Last updated on Jul 23, 2024

How do you research the company culture and values before a behavioral interview?

Behavioral interview questions are designed to assess how you would handle various situations, challenges, and conflicts in the workplace. They are often based on the company's culture and values, and require you to provide specific examples from your past experiences. In this article, you will learn how to research the company culture and values before a behavioral interview, and how to use the STAR method to structure your answers.

1 Research the company culture and values

Before attending a behavioral interview, it is important to do your homework on the company culture and values. This will help you understand what kind of behaviors and attitudes they are looking for, and how to align your answers with their expectations. Researching the company culture and values can be done through visiting their website, social media, and blog to find their mission, vision, and core values statements. Additionally, you can read reviews and ratings on sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Networking with people who work or have worked there is also a great way to get insider information and tips about the work environment, the management style, the expectations, and the challenges.

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Jason Matuska, PRC, CDR, CIR, ACIR, CSMR, CTR, CASR

Senior Technical Recruiter @ Prudent Engineering | Advanced Certified Internet Recruiter | Certified AI and Sourcing Recruiter | Certified Professional Recruiter | Certified Military Veteran Recruiter | Closer
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Review Company Website and Social Media: Explore the company’s official website, particularly sections like “About Us,” “Careers,” and “Our Values.” Check their social media profiles for updates and posts that reflect their culture and priorities. Read Employee Reviews: Look at reviews on platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, or LinkedIn to gain insights from current and former employees about the company culture, work environment, and values. Network and Seek Informational Interviews: Connect with current or former employees through LinkedIn or professional networks to gather firsthand information about the company’s culture and values. Informational interviews can provide valuable context and specifics not available publicly.

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2 Use the STAR method to structure your answers

The STAR method is an effective way to structure answers to behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. To use it, start by describing a relevant and specific situation or scenario from your past experience that relates to the question. Then, explain what your goal or challenge was in that situation and describe the actions you took to accomplish your task. Finally, discuss the outcomes or results you achieved from your actions, quantifying them if possible and emphasizing the positive impact or value you added.

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Jeremy A. Lyons

Your Source for All Things RecOps
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Because interviewing is so time-boxed and you have to capture/keep the attention of your interviewer(s), taking the SAR method over STAR can be highly effective. Seldom will you get a question that lets you cleanly walk through the Situation, Task, Action, and Result in 2-5 minutes. However by spending... 30 seconds - 1 minute on the situation 30 seconds - 1 minute on the actions you took 30 seconds - 1 minute on the result ... you can get through the question in a methodical manner that can also prevent you from going off on a tangent.

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Clayton B.

Manager, Talent Acquisition at Provincial Health Services Authority - Corporate & Business Operations
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In many cases, the example you choose will likely be a project or piece of work that involved a team of people. In this case, be sure to highlight your specific impact in accomplishing the task/goal. Highlighting lessons learned is also of significant value as it shows that you critically self-reflect.

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3 Practice and prepare your answers

To ace behavioral interview questions, it is essential to practice and prepare your answers in advance. First, review the job description and requirements to identify the key skills and competencies that the employer is looking for, and match them with your own strengths and achievements. Then, make a list of possible behavioral interview questions. You can find common questions online or create your own based on the job and the company. Afterward, write down or record your answers using the STAR method. Ensure that your answers are concise, clear, and specific by using concrete examples and numbers to back up your claims. Finally, review and refine your answers for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Make sure that your answers are relevant, consistent, and positive.

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4 Be confident and authentic

When preparing for behavioral interview questions, it is important to be confident and authentic. This means dressing professionally and appropriately for the interview, arriving on time and prepared with your resume, cover letter, and references, and showing enthusiasm and interest in the company and the job. Additionally, be honest about your experiences and achievements, and don't exaggerate or lie about your skills or results. Finally, practice your answers using the STAR method to help you impress the interviewer. With these tips in mind, you can demonstrate your skills and fit for the job.

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Clayton B.

Manager, Talent Acquisition at Provincial Health Services Authority - Corporate & Business Operations
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I would add to also be intentional in your preparation and let your enthusiasm for that specific opportunity shine through. Be prepared to demonstrate why you are motivated to take on that specific role. Hiring leaders are people too and, like anyone else, they like to hire candidates who have genuine enthusiasm for the role they're hiring for.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you research the company culture and values before a behavioral interview?

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1 Research the company culture and values

2 Use the STAR method to structure your answers

3 Practice and prepare your answers

4 Be confident and authentic

5 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Recruiting

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