Behavioral Interviewing – Are You Prepared?
I recently conducted an internal training workshop entitled Preparing for Your Next Opportunity: Career Development Essentials.
It wasn’t surprising to me given the current economic climate, that everyone wanted to focus on the Interview. Like most of us, many in the group had fallen into what I like to call the “Trap Questions” of Behavior Based Interviewing.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with this type of interviewing by name (although you have probably been interviewed for a position using this approach), it requires the interviewee to answer open-ended, situational questions giving specific examples.
Why Behavioral Interviewing?
Potential employers feel this technique gives them insight into a potential employees past behavior. Simply, past experience is a predictor of future behavior. They want to know how you will handle a variety of situations, positive and negative, on the job.
You are being asked a Behavior-Based question if it sounds something like this:
• Describe a time when…
• What did you do?….
• What did you say?….
• What was the result?….
• Give an example of ….
• How did you handle….
DON’T fall into the trap of answering these questions with examples from your personal life!!! It is not relevant and you are likely to give away too much information or say something you wish you hadn’t said.
DO give an example based on your professional experience that is honest, short and to the point. Remember to turn a seemingly negative experience to a learning experience from your perspective.
DO prepare answers ahead of time. Write them down and practice answering these types of questions aloud.
DO keep in mind that your delivery, posture, body language, and eye contact are just as important as your words.
DO dress for success. Conservative attire with neutral colors (navy blue, black, gray, khaki, tan). Limit jewelry and perfume.
DO come prepared with questions.
NEVER tell them you don’t have any questions. If they have answered them all, tell them you feel they addressed most of your questions, but ask if you can contact them later if further questions arise.
DO write a thank you note! It is an opportunity to let them know how interested you are in the job. You can also include something you wish you had said during the interview but didn’t because you were nervous or forgot.
A WORD ABOUT ILLEGAL QUESTIONS (Age, Family Status, etc.) Obviously, they shouldn’t be asked, but sometimes they are. Simply answer: “I don’t think that question is relevant to my ability to do the job.” or “I am able to meet the requirements of the job.”
