Building a strong behavioral interview strategy is essential for preparing for the increasingly popular structured interview process, which employers use to evaluate candidates based on their past experiences. One of the most effective ways to master this interview style is by utilizing the principles from Decode and Conquer by Lewis C. Lin. This book provides a comprehensive framework for answering behavioral interview questions and cracking the code behind interview success.
In this article, we will explore how to leverage the techniques outlined in Decode and Conquer to build a robust behavioral interview strategy that will help you stand out from other candidates.
Understanding Behavioral Interviews
Behavioral interviews are designed to assess how a candidate has handled situations in the past to predict how they will perform in similar situations in the future. Unlike traditional interviews, where you may be asked abstract or hypothetical questions, behavioral interviews focus on real-life examples of your previous experiences.
The key concept behind behavioral interviews is that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. Employers want to understand how you’ve responded to specific challenges, solved problems, and demonstrated key skills that are relevant to the position.
The Decode and Conquer Framework
Decode and Conquer provides a simple but powerful structure to approach behavioral interview questions, making it easier for candidates to answer confidently and clearly. The primary technique Lewis C. Lin advocates is the STAR method, which stands for:
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Situation: Describe the context or background of the event.
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Task: Explain the challenge or task you faced.
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Action: Detail the steps you took to address the challenge.
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Result: Share the outcome of your actions and the impact it had.
The STAR method ensures that your answers are structured, concise, and focused on demonstrating your skills and problem-solving abilities.
However, Lin’s Decode and Conquer method goes a step further. It provides additional guidance on how to decode the employer’s expectations, tailor your responses, and present yourself in the best possible light. Let’s break down the key steps to building a behavioral interview strategy using Lin’s advice.
1. Decoding the Job Description
Before diving into the interview preparation, it’s critical to analyze the job description. The first step is to identify the key skills, competencies, and behaviors the employer is looking for.
Lin emphasizes that understanding the specific traits required for the position helps you tailor your responses to align with what the interviewer is looking for.
For example, if the job requires strong leadership skills, your answers should focus on times when you demonstrated leadership. If the position demands a high level of analytical thinking, you should prioritize stories where you solved complex problems.
In this phase, break down the job description into essential skills and attributes and map them to your own experiences. This will help you identify the types of behavioral questions you may encounter and allow you to prepare relevant answers.
2. Crafting a List of Key Stories
One of the most important steps in preparing for a behavioral interview is compiling a repertoire of key stories that demonstrate your skills and experiences. Lin advises candidates to create a list of five to ten different situations that highlight different aspects of their professional background.
For each story, you should answer these questions:
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What was the context or situation?
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What challenge did you face, and what were the stakes?
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What actions did you take to address the problem?
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What were the results of your actions, and how did you measure success?
By having a variety of stories ready, you can easily tailor your answers to different behavioral questions that come your way. Whether the interviewer asks about a time when you showed leadership, overcame a challenge, worked as part of a team, or handled conflict, you’ll have a relevant example to draw upon.
3. Focus on Results and Impact
In the STAR method, the “Result” portion is where you tie your actions to measurable outcomes. This is an area where Decode and Conquer really stands out. Lin underscores the importance of focusing on results to demonstrate your effectiveness.
Employers are not just interested in what you did—they want to know the impact of your actions. How did your efforts contribute to the success of the project, the team, or the organization? Whenever possible, quantify your results.
For example, instead of saying, “I improved team efficiency,” say, “I implemented a new project management system that reduced team turnaround time by 20%.” Specific figures help make your achievements more tangible and credible.
By quantifying results, you make your contributions more concrete, and you give the interviewer a clear picture of the value you can bring to their organization.
4. Practice Behavioral Questions with a Structured Approach
Once you’ve identified the key stories, the next step is to practice answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR method. Lin stresses that practice is key to mastering behavioral interviews. Practicing your answers helps you refine your delivery, ensures you stay on point, and boosts your confidence.
To simulate the real interview experience, consider asking someone to role-play as the interviewer. Alternatively, you can practice in front of a mirror or record yourself on video. This allows you to refine your answers, avoid rambling, and ensure you’re providing concise and focused responses.
During your practice sessions, focus on:
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Speaking clearly and with confidence.
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Staying on topic and avoiding irrelevant details.
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Highlighting your skills, actions, and results.
It’s also important to remain flexible and adapt your responses based on the specific question asked. For instance, if the interviewer asks you to describe a time when you showed initiative, you’ll need to draw upon a different story than if they ask about a time when you resolved conflict.
5. Use the Decode and Conquer Approach to Tailor Your Responses
One of the most unique aspects of Decode and Conquer is the emphasis on understanding the motivations of the interviewer. Lin encourages candidates to decode the underlying expectations behind each question.
For example, when asked about a time when you had to overcome a significant challenge, the interviewer might not just be interested in how you solved the problem—they may also be assessing your resilience, ability to handle pressure, or problem-solving process. Understanding these motivations helps you tailor your answers to not only address the “what” and “how” but also to highlight the personal qualities that make you an ideal candidate.
Lin also recommends answering the “why” behind your actions. For instance, instead of simply saying, “I took action by reassigning tasks,” you should explain, “I reassigned tasks because I recognized the team’s workload was unsustainable, and I wanted to ensure everyone was working at maximum efficiency.”
This deeper insight into the interviewer’s thought process allows you to offer responses that are more aligned with the company’s values and needs.
6. Handling Tough Questions and Curveballs
Behavioral interviews can sometimes present challenging questions or situations that require quick thinking. For instance, you may be asked about a time when you failed or made a mistake. While it might seem tricky, Lin advises candidates to frame these questions positively.
Instead of focusing solely on the failure, emphasize what you learned and how you improved as a result. For example, if you were asked about a time when you missed a deadline, instead of simply stating that you missed it, explain how you learned to manage time better, communicate proactively, and ensure deadlines were met in future projects.
This approach shows resilience and the ability to grow from setbacks, which is highly valued by employers.
7. Staying Calm and Confident During the Interview
Lastly, Lin emphasizes the importance of staying calm and confident during the interview. Behavioral interviews can sometimes feel like an interrogation, but remember that the goal is to showcase your skills, not just to respond to questions.
Take deep breaths, listen carefully to each question, and don’t rush your answers. If needed, ask for clarification before you respond. By staying composed and thoughtful, you will present yourself as a strong, confident candidate.
Conclusion
By incorporating the Decode and Conquer framework into your behavioral interview strategy, you can confidently approach even the most challenging questions. The key is to prepare, practice, and tailor your responses based on the skills and experiences the employer values most.
With the STAR method as your foundation, a collection of impactful stories, and a focus on results and personal qualities, you’ll be ready to ace your behavioral interview and leave a lasting impression on your interviewer.
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