A Behavioural Interview Checklist

Questions to ask yourself

Do you know the loop format and the competencies or values in focus? Do you have 8 to 12 real stories, each with bullet-point STAR notes, honest numbers and a learning? Does every common theme (conflict, failure, ambiguity, ownership, leadership, pressure) have at least one story, ideally two? Have you practised out loud with follow-up questions? Is your 60 to 90 second pitch ready, along with a specific 'why this company' answer and questions for each interviewer? Is your setup tested for a remote call? Finally: are all your stories true and told with fair credit to others?

The checklist

Use it in the days before the interview.

[ ] Loop format, level and focus competencies confirmed with recruiter
[ ] Company values read on the official careers site (date checked)
[ ] 8-12 real stories, bullet-point STAR(-L) notes, no scripts
[ ] Story-to-competency grid has no major gaps
[ ] Each story: my actions clear, honest result, learning stated
[ ] Failure story chosen that is real and shows changed behaviour
[ ] "Tell me about yourself" pitch timed at ~60-90 seconds
[ ] Specific "why this company / role" answer
[ ] 2-3 questions prepared per interviewer
[ ] Practised aloud with follow-ups at least a few times
[ ] Remote setup tested; recruiter contact handy
[ ] Everything I will say is true and credits others fairly

Rest matters too

A good night’s sleep and a short review of story titles on the day usually help more than cramming new stories at the last minute.

Quick check: Which item belongs on a behavioural interview checklist?

• Every story is true, with my actions clear and others credited fairly
• Memorise word-for-word scripts for 50 questions
• Prepare one story for every question
• Exaggerate results so they sound impressive