Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.
Transcript of Behavioural Interviews How to prepare and what to expect.
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
STARUse this technique to ensure all of
your questions have a BEGINNING, MIDDLE, and END
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?
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?
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
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!
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.
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!!
Five Phases of an Interview
1. Before the interview2. Opening moves3. The interview itself4. Closing the interview5. Following up
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
#1 Tip
• Turn your cell phone off!
• No texting.• Do not check it or touch
it until after the you leave the interview!
2. Opening moves
• First impressions are important!
- Initial greeting - Posture - Eye contact - Distracting habits - Voice
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
Question and Answer