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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
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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
STAR Use 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 interview 2. Opening moves 3. The interview itself 4. Closing the interview 5. 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: • 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