez expliquer comment votre enthousiasme et votre confiance vous ont permis de mobiliser les membres de votre équipe et d'obtenir des résultats positifs. En outre, soulignez comment cette expérience a été bénéfique pour vous en termes de développement de vos compétences de leadership et de résolution de problèmes.

Example: In my recent interview for a project management position, I exuded confidence and enthusiasm as I shared a key initiative I had spearheaded in my previous role. I conveyed my pride in the results achieved and my eagerness to apply my problem-solving skills to drive similar successes in their organization, all while maintaining a positive and energetic tone, making sure to smile and maintain strong eye contact throughout the conversation.

During my recent interview for a consultant management role, I confidently and enthusiastically discussed a significant initiative I led in my last job. I emphasized the successful outcomes and expressed my excitement about applying my problem-solving skills to achieve similar successes in their organization. Throughout the conversation, I maintained a positive and energetic tone, ensuring to smile and keep strong eye contact.

Preparation is vital! In a digital first stage interview world, this can be overlooked: Understand: The company’s product, target market, and USPs, so you can speak with credibility. Research: Major trends, opportunities, or challenges they are facing, learn about competitors, and understand how the organisation differentiates. Align: Reference the company’s culture and values to portray your fit. Investigate: Keep an eye on the latest news about the company, including new product launches, leadership changes, and major achievements, to show interest and preparation. Don't forget this interview is for you as much as them! Prepare questions to obtain the detail you want.

Show up prepared. Bring a note pad and pen. Take notes. Build rapport is important. Find something in common with the person you are sitting across from. You are there to interview the organization fit as much as they are there to interview you. The hardest question: what is your salary/wage expectation. Answer: I am actively interviewing for positions that range between $$$ and $$$. How does that align with your current budget? This way, you are not giving a specific number. Provide a range. Saying you are actively interviewing reminds them you are not going to be around long.

Behavioral interview is countable yet shouldn't be the 1st tool to filter and select candidates because they try to beautify their answers.