3 Steps to Nail Behavioral Interview Questions (Without Sounding Like a Robot)

Let’s be honest: behavioral interview questions can feel like corporate waterboarding. “Tell me about a time when you…”—you’re racking your brain, ticking boxes, and hoping you don’t sound like a corporate robot.

Well, I’m here to flip that whole approach on its head—and make it easier and more powerful.

Here’s what most people do: 👉 Google a list of every possible question HR might throw at them. 👉 Try to script perfect answers for every single one. 👉 Then freeze like a deer in headlights when the actual interview happens.

Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought so.

Here’s the problem with that approach:

• It’s overwhelming.

• You get stuck in your head.

• And worst of all—you lose your authentic self at work and come off as a performer, not a person.

The Secret? Ditch the Questions. Embrace the Stories.

Instead of memorizing answers, I want you to think like a human. Like a leader. Like someone who actually shows up with authenticity in the workplace.

Here’s how:

1️⃣ Make a list of your top 10 stories—stories from your career, from your life, even from that time you bombed your first presentation.

2️⃣ Each story has multiple lessons. A single story might show how you:

• Handled adversity.

• Grew as a leader.

• Brought others along.

Take a look at each story and write down the 2-4 lessons one can glean from them.

3️⃣ When you’re in the interview, start with the story—even if the question didn’t ask for it. (Trust me, it works.)

Then bridge it:

“When you ask about overcoming adversity, here’s what I learned…”

Bam. Now you’re memorable. You’re real. You’re not just another bullet-pointed résumé.

Why This Works

Hiring managers are looking for humans, not robots. They’re looking for people who can connect, inspire, and lead with authenticity.

When you tell your story—like you’re chatting with a coworker or sharing a laugh at happy hour—you build trust. You show them your authentic self at work. You become the candidate they remember.

Forget the Script. Tell the Story.

Next time you prep for an interview, skip the endless Q&A memorization. Instead, gather your top stories and the lessons they reveal.

Because when you lead with a story—and connect it back to the question—you’re not just giving an answer. You’re giving yourself permission to be real. To be human. To be authentic.

And that’s how you stand out from the sea of sameness.

Want more? What Erin on YouTube.

Erin Hatzikostas is an internationally recognized leader on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. Learn more about her keynote speaking, workshops, and other authentic programs here.