JobBlog

Behavioral interviewing is a structured interviewing strategy built on the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future performance in similar circumstances. The interviewer proves for behavioral evidence of what the candidate said, did, felt and thought, and what were the results.

Behavioral interviewing allows the interviewer to gather evidence for critical capabilities in a way that is most likely to ensure that a person both possesses these capabilities and is likely to demonstrate them in future situations. It is these critical capabilities, called success factors that identify the very best performers in a given job. Success factors include:

–Technical of job specific knowledge and skills
–General abilities (communication skills, customer service, etc.)
–Behavioral traits or competencies (initiative, results orientation, risk taking, etc.)

Typically behavioral based questions are used to ask a person to describe an actual past situation. For example:
To assess communication skills, the interviewer might ask a question like….
“Tell me about a specific situation where you had to get something across to someone he or she found difficult to understand.”

To assess results orientation, the interviewer might ask a question like….
“Give me an example of a time when you had to go beyond the call of duty to get a job done.”

No matter how the question is worded, there are really only two questions:

Why should I hire you?
What can you do for my company?

So when you are answering a question like, “Tell me about yourself,” you should begin by talking about the qualifications– your education, experience and skills for the job.
Even a quesitons like, “What was the last book you read,” can tell the interviewer if you are a well rounded person and if you are keeping current on trends in your field. The interviewer is trying to determine if you will be an asset to the company. Every answer should re-informce why you should be hired and what you can do for the company. Try answering a few quesitons with this concept in mind.

Southern Illinois University will be visiting the campus of Missouri Western State University - Wilson Hall Room 203M on Thusday, September 10th at Noon. They will discuss getting into law school, the application and selection process, give advice and answer questions. FREE LUNCH as well. Join us!

Arrive early and take time to double-check your appearance. Try to relax. Breathe deeply or use mental imagery to help control your nervousness.

Greet the interviewer by name, make eye contact and shake his/her hand. Below are ten questions that are often asked and are termed the “ten deadly” questions.

1. How do you spend your spare time?
2. What jobs have you held?
3. Where do you want to be in five years?
4. What kind of boss do you prefer?
5. What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held?
6. What is your major weakness?
7. Tell me about yourself.
8. What jobs have you enjoyed the most? The least? Why?
9. What type of a salary did you have in mind?
10. Silence—the interviewer intentionally pauses to see if you can handle the pressure.

Neatness and cleanliness are critical for job interviews. Usually business suits and ties for men and suits or tailored dresses for women are appropriate for job interviews. Professional attire is usually conservative. Even in a business casual environment, dress for the interview.
Review your work experience and skills. Pick out your most relevant job or school experiences. Also, recall any positive work habits developed at work or in school. Going over these things helps build confidence and gets you mentally prepared for the interview.

Prepare a folder with copies of your resume, references,
samples of your work (or a portfolio), transcripts,
certifications or licenses, if applicable. Be sure to have
a data sheet of all pertinent information in case you are
asked to fill out an application when you arrive. This may
include exact dates of employment, company addresses,
phone numbers, supervisors’ names, salary history,
detailed education and training.

Spend some time researching the company or organization. Ask friends. Conduct research in the library, use the Internet, check with Career Development, and ask the company to send you brochures or annual reports.
Utilize the Chambers of Commerce, personal contacts, and printed materials about the company, its products and/or services, research newspapers, professional journals, libraries, etc.
Try to find answers to the following questions:

1. How large is the organization?
2. How long has the firm been in business?
3. What are its products and/or services?
4. Does the company have a good reputation?
5. What is the managerial style, corporate structure and culture of the company?
6. What kind of future seems to be in store for the organization?
7. Are the employees and the environment compatible with your personality?
8. Why do you want to work for this company?
9. What do you know about this company?
10. Why do you think you would like this job?
11. Who are their major competitors?
12. What benefits and/or drawbacks can you foresee in working for this company?
Mentally prepare other questions that you may be asked and tentative answers so that you are not caught off guard. Prepare questions you want answered by the interviewer. Get the date, time, place, and the interviewer’s name. Ask about the format – will there be more than one interview or interviewer, how much time should I allow, is there anything I should bring? Get the salary (or salary range) before the interview.

Traits on which you will be judged

1. Personal Characteristics. Do you have good grooming? Do you have good manners? Do you maintain good eye contact?

2. Self Expression. Are you confident in expressing your ideas?

3. Maturity. What about your overall sense of balance? Can you make value judgments and decisions?

4. Personality. What are you like? Outgoing? Shy? Overbearing? Quiet? Will you fit into their corporate culture?

5. Experience. What about your academic achievements? Involvement in extracurricular activities? Job skills?

6. Enthusiasm and Interest. Are you really interested in the employer? The particular job? Industry?

7. Career Goals. What do you want to do in your professional life? Is it consistent with the company goals?

The employment interview gives the employer the opportunity
to appraise your qualifications, appearance and general fitness
for the job opening.

The interview gives YOU a chance to appraise the employer and
the job to see if your needs and interests will be met.

Think of the interview as a conversation between two people where each person is trying to learn more about the other. The interview process is a two-way street. You are traveling toward a goal—the right job, and the employer is traveling toward a goal—the right hire.

College students have many options during the summer:
Take extra classes
Intern to gain related work experience
Volunteer to gain related work experience
Get a job to earn extra money
Travel-study abroad
Stay home, relax on the couch, veg out

Take advantage of your summer. Don’t impede your chances of landing that great job after graduation by missing out on a great resume builder.

It is advisable to accept, in writing, any job offer you receive. That is, assuming you really want the job. Do not accept an offer you are not sure of. If you are interviewing with several companies over the course of a week or two, be honest with the potential employer and ask for time to make a decision. You do not want to jump on the first offer you get because the next one may be the to-die-for job. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to make the best decision. Please note, I said “reasonable”. An employer should be willing to give you a few days or up to a week to decide.
In your letter of acceptance be sure to mention the exact position, the salary and the start date, if known.