Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

21
Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect

Transcript of Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

Page 1: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

Behavioural Interviews

How to prepare and what to expect

Page 2: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

What is a behavioural interview?

• Interviewers believe past actions are the best predictors of future performances

• Interview questions are designed to evaluate past performance

• Interviewers are not out to “get” you by stumping you, they just need to know how you react

• Employers are looking for competency for the job• Use the STAR technique to answer questions

Page 3: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

STARUse this technique to ensure all of

your questions have a BEGINNING, MIDDLE, and END

Page 4: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

STAR• Situation – Describe a situation that you were in that

applies to the question. You must be very specific. The situation can be from a previous job, previous volunteer experience, or any relevant event.

• Task – Describe the specific event or task that was required of you, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past.

• Action – Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Always tell of actions you have done, not of what you might do.

• Result – What happened? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Page 5: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

Sample Questions forBehavioural Interviews:

- Are you a team player? Please provide an example from your past that illustrates this.

-Do you work well under pressure? Explain.

- Have you ever had a work conflict with another person? How did you handle the situation?

Page 6: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

STAR - Situation

• Situations have to be from things that you have already done, not situations you might get into. For example:

• Extracurricular experience• Volunteer experience• Sports• Job experience

Page 7: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

STAR - Task

• Focus on what you were required to do in the situation.

• What task was assigned to you? • What did you initiate?• How did you show leadership?• What were your goals?• Be honest!

Page 8: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

STAR - Action

• What actions did you take to achieve your goals or meet the outcome that was required?

• If it was a team event, describe what you did individually. Keep the focus on your own personal actions.

• Remember: Employers are looking for the BEHAVIOURS that you demonstrated during the task.

Page 9: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

STAR - Result

• Describe what happened as a result of your actions.

• What made you proud?• If things did not go as planned, what did you

learn? What would you change the next time?• Highlight your achievements!!

Page 10: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

Five Phases of an Interview

1. Before the interview2. Opening moves3. The interview itself4. Closing the interview5. Following up

Page 11: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

1. Before the interview

• Research the company - Anticipate the type of questions you might be asked and understand the job description you are applying for

• Be prepared - Update your resume/portfolio

• Dress and grooming - First impressions count

• Punctuality - Show up 10-15 minutes early

Page 12: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

#1 Tip

• Turn your cell phone off!

• No texting.• Do not check it or touch

it until after the you leave the interview!

Page 13: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

2. Opening moves

• First impressions are important!

- Initial greeting - Posture - Eye contact - Distracting habits - Voice

Page 14: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

3. The interview itself

• Panel interviews are typically 3-5 interviewers (e.g., HR, manager, dept. employee)

• Use your portfolio to show off your experience

• Interviews are give and take• Ask at least 1 question• Confidence shows, so

maintain good non-verbal body language

Page 15: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

4. Closing the interview

• Remember to express that you would like the position – Ask for the job!

• Summarize why you should be hired

• Shake hands and build the personal connection

• Provide references if required

Page 16: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

5. Following up

• In many cases, good follow-up makes the difference in whether or not you get the job.

• Send an email.• Make a phone call.

Page 17: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

Tips and Advice

Resume• Need to be up to date• Character references are

a thing of the past (Today’s employers are looking for references who have seen you in action at work.)

• Provide details while talking during the interview, do not just regurgitate the resume

Portfolio• Needs to be up to date• Use it to market

yourself• Be willing to leave your

portfolio behind for a day or two if requested

Page 18: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

Tips for answering questions:

1. Understand what is really be asked.- Can I depend on you? - Are you easy to get along with?- Are you a good worker?- Do you have the experience and training to do the job if

hired?

2. Answer the questions briefly.- Acknowledge the facts, but…- Present them as an advantage, not a disadvantage

3. Answer the real concern by presenting skills.- Base your answers on your key skills and give examples that support those skills.

Page 19: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

Need some time to think of an answer?

• Ask the interviewer to repeat the question• Take a second to flip to an appropriate page in

your portfolio• Take a sip of water if some was provided to

you

Page 20: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

Remember:

• Be prepared• Dress appropriately• Arrive early• Use S.T.A.R.• Be professional• Learn from the

experience• Use your portfolio to

demonstrate your skills

Page 21: Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.

Question and Answer