Behavior-Based Job Interviewing Techniques
If you are getting ready to interview for your dream job, it is advisable to prepare for behavioral-based questions before you set out to meet the recruiter. What an interviewer looks for when she queries you about your career background is where and how you added value in the positions you held. Begin by mentally reviewing your résumé, drawing on experiences that would demonstrate your capabilities. Prepare to illustrate your qualifications depicting concrete examples of how you applied your skills in the past.
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History
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Behavioral interviewing is a form of screening candidates originally developed by industrial psychologists during the 1970s. The premise of this interviewing technique is that past performance is an accurate predictor of future action. Some companies base their entire interview process on behavior interviewing. Most recruiters use some behavioral-based questions during every interview session.
Preparation
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Effective preparation increases your ability to receive high marks in an interview situation. Research is the key to gaining an advantage in job applicant competition. Obtain a job description and review the key skills and characteristics an ideal candidate needs to get the job. It is also important to study the company's mission and vision statement. Recruiters look for individuals who will embrace the company culture.
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Formula
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According to experts at Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH), an international career management firm, it is best to think of answers to behavioral-based questions using a formula. The word "soar" stands for situation, obstacles, action and results. Career gurus at LHH suggest using that model to relate your experience. Begin by explaining the situation. Next, tell the interviewer how you creatively resolved any problems or obstacles and the action you took. Most importantly, detail the benefits of the results.
Listening Skills
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In behavioral interviews, listening skills are of paramount importance. If you do not understand the question, get clarification. Answer the specific question by drawing on your experience. Candidates who stay on topic have an improved chance of getting a job offer. If the hiring manager is probing for information on what type of leader you are, give concrete examples of how you showed leadership and decision making skills in your past positions. If the question involves initiative, relate a story about how your actions proved that you exceeded expectations.
Evaluation
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Interviewers use behavioral interviewing questions to glean information on a candidate's self-confidence, professionalism and critical thinking skills. Most hiring managers want to know about your contributions as a team player. In typical scenarios, interviews ask you to describe situations. Your answers help the evaluator determine whether you fit into a position as a leader or an individual contributor, along with how you handle stress and conflict. Answers to behavioral questions also help a potential employer gain an understanding of your technical expertise.
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References
- The College at Brockport: Behavioral Interviewing
- Quint Careers: Sample Behavioral Interview Questions
- "Managing Your Search Project"; Lee Hecht Harrison; 2001
- Wayne State University: Behavioral Interviewing Techniques - The STAR Approach
- Job Employment Guide: Behavioral Interview Techniques
- Money-Zine: Behavioral Interviewing Technique
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